Meet Samantha Hamblin of Shirts by Sam in Goodyear

Today we’d like to introduce you to Samantha Hamblin.

Samantha, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I have always had a creative vibe. I started doing hair many years ago but when we started our family, I stepped back to stay at home with our boys. Once they started school, I quickly got involved and volunteered. Slowly, I began helping with school spirit wear. I was dealing with large orders, and sometimes not the best quality shirts in order to make them affordable. I knew we could do better.

As the years went on, I began wanting to learn more about design. I purchased a vinyl machine and began teaching myself how to create what I envisioned. I watched videos and I researched anything I could that would help. I soon pressed my first shirt, all by myself, and I was hooked. I found something I could do around my kid’s schedule and still keep my creativity flowing.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has definitely been a learning process. I was less than six months into opening my business when I decided to do my first vendor event. I was in awe of all of the things it took to do one. Tables, canopies, signs, and products… so much product. I felt like there was so much to do, and then I met other vendors who welcomed me in and showed me the way. They gave me tips and advice on how to do different things to help me grow. I will forever be thankful for those people.

Please tell us about your business.
Shirts by Sam specializes in custom vinyl gifts. I started out just making shirts. I loved helping people who needed “just one shirt”. As time went on, I started adding to my products and I now do baseball/truckers hats and interchangeable pillow covers (great for saving space).

I think what I am most proud of is that I am self-taught. I take pride in designing my work myself. I enjoy sitting down with customers and helping bring an idea to life for them.

I often get told “oh, everyone has a vinyl machine”, or ” oh yeah, I make shirts too”. I full heartedly agree with those statements, but what I did with them sets me apart. I use high-quality shirts, create custom designs, and I am growing a business, in just under two years, Shirts by Sam now has items available in multiple retail locations all over the valley.

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Honestly, I can’t say there is much I would do differently, all of my bumps in the road have helped me grow. I will say that I have learned that it is ok for me to close up shop for a few days to go on vacation, to take time to enjoy my family and friends. I feel this type of business allows me to do that, and for that, I am very thankful.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.shirtsbysam.com
• Phone: 6025095428
• Email: Shirtsbysammie@gmail.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/shirts_by_sam
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/Shirtsbysam

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