Samantha Knight: From Avocation To Vocation; How I Turned My Hobby Into A Career
Knowing when to say ‘no’ is important. It’s easy to get caught up in saying yes to everything, but it’s important to be picky. Overworking yourself can burn you out and hurt your business.
As a part of our series about entrepreneurs who transformed something they did for fun into a full-time career, I had the pleasure of interviewing Samantha Knight.
Samantha Knight is the founder and creative director of Samantha Knight Fine Jewelry, a brand known for its curated collection of exquisite vintage pieces. With a keen eye for timeless design and a love for jewelry that tells a story, Samantha carefully selects each piece to ensure it embodies both elegance and individuality. Her collection offers clients the opportunity to own unique, statement-making jewelry that celebrates the artistry of the past.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Can you tell us a bit about your “childhood backstory”?
Growing up in Los Angeles, I was immersed in a vibrant, artistic community. As a fourth-generation Angelino, I was fortunate to experience the city’s unique culture firsthand. From a young age, I was drawn to movement, expression, and the beauty of design. My parents enrolled me in Folklorico in the first grade, and I continued until the sixth grade. Even after we moved away from Los Angeles following my father’s passing, I remained passionate about singing, dancing, and paying attention to the details in the world around me. Now, I save my singing for the shower, but I still love to dance — and my appreciation for design has found its home in jewelry.
What was the catalyst from transforming your hobby or something you love into a business? Can you share the story of your “ah ha” moment with us?
My lifelong passion for design, particularly in the realm of fashion and jewelry, eventually evolved into a business venture. As my personal style evolved over time, I found myself increasingly drawn to accessories. While closing my yarn and needlepoint shop, I began experimenting with creating semi-precious stone bead bracelets. The positive response from friends encouraged me to explore selling them.
To elevate my designs further, I incorporated diamonds, 14k charms, and links, which led me down the path of fine jewelry. Throughout this journey, I’ve maintained a deep appreciation for curated vintage and antique pieces. The concept of ‘more is more,’ layering various elements, has always resonated with me and continues to influence my designs.
There are no shortages of good ideas out there, but people seem to struggle in taking a good idea and translating it into an actual business. How did you overcome this challenge?
My approach has always been to dive in headfirst. Once an idea captures my imagination, I find it easier to visualize the entire project, which provides a clear roadmap for how I want to move forward. Also, this isn’t my first rodeo.
What advice would you give someone who has a hobby or pastime that they absolutely love but is reluctant to do it for a living?
I would encourage them to envision their dream company or job a few years down the line. Starting and running a business is demanding, so it’s essential to have the grit and determination to persevere through challenges.
It’s said that the quickest way to take the fun out of doing something is to do it for a living. How do you keep from changing something you love into something you dread? How do you keep it fresh and enjoyable?
Honestly, I’ve never dreaded working with jewelry. It’s like a treasure hunt! I love traveling to discover new pieces. The only downside is all the paperwork and administrative stuff that comes with running a business.
What is it that you enjoy most about running your own business? What are the downsides of running your own business? Can you share what you did to overcome these drawbacks?
One of the greatest perks of running my own business is the flexibility it offers me. I can balance my professional commitments with personal life, like spending quality time with family. There’s a sense of freedom in being able to “clock out” for a few days when needed, whether it’s for a family vacation or simply to recharge. It’s a luxury I truly appreciate.
Can you share what was the most striking difference between your actual job and how you thought the job would be?
I anticipated travel as part of the job, but the sheer volume of it has been a bit surprising. Between shows in the spring and fall and my sourcing trips, I’m constantly on the move. It’s definitely an adventure, but it can also be tiring.
Has there ever been a moment when you thought to yourself “I can’t take it anymore, I’m going to get a “real” job? If so, how did you overcome it?
I’ve honestly never had a moment where I’ve considered returning to a traditional job. Since starting my own business at 22, I knew there was no going back. I can’t imagine working for anyone else.
Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
I’ve definitely made my fair share of mistakes. When I first started, I was super excited to say yes to everything, even if it didn’t fit my brand. One time, I thought I’d made it big with my first show on Madison Avenue. They ended up sticking me in a dressing room! It was a real eye-opener and taught me to be more careful about the events I choose.
Who has inspired or continues to inspire you to be a great leader? Why?
I’m fortunate to be surrounded by a community of inspiring self-employed women. Each brings unique strengths and experiences to the table, and we constantly learn from and support one another. Their resilience, creativity, and determination motivate me to be a better leader in my own business.
How have you used your success to make the world a better place?
When I started Samantha Knight Fine Jewelry, I wanted to create a brand that was not only beautiful but also sustainable. I’ve always been drawn to vintage pieces — they carry a special kind of magic. Each one has a story to tell, and through our curation, we’re helping to write the next chapter. By offering unique, timeless vintage jewelry, we’re giving these pieces new life while also reducing the environmental impact of fast fashion. The jewelry industry, like many others, contributes to waste and pollution, but by choosing vintage, you’re making a conscious decision to reduce your carbon footprint. It’s about cherishing the past while building a more sustainable future.
What are your “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Started” and why? (Please share a story or example for each.)
- Paperwork is a beast! I didn’t realize how much paperwork goes into running a business. Taxes, insurance, contracts… it’s never-ending.
- Managing employees is a whole other world. It’s rewarding, but it’s also stressful. You’ve got legal stuff to worry about, performance expectations, and dealing with people.
- Budgeting is key. You’ve gotta stay on top of your spending or you’ll be in trouble. Unexpected costs can really mess with your plans.
- Knowing when to say ‘no’ is important. It’s easy to get caught up in saying yes to everything, but it’s important to be picky. Overworking yourself can burn you out and hurt your business.
- Family time is precious. Balancing work and family is tough. Make sure to spend quality time with your loved ones. It’s a big part of a good life.
What person wouldn’t want to work doing something they absolutely love. You are an incredible inspiration to a great many people. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.
If I could inspire a movement, it would be about preserving history through jewelry while promoting sustainability. I’m passionate about taking old, cherished pieces and giving them new life, allowing people to carry their family’s stories in a modern way. At the same time, we’d focus on sustainability by using ethically sourced, recycled materials and encouraging thoughtful, responsible consumption. It’s about honoring the past while creating a positive impact for the future — one piece at a time.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
One of my favorite life lesson quotes is from Iris Apfel: “More is more and less is a bore.” The first time I heard it, it felt like music to my ears because I’ve always embraced the idea that life should be lived fully and vibrantly. Whether it’s surrounding myself with more family, friends, music, or pursuing my passions, I believe in filling my life with as much joy and richness as possible. This mindset drives both my personal and professional life — creating with intention and living with enthusiasm.
We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them.
If I could have a private breakfast or lunch with anyone, it would be Gwyneth Paltrow. I admire the holistic approach she takes to life and business, particularly through her work with GOOP. She’s been a strong advocate for supporting other women’s ventures and focusing on important topics like physical, mental, and emotional wellness. Her unique sensibility when it comes to home, fashion, and overall lifestyle is also something I deeply resonate with — she embodies the kind of thoughtful, intentional living I aspire to bring into my own work.
Thank you for these fantastic insights. We greatly appreciate the time you spent on this.
