“Time heals all wounds” is a phrase many of us are familiar with. This phrase conjures up the idea that past trauma and hurts can be mended as life simply goes on. However, actress, speaker, and newly published author Samantina Zenon knows that it takes much more than that. In her new book, Joy: The Five Lights That Clarify Your Best Self Through The Pain, Samantina shares five secrets that have empowered her to integrate her pain into progress rather than letting it control her. While this Haitian native experienced various hardships in her childhood, she did not allow past traumas to keep her from achieving her dreams in the United States. Now, this entrepreneur and creative founder of the Wildsamfierce Shop is ready to give the public access to her heart in the hopes that it will encourage others to find a path forward through the pain to a joyful and fulfilling life.

How do you forge ahead when it seems like every door in front of you is closing? Samantina is very familiar with this struggle. As a budding actress, she’s faced many rejections on her way to success. In fact, you could say every audition was some sort of doorway guiding her on her journey. “When the door’s closed, you have to learn to move on,” Samantina shares. “If you don’t, you may end up blocking the next blessing. I often tell myself that if I’m too comfortable, it’s time to set the bar higher. That’s the only way to get better.” The actress, who has more than 60,000 social media followers, knows that your actions are what determine your success and adds, “You might just find hidden passions along the way.” 

A passion Samantina has discovered on her own journey is for mental health advocacy and education. A survivor of parental abuse, Samantina sought mental help in college after experiencing a life-changing emotional collapse. Throughout her therapy sessions, she addressed her past traumas and the source of her destructive behaviors. Her personal breakthrough in the arena of mental health has allowed her to educate others who are also coping with childhood traumas. She hopes her recent publication will open up the dialogue for survivors so they, too, can get help and begin to heal from past trauma. This survivor has certainly learned how to champion herself and believes you can find success through challenges. “You face it constantly as an entertainer,” the actress shares. “It’s a competitive industry. I’ve found the greatest weapon against any challenge is adaptability. Don’t be afraid to try something new. There are options out there – you just have to explore.” 

In her own exploration, Samantina unlocked her creativity and began to use graphic design as an outlet for her healing. This led to Wildsamfierce Shop. On her website, you’ll find an abundance of personally designed items, such as mugs, tshirts, facemasks, and more. Each design and quote are inspired by moments that shaped her into the person she is today. It’s a reminder to all that with the right mindset, we can make our wildest dreams come true. “In my own skin, I will always win.”

Samantina has learned that personal success comes from understanding that every dream is worth pursuing. “Even if you have to dream alone, keep dreaming,” the creative says. “That’s how I’ve gotten to where I am today.” Ultimately, Samantina hopes to be an inspiration to others who, like her, come from abusive, broken homes. Now a self-made successful actress, speaker, advocate, content creator, and published author, Samantina proves that you can have all that you want if you just keep dreaming. Her work has been featured in notable publications, including the Associated Press, Insider, Huffpost, Coveteur, Thrive Global, Medium, and more. 

So what’s next for someone who has seemingly conquered it all? “Let’s just say not even the sky’s the limit for me,” Samantina laughs. “I have big dreams, and I will take the baby steps necessary to accomplish them. As an actress, I want to continue to produce and direct films and start my own production company. I am currently writing my first feature film. My ultimate dream is to produce films that tell authentic stories about culture, family dynamics, and inspirational stories that make people think beyond the surface.” 

Samantina Zenon is a testimony that time does not heal all wounds. Rather, persistence, adaptability, and the pursuit of every dream are what lead to personal growth and healing. The actress, speaker, and newly published author knows the power that comes from integrating pain into progress rather than letting it control you. Her new book shares the secrets to persevering through pain and finding joy in the struggle.