Check Out Samantha Kirsch’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Samantha Kirsch.

Hi Samantha, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in Perrysburg and moved around a bit before my parents’ divorced when I was 8. We moved back to the area and I spent a lot of time with my grandparents who were from Maumee. As a kid, I loved to be creative, acting, drawing, writing. I was a good student and loved to be in school and learning. When I went to college, I was heavily involved in Speech and Debate (Forensics) which really tested my acting chops and helped me develop strong communication skills. After I graduated, I think I was really lost and didn’t know where I wanted to go or what I wanted to do. I floundered for a while, losing some of my passion for acting and writing because I was so focused on finding a job and being an adult. I ended up getting in a relationship that moved me to Findlay and from there I got a job in the recruiting field. That was really the first step to becoming who I am today because my job then led me to my job now which is incredible. I’m able to work from home, lead others and really be my best self, flexing my communication and leadership muscles. It also allows me to do the things I’m most passionate about in the evenings (acting, writing, spending time with my amazing group of talented and compassionate friends).
In 2016, I got married and started to create a life for myself. I got my dogs Cisco and Ghost who are basically my children. But still, I hadn’t re-engaged with the creative side of myself. That came gradually as I became more and more comfortable and started to work from home. A friend of mine from college, Chris Stack, encouraged me to get back into acting. He set me up with my first audition for the Rocky Horror Show and I actually got Janet! I was shocked and so honored because it has been such a long time, almost 10 years since I’d sung in anything or been on stage. From that point, I got the bug and haven’t been able to stay away!
I also started to write again. I’ve self-published seven books, really inspired by some of my friends who were also writers. The biggest thing for me is writing what I want to read: I love creating characters and seeing that finished product, holding a copy of my book in my hand. It’s an incredible feeling. I’ve really been expanding my network and connecting with other local authors, attending author events and book fairs and that has introduced me to some of the most amazing people!
One of the biggest and most challenging things I’ve had to go through was my divorce. I had to make a decision to choose myself and choose happiness and that was incredibly hard. There were so many things I was giving up: stability, a partner who I’d been with for over 7 years, my beautiful house, half of my savings. But in the end, I chose myself. And that was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made because it led me to the love of my life. Lee, my fiancé, is the kindest, most giving and lovely soul I’ve ever met. For the first time in my life, I believe in love. Which sounds so cheesy and sappy but it’s true. I found my person because I decided to find myself. All my decisions led me to Lee, who values and supports me and wants to see me succeed.
And that relationship has led us to where we are today. Surrounded by an incredible group of friends who are talented and kind and passionate and so full of life and joy. I never could have imagined it would be possible to be this happy and this full of love. But when you choose yourself, and allow your light to shine rather than staying dimmed, you attract others who want to share in that light.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely not a smooth road, I’ve always struggled with self-doubt and self-confidence. I’ve had anxiety basically my whole life and struggled with not feeling like I was enough. That led to a lot of heartbreak, settling for less than I deserved. I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and that even our challenges help make us who we are. I wouldn’t change a thing.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a recruitment manager full time, working for an amazing company called Wilson.
But what I’m really passionate about is my art. I am a writer and an artist. I have an Etsy shop where I sell pet portraits. And I have written and published seven dark gay romance books. I’m really passionate about reading and have tried to write what I want to read. I go to a lot of events and really love connecting with other readers who have similar reading desires.

What matters most to you?
Kindness. I have a huge passion for animals. I’ve been a vegetarian for almost 20 years; that started in high school after seeing a video about animals in factory farms. I have a huge amount of empathy and at times that can be a challenge. I feel very deeply. I try to live my life in a way that promotes kindness and respect for all living things. I’m also a member of the LGBTQ+ community and it’s been a really challenging and trying time to live in the US right now. But we band together and choose kindness and it’s been so amazing to feel the love and support of our community.

Pricing:

• 50 for pet portrait on etsy
• 12.99 for paperback on amazon
• 3.99 for ebook on Amazon
• 15 for signed copy at book fair

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Hellieheat.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hellieheat?stkn=MTFhbzhzazQxOWo4bg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19b9QNwEZN/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@hellieheat?_r=1&_t=ZP-9AMBBYa7aMp