I Feel You, A Fortify Wellness Production
Bettina Mahoney the Founder/CEO of @atfortifywellness is a rape survivor who started her brand after struggling to not only find a therapist, but multiple mediums to heal through her trauma. Fortify Wellness is a 360 holistic platform offering therapy, coaching, fitness, and meditation on one subscription platform. We dive deep with our trailblazing guests about overcoming adversity.
I Feel You, A Fortify Wellness Production
From Challenges to Catalysts: Embracing Authenticity and Impact in Music Publicity with Samantha LaPare
Discover how Samantha LaPare, a trailblazing music publicist, turned her personal challenges into catalysts for success. Raised amidst the rock and roll vibes of New Jersey and armed with a passion for music, Samantha has faced learning difficulties like ADD and dyslexia head-on. Her inspiring journey underscores the power of authenticity and self-love, as she navigates the demanding music industry with confidence. Samantha sheds light on her deep connection to the emo and pop-punk communities and how these influences have helped her stay true to herself while overcoming insecurities. Through her story, listeners are invited to witness the profound impact of embracing one's unique path and the support of a strong community.
More about Samantha:
From attending her first gig at just 3 years old, Samantha LaPare was raised on rock and roll. Her ability to work a room from a young age got her involved in her local music scene as an early teen, working in realms of management, publicity and social media. Transitioning from basement shows to working with artists that shaped her, major music festivals, comedians, red carpets, production companies and award-winning brands, Sam is an avid concert-goer and lover of life. Sam has always had deep admiration for the live music community and entertainment spaces. Having wanted to be a music publicist since she was 10 years old, she graduated from Sacred Heart University with a degree in Public Relations and Advertising with a minor in Women’s Studies. In her free time, you can find her outside, exploring the East Village, trying new food, at a show or most likely, thrifting. She current works with 311, Cassadee Pope, and Story Of The Year, Emo Nite, Bushwick Film Festival, robbietheused and many more. Drop her a line at sam@bigpicturemediaonline.com
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**This information is not to be misconstrued as medical or psychological advice. Please contact your medical team if you have questions or concerns pertaining to your medical or psychological well-being. All of the linked products are independently selected, and curated by the fab Fortify team. If you love and buy something we link to, we may earn a commission.**
Hey Fortifiers, thank you so much for listening to I Feel you, a Fortify Wellness production. We are into season six, where we sit down with trailblazing women in their industry to chat about overcoming adversity, moments of fortitude and, of course, anxiety. This information is not to be misconstrued as medical or psychological advice. Please contact your medical team if you have concerns pertaining to your overall well-being. I am your host. Bettina Mahoney, the founder and CEO of Fortify Wellness, I am so excited to welcome Samantha LaPere From attending her first gig.
Speaker 1:At just three years old, samantha LaPere was raised on rock and roll. Her ability to work a room from a young age got her involved in her local music scene as an early teen, working in realms of management, publicity and social media, transitioning from basement shows to working with artists that shape her major music festivals, comedians, red carpets, production companies and award-winning brands, red carpets, production companies and award-winning brands. Sam is an avid concert goer and lover of life. Sam has always had a deep admiration for the live music community and entertainment spaces, having wanted to be a music publicist since she was 10 years old. She graduated from Sacred Heart University with a degree in public relations and advertising, with a minor in women's studies. In her free time you can find her outside exploring the East Village, trying new food at a show or, most likely, thrifting. She currently works with 311, cassidy Pope and Story of the Year, emo Night, bushwick Film Festival, robbie the Used and many more. Drop her line at sam at bigpicturemediaonlinecom. Thank you, samantha, for joining us on the podcast today. How?
Speaker 2:are you? I'm doing well. Thank you so much for having me. I'm pumped to be here.
Speaker 1:I'm really pumped that you're here. I love that you have a candle in the background. I'm feeling the energy. It's very positive and grounded. So you've done incredible things in your career so far and I love to start with this question because it helps everyone get really grounded and just take our guards off when you take away all of your amazing titles. Who are you?
Speaker 2:Let me put my feet on the floor and really get grounded for you. Who am I? Okay, I would say, first off, I'm just a lover, like I am a lover of life and people and connecting, and I think that's how I really fell into my path and what I'm doing. I grew up a product, I like to say, of a hippie and a hipster, so I have a very well-rounded sense of, you know, morals and music and you know just like being connected to people. So I would, I would say, lover for sure.
Speaker 1:I love that. I can feel that through you and I also love music my dad grew up having me listen to, like Peter Wolf and the who and the Beatles and like all of the people that built, you know, like the Taylor Swift's of today, you know. So I really connect with music and everyone that knows, you know me and the brand has been building, knows, like the way that I started my business, fortify, I had a trauma in my life and as artists, we turn to creation. You know, musicians turn to writing music, dancers create pieces of choreography, et cetera.
Speaker 1:So for me, being an artist, I turned to what can I do to create for people? So I built a 360 platform therapy, coaching, fitness and meditation. I want subscription platform, which, by the way, I will send you after this so you can like browse it and look through it. And I really believe that through adversity comes the next chapter. I was able to pivot and hope to help people. It's been now my life's work to help people build their everyday wellness, to live their best lives. I believe that they can and I'm curious for you was there an adversity in your life that sort of pivoted you into the work that you do today?
