The journey of Samantha Day, Founder and CEO of Studio Self Worth, belonging to Listuguj Mi’gmaq First Nation and living in Fredericton, New Brunswick, is one of resilience and self-discovery. 

Studio Self Worth provides online training, coaching and a 12-week program to support her clients reclaim their voice. 

Leaving home at just thirteen and becoming a mother by sixteen, Samantha’s early years were marked by immense challenges. She reveals, “I am the survivor of youth trafficking, and through that, I lost my voice.” However, it’s not the adversity but her triumphant response to it that defines Samantha and her mission.

Samantha’s goal is to help others find or reclaim their voice. “These last few years have been about growth and self-discovery. My passion is enriching the lives of indigenous women, men, and youth,” said Samantha.

Samantha’s vision for Studio Self Worth goes beyond just coaching. As an Indigenous entrepreneur, she seeks to integrate traditional, holistic healing methodologies into her offerings. “I want to provide training sessions on traditional ways of healing our mind, body, and soul,” Samantha said, sharing her aspirations of introducing herbal medicine from the Center for World Indigenous Studies. She also plans to introduce art workshops, such as beading and creating medicine bags, fostering creativity and connectivity.

The rewards of her entrepreneurial venture are deeply personal. Being able to set her own work hours, she can be there for her daughter, making up for the times when her youth support work required long, irregular shifts. Yet, challenges persist. Samantha admits, “Getting used to public speaking was tough because I’ve always been known as the quiet and awkward girl.”

The Pow Wow Pitch presented an opportunity for her to further step out of her comfort zone. “I love our people and don’t have a large support system. This year has been about growth, and this experience reflects that growth,” she explains. Her mentor, Jon Ferguson from CIRA has been instrumental in refining her business approach, advising her to focus on her online services rather than opening a physical studio to begin.

Samantha remarks on the most profound lesson she’s gleaned from her entrepreneurial journey, “I am right where I am supposed to be.” And to those Indigenous individuals considering entrepreneurship, she has a straightforward message: “Just start.” She emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, urging aspiring entrepreneurs to seize every available workshop opportunity, such as the JEDI entrepreneur programs.

In closing, Samantha encapsulates her ethos and vision for Studio Self Worth in a simple yet profound invitation: “Let’s create a life you can’t wait to wake up to.” Through her story and business, Samantha is not just waking up to a new day; she’s also awakening countless others to their worth and potential.

Register to watch Samantha pitch at the Health & Services Semi-Final Online Watch Party on September 8, 2023, at 6 PM ET and vote for Samantha to win the 2023 People’s Choice Prize (#98) before September 17, 2023.

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