Rising Stars: Meet Samiya Jakubowicz

Today we’d like to introduce you to Samiya Jakubowicz.

Hi Samiya, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, you could tell our readers some of your backstory.
I am a digital creator, born and raised in South Florida. Before moving to Las Vegas, I had created an IG account called “closetfatgirl,” a college nickname my now husband gave me. I moved to LV 8 years ago and only knew a few people, but I loved exploring new places to eat and began taking my newborn to explore what Vegas/Henderson had to offer. It started as a hobby and a way to share my passion for food without overloading my friends and family’s social feeds. Most people thought I was weird whipping my phone out at meals, but to everyone’s surprise, It quickly grew.

I would post my photos and eventually meet my closest friends and the core group known now in Las Vegas. We would meet at places, socialize, and grab photos of everything we ate. One of my friends began a social media agency, and I have been freelancing since. I changed my handle a few years ago from @ClosetFatGirl to @SocialSami to align with where I am in my 30s and match more of my genuine day, which is cooking & family but also travel/ entertainment and just everyday simple things!

I am so grateful to have met my supportive social circle here in Vegas through my social media accounts and to work with a great group of creators (JMPforce) helping restaurants and other businesses grow on social. In the last 18 months, I have expanded my UGC collaborations and am enjoying that. My main focus is building @SocialSami and working with brands to create fun and delicious digital content (eventually full-time).

My account has exceeded any expectations I truly ever had. So Whenever anyone asks me what’s next? Who knows? The sky’s the limit! I create content now for IG, TikTok, and Pinterest, and I am working on mastering Youtube. I am a mom of 2 and work full-time as an LCSW, reviewing behavioral health for an MCO insurance plan, but food has always been a big part of my culture and family life: It has always felt like an adventure to me.

You wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been fairly smooth?
It has had ups and downs; you can get caught up in the highs and lows and the likes. I am learning the balance and art of just letting it go. I work full-time and have 2 kids, so I ensure a balance and do not let the lows take hold of my mood or mindset. It is also hard balancing the “FOMO” when you cannot make it to things; as a mom in this world, it can get tricky because you can’t just be out 24/7. That led me to UGC and recipe videos, which was a blessing. Learning new platforms can be frustrating, but I am learning to go with the flow.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
People are often shocked to find out I work full-time and am an LCSW therapist in behavioral health. I work on the more corporate side, but I have done every job, from an ALF intern to a psych hospital and private practice. But my day job gives me the flexibility to post things I like without the pressure of it being a job. I love the creativity and flexibility social media has brought into my life.

I am more known for now doing recipe trends and videos. I like to test out viral recipes and explore the fantastic city of Vegas. I do a 50/50 split, and I love it. I am proud of my content in the last 6 months; it is true to who I am and my day-to-day.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I would be true to who you are, but say yes and take risks. It is a balance between not burning yourself out but exposing yourself to new people, settings, and ideas. And if you are posting, be consistent and patient. Don’t let the downs get the best of you. Have short-term memory and create what you love!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialsami/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/closetfatgirl
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SocialSAMII