Speaker 2:Yeah for sure. And first off I just want to commend you for you know taking your pain and turning it into something so beautiful and positive. Kudos to you. You should be very proud.
Speaker 2:I've also been in positions where I've felt powerless and you know it's obviously not the best feeling. But I would say that, you know, growing up in New Jersey I was chubby, I was pale, you know I had ADD, I had dyslexia, I had dyscalculia, like I was not the best child in school or extracurriculars, if you say. I'd been put myself in some scary situations, honestly. And then you know, just from from dealing with the insecurity and all of that, I had a really great support system, which I know a lot of people don't have. Who I was and you know helping myself and learning to love myself and my own energy first kind of put me on the right path to, you know, success.
Speaker 2:When I had found out what music publicity was, I was like an early teen and I was like that's it, that's what I'm going to do. And you know I don't have like a Harvard education. I don't have, you know, xyz like a Harvard education. I don't have, you know X Y Z, but that doesn't matter. I worked my my tail off and basically I'd like to say that I manifested this career for me. I wouldn't do what other people did. I I would go to local shows. I really got into the music scene. That I loved and I think having that kind of support community especially in the work I do now it's very emo, pop, punk, community oriented really just got me to where I needed to be throughout. You know my personal struggles and you know friendships and family and all of that you know. I really think that just staying true to yourself is like all you can do in this life. That just staying true to yourself is like all you can do in this life.
Speaker 1:Absolutely. And what do you think this self-love with the correlation of music lies for you? What's?
Speaker 2:that path and connection for you, dude. I don't know TMI maybe but my dad got sober through music. Basically he used that power, that community. He traveled with the dead. He like sold grilled cheeses on the road to like follow them and stuff. So having that inspiration growing up, knowing that, knowing that you know people can change if they really put you know, the effort into it. The music community is just so tight-knit and supportive and, dare I say, woke, but they're really fighting and they have their heads in the right places. So I think that that can only just overflow into the people that are around it and love it so much.
Speaker 1:How do you exemplify that self-care in a very fast-paced industry?
Speaker 2:Yeah for sure. So typically with PR you're on 24-7. Something happens, you got to be right on top of it, something that I learned. You know, my first job is kind of just take a beat before you respond. If you have to let the phone, this might not be the best, but if you have to let the phone roll, the voicemail, to give your second to think about you know what's best. Do it? Be very communicative, be like I'll call you back in five minutes or I'll call you at 4 pm, kind of setting those boundaries for yourself, because if you're not in your best state, your client won't be in your best state and you won't be able to give you know what you need. So taking care of yourself first and your mental health and, you know, making sure everything's good on your side of the street, um, really, I think, is the best option.
Speaker 1:I agree, giving we give as women and I feel like I've learned recently and I'm still practicing I'm not perfect at it Just setting the boundaries, because we can't show up for other people if we're not showing up for ourselves. Like, my non-negotiable is I have to work out, I have to run my mile in the morning. I have, you know, I have to have that morning phone call with my mother. I, you know, I have to eat my weird celery juice and everyone's like what are you doing? You know I need my pumpkin spice iced coffee. Do you have any like non-negotiables that? Like help you manage your wellness during the day?
Speaker 2:Non-negotiable. I have to take a break, um can? I've had past jobs where, like taking a break was like kind of a no. No, you take a quick 15, you know, and you get right back to it. No, you have to take a break. Your mind needs, you know, to replenish. You need to eat, you need to drink water, you need sunlight. You got to take that walk, you got to listen to your favorite song and just like, get into your body a little more, and not like it's so easy to just float away and just keep working. But you can't do that. It's not good for you.
Speaker 1:Right, and I think you, I was recently sick Uh, it was like a couple of weeks ago I had the flu and I have a soul coach and she's like are you sure that you were just sick or you just like burnt out from all the work? Right, and I think it was a little bit of both, just overcompensating. You know, I love the work that I do, I love my soundbats, I love my therapy, I love my workout. And then sometimes we have to listen to our bodies. You know, our body really keeps score and gives us information, and when your body is telling you, you know, samantha, you need to take a break. You have to take a break because you can't show up for other people if you feel like you're drowning inside, you know.
Speaker 1:So it's about hitting it before it gets to that point, and sometimes that can be really challenging. I think, as I've gotten older, it's become a lot easier to say no. It's hard, it's gotten a lot easier, especially in the entertainment industry. It's go, go, go and it's really cutthroat. And I think as you get older, you just realize you know you have the confidence to say no and that's part of self-care.
Speaker 1:I think, Definitely got to put yourself first sometimes, yes, yes, which I love that you went on vacation recently, because that was a great way of you, you know, having your self-care. And I'm curious for you, like what are the ways right now that you feel like you're healing your inner child? We always ask that and some people are like I don't know. But I'm curious for you, like there's so much work that I'm doing now that's healing my inner child. Like what's going on for you?
