EP (59) Samantha Paige: Uncovering Her Truths and Rising Strong as an Activist, Artist and Founder of The Last Cut Project

 

Samantha Paige didn't set out to be an artist or activist. But maybe she was always destined to be one.

For years she struggled with unaddressed trauma. At 21, she was given a cancer diagnosis from her doctor that flipped her world upside down. She didn't really speak about it, or address her own pain and questions after the fact. Instead, she dealt with it and "moved on".

The years that followed saw her have a successful career in international relations. And she was able to create her dream job as a jewelry designer. She even became fluent in multiple languages (one of my own dreams). But as we all know, diseases don't care how successful we are. It selects who it wants.

For Samantha, her health challenges weren't over. As a young mother, she was told she had the BRCA1 gene. In her case, there were a few options; but neither were ideal. She was told she was at high risk for ovarian and breast cancer and so she made the difficult decision to get a preventative double mastectomy in 2008.

As she says "those challenges have shaped both her worldview and the manner in which she, as an artist and entrepreneur, has learned to give back and pay it forward in the most beautiful and connected way."

Through the "Last Cut" project and conversations, Samantha works to teach people how to get in touch with their vulnerable side and dig deep into what they truly want out of life. Are they living in their own authentic expression? Is this what they envisioned for themselves? And if it's not, how can they create something that they truly feel represents their own essence.

This artistic path may be a new way of expression for her; but she's already been featured in the Commit to Something campaign by Equinox, TODAY.comYahoo and People.com.

Her mission now revolves around discussing those big life decisions (last cuts) and having others address theirs, so they can ultimately find more truth and freedom in their own lives.

SOME QUESTIONS I ASKED:

  • What did you go through the first time you were diagnosed with cancer?

  • How did you deal with that diagnosis?

  • What made you want to stop making jewelry even though you were successful?

  • How did you know that you weren't on the 'right path'?

  • What was going through your mind when you shut down your business?

  • Have you ever really had a life plan?

  • Did you ever think 'why me' when you were diagnosed with the BRCA1 gene?

  • What was your process like when you decided to get the preventative mastectomy?

  • How did you ultimately deal with that decision?

  • Where did the idea for the Last Cut project come from?

  • How has this allowed you to live more in your truth?

  • Do you ultimately feel like you have more freedom with your new found vulnerability?

  • And so much more...

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: 

  • How Samantha originally dealt with her diagnosis at 21

  • Why she knew she wasn't on the right path

  • The various life cuts she had to make to get her to this point and how they've taught her more than she could have imagined

  • Why it's not always best to follow the crowd and how it can lead you to places you don't want to go

  • How to be you and vulnerable and truthful - even if it's the hardest thing you've ever done

  • Why those "last cuts" will not be the end of you - instead, they'll probably make you stronger and more grateful

  • How to make something work even if you don't know how you'll survive - it will all work out in the end

  • And lots more...

OTHER LINKS:

CONNECT WITH SAMANTHA PAIGE

LAST CUT PROJECT | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | TWITTER

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Edited by: James Nicholson

 
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Ep (58) Ashley Jacot De Boinod: From Pastry Chef to Small Business Owner Thanks to Creativity and Unconventional Flavours

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EP (60) Mary Neely: Exploring Strong Female Storylines Through Film and Creative Projects as an Actress, Writer and Director