Meet Samantha Sarine

We had the good fortune of connecting with Samantha Sarine and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Samantha, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
One of my favorite affirmations is, “I am strong.” This simple yet powerful phrase serves as a daily reminder of both my inner resilience and my ability to face challenges head-on. It reinforces my belief in my own fortitude, but also reminds me that true strength lies not only in perseverance but in knowing when to seek support. I find strength in who I am and in the values that guide me. More recently, this affirmation has become particularly meaningful as I align it with the principles and core values of my company, Sarine Planning. It empowers me to lead with confidence, stay true to my principles, and continually grow both personally and professionally.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I consider myself a master of collaboration, and I’m incredibly proud of the company I’ve built this summer with Sarine Planning. It’s a joy to know that my skills are helping a diverse range of clients—from banks and realtors to art-based nonprofit organizations and tech startups. As a solo operation, I’m thrilled to support so many people in creating meaningful and effective gatherings. I’m especially proud of my women’s networking group, Amigas Means Friends. This group has connected and strengthened many relationships I’ve built over the past decade. I’m proud of my genuine relationship-building skills, which have naturally become the foundation of my business.

My career path has had its fair share of twists and turns—starting with aspirations to be a wedding planner, followed by dreams of being a lobbyist, lawyer, and social worker, before eventually returning to the event industry. What really set me on the path to my first significant role in event management was my relationship-building skills. I stumbled into my previous position as the Director of Events and Advertising at a business publication after dog-sitting for the founder! Over seven years, I organized, marketed, and executed over 100 events in two cities, which helped me build both my confidence and expertise. It wasn’t always easy, but it was incredibly rewarding. Over time, I recognized my strengths—organization, communication, collaboration, and listening. I’m thrilled to own a company that creates meaningful events for great clients—it’s a dream come true.

Throughout my career, I’ve learned that integrity and open communication are essential—both in business and in life. Operating with honesty, even when the outcome isn’t what you expected, often leads to the best resolution. I’ve also learned that community and humor can solve almost any challenge. I’ve discovered that in order to receive trust, you must first give respect. And with some resistance, I’ve come to understand that being vulnerable is the best way to allow others to support you with empathy and understanding.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting, we’d start the day with a coffee stop at Side Pony, a cozy spot perfect for a morning pick-me-up, then take a leisurely walk around Sloan’s Lake to enjoy the scenery. For brunch, we’d head to One Fold for their must-have bacon fried rice. We’d follow that up with some antique shopping and thrifting along South Broadway, where we could explore boutiques and hidden gems. In the afternoon, we’d unwind with a yoga class at The River, then enjoy a flavorful dinner at Saigon Bowl, enjoying the DIY platter, #160. Later, we’d catch a comedy show or concert along Colfax, where there’s always something happening. To cap off the night, we’d grab a sweet treat from Heaven Creamery, indulging in some of the best vegan ice cream in town. It would be a lovely mix of relaxation, culture, and excitement!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would definitely not be the founder of Sarine Planning without the unwavering support of my friends and mentors. I am deeply grateful to Heather Attardo, Jennifer Beck, Danielle Barbeau, Kylie Fredrickson, Jenni Kelly, Ashley Legan, and Vanessa Ortiz for their incredible wisdom, guidance, love, and encouragement. Their belief in me was instrumental when I faced the unexpected challenge of being fired. They helped me transform what could have been a setback into an opportunity, by encouraging me to launch Sarine Planning. Each of them played a pivotal role in shaping my journey, offering not only practical advice but also emotional support when I needed it most. I owe much of my success to their collective influence and generosity.

Website: https://www.sarineplanning.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarineplanning

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sbaldwin143/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Sarine-Planning/61561253017963/

Image Credits
Alyson McClaran Stephanie Jenkins