Everyone has a story. We all love the stories that show us how good things can arise from difficult situations. Suzette Samuel is one of those inspiring women who has proven she is not one to give up, despite coming from a troubled background while growing up in New York.
Now residing in Georgia, she has built a highly successful career for herself, not only as a psychology graduate, but also as a philanthropist who gives back to the community by teaching financial literacy, real estate management, and career development to those who face challenging circumstances. Many of you may also know her from the Reality TV series, “Black Ink Crew: New York”.
Let’s take a seat and delve into a recent interview with the mind of a woman, proven to be not only an image of beauty but also brains, Suzette Samuel.
What did you find were the advantages and disadvantages of coming out of a celebrity spotlight and pursuing your business endeavors?
I wouldn’t classify it as “celebrity.” I was a business woman before, during, and after. I sparked the “real estate interest” amongst those whose mindset wasn’t on that. The cons were having my reputation which I built in business since 2018 take a shift based on a show that’s scripted, where I was told how to act. However, it didn’t affect my business. I got more opportunities once I walked away, as people would say to me “We couldn’t support you then while you were a part of that.”
You have chosen to devote a lot of your time to helping others gain financial literacy and to build credit. You have also helped others own businesses and properties for themselves. Why is that a top priority for you?
It’s a top priority for me because I had no guidance. Coming from the streets I wish I had a “me” telling me how to invest and how to have my ducks in a row. I tell people all the time, that segregation is not just race. It’s class, social status, knowledge, etc. There’s a reason credit, homeownership, budgeting, etc are not taught in school. You have to be a part of that circle. I made a vow to God that if he delivered me from what he has delivered me from; I would help others. I come from a background that had a lack of support and knowledge. Group homes, shelters, and living in the projects. We as people need guidance from one another. Each one teach one.
Where do you feel your “Go Getter” mentality comes from?
Being 16 years old placed in a group home with nothing but the clothes on my back. I had to go get what I wanted. It was not handed to me.
Tell us about your autobiography ‘She Had to Die to Become Her! Was it difficult to write or did you find the process of sharing your story to be healing?
It was difficult to write when I started back in 2015 because I was writing from an unhealed place and it was hard to relive a lot of those moments. When you write, you relive, but also I know God was nowhere near done with my story. I had to go through my journey.
What were your overall takeaways from being on such a popular reality show as Black Ink Crew?
Never compromise who you are in real life for a check. The money was great but my mental wasn’t.
I believe there was mention that you struggled with body image and self-worth issues in the past. How do you feel about yourself today?
Umm.. where did I mention that at? LOL. I was never uncomfortable with my body. I got surgery when I entered the industry in 2014 because as a slim girl, I was not getting booked but the minute I got surgery I was beyond booked and busy. My era was Melissa Ford, and Buffie the Body, so if you didn’t have a body, then no one was really looking at you, especially in NY. I already was at a disadvantage being colored. After I had my second daughter, who I conceived while on birth control by the way, I lost everything and had to start over. I needed a quick come-up without going to jail and I was introduced to some people who helped me take off in that world.
You credit God with helping you to see who you were destined to be and to find a clearer purpose for your life. Was there a specific mentor or moment that led to this reflection?
God ministered to me in the strip club. My encounters in life also aided in this. I encountered God’s presence and grace. I faced three near-death situations. In those moments he did not take me. Of course, he sent people along the way to carry out his purpose but his presence was loud and clear in my life.
There is a saying that goes when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. As you can see Suzette Samuel turned what could have overtaken her into a moment of triumph that with the help and grace of God led to her breakthrough. Just because you started at the bottom does not mean you have to stay there. Life is all about choices and she chose to create a better life for herself and to not let her reality become her future life. Clearly, it’s only up from here for Miss Samuel and you can watch that journey by connecting with her on social media @suzette_therealtor.
Be sure to also get your copy of her autobiography titled, ‘She Had To Die To Become Her’ by visiting shopsuzette.org.