Speaker 2:I think a big part of that for me was kind of stepping away from my larger PR job and finding not only a company that I love, the people, I love my boss, I love my coworkers, but I love, you know, the music. I grew up as a little emo girl, a little scene kid, and now I get to. Little Sam is so proud of me. I get to go to my favorite band shows for free and network and you know that has been huge for me and I just remind myself, sam, you're so like little Sam would be so proud of you. This is what you always wanted and sometimes you know taking that step away, you know, and just being around, what you want to be around, just is it. It's everything. I'm overflowed with joy. So shout out big picture and the BPM girlies. We're an all female team and it's like the most supportive environment and we can sign the clients we love and big clients are just over the moon, excited and just amazing.
Speaker 1:So I love that and like what made you, like what gave you the confidence to leave maybe the bigger company for something that you're really passionate about.
Speaker 2:I think I was very burnt out and I wanted, I just wanted to be doing what I loved. And you know I was kind of leaning into the more businessy press and you know I actually had a boss that told me, sam, you're never going to work, you're never going to be a publicist. And I said, oh, okay. And then after that they hired me and I said, oh okay, bet. And then after that they hired me and you know they, they asked me to stay when I put in my two weeks and I said, no, I can't, I'm sorry, and you know it was the best decision I've made, I think.
Speaker 1:Wow. So what went through your mind when she said that to you? You're never going to be a publicist.
Speaker 1:I said, okay, try me, watch me, because this is what I was made to do, and she was wrong so it's so interesting Like we talk so much on here about imposter syndrome as women, I go through and I deal with it. You know it's something that I'm working through of like am I good enough? Like you know, am I really putting together this meeting with these people? Like, for me, like what is going on, you know, um, but what, what are the ways? Maybe you don't experience it, I'm not sure, but if you do, like, what are the ways that you like combat it, because you seem very strong and resilient? Thank, you.
Speaker 2:It's been a long time coming. No, I definitely would. Would feel imposter syndrome all the time and I think just kind of, you know being strong, having a strong sense of self and confidence in yourself and thinking, okay, these people are paying you, you're the expert, you know what you're doing, you can do it, can do it and basically just believing in yourself. And also you know there are people out there like have strong female mentors, like some people might not believe in you but some might. And you know, if you don't ask, you don't get. If you want to connect with someone and ask them about their career, if you want to be like someone, become their best friend, admire them, buy them a coffee, you know like just having that support system internally and externally is key.
Speaker 1:And I've noticed, you know, people really like authentic individuals. No one likes anyone that's like kissing up to you. I think at the end of the day especially the people that have been in the industry for a really long time they have nothing else to prove. If you just come as you are, I think people really respect it. I think that no one needs a whole novel about who you are, why you want to connect. Just get right to the point and I think people appreciate it.
Speaker 1:You know, especially in entertainment, because you know a lot of people say a lot of things and I've noticed that the most grounded people that have the most say in the industry, you know, at that stage of their lives they're like yeah, you know I'm going to help out Bettina. You know she's young and you know I see maybe part of myself in her, whatever, and they connect. I've been very lucky that I've had so many people connect with me and I think that a lot of people they go out into the industry young people and they don't know where to go and they don't know where to start, you know, and it can feel overwhelming, but I think staying grounded, being kind, has gotten me really far. You know no one's too busy, too important to be kind. I think that's the most important thing, especially in entertainment, because sometimes it can be hard to come by.
Speaker 2:I couldn't agree more. Like the worst is when you get like phony people and sometimes it gives publicists a bad name, like they're just fake. And I had an ex-boyfriend that told me my job was just flirting and I was like, okay, no, but yeah, authenticity is it, that's it.
Speaker 1:What do you have coming up that you know you're really excited about with work or personal or what's going on?
Speaker 2:yeah, um september, october, november is a very busy um time in the entertainment industry. There's lots of releases, lots of tours. Um, I am working the bushwick film festival, which is um mid-october, which we're super excited about. It's gonna be in bushwick, a few different locations all around Brooklyn. Um, I'm working the Philly beer fest, which is in Philly Um wonderful cause. It supports the trauma survivors foundation. Um, we are running the press room at this year's when we were young festival, which is super cool. We have a bunch of clients playing. Um and I also just started working with this meditation and mindfulness coach. Her name is Veronica Moya you guys should check her out and she specializes in teens and kids and helping really build a foundational self-love and understanding from a young age to aid success and confidence and all that jazz. So super passionate about everything I'm doing right now and I couldn't be more grateful. Wow, incredible, i'd't be more grateful, wow, incredible.
Speaker 1:I'd love to connect with that coach. Maybe you can join our platform. That'd be amazing. But in one word, what do you want to be remembered for?
Speaker 2:Good question, good question. My Twitter bio used to be aspiring beam of light, so I think I would just want to be remembered for being light and positive and just a good energy to be around. That's magnetic, and so I think the one word is light.
Speaker 1:Yeah, I agree. I think, at the end of the day, no one really like I'm not going to say not cares about the work that you do, but people remember how you make them feel. So I think that's the most important thing that's why we're all here is to uplift and empower each other to be our best selves. So thank you today for being here and for having this conversation. This is wonderful.