Meet Samira Dean | Entrepreneur/Evangelist & Prison Ministry Leader

We had the good fortune of connecting with Samira Dean and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Samira, looking back, what do you think was the most difficult decision you’ve had to make?
I’m originally from San Diego, CA. Unfortunately my life wasn’t sunny while living there. I was homeless with a child. Having to sing in the park for tips as a way to provide. After years of struggling and sleeping from couch to couch , living in a shelter and sleeping in my car with my daughter. I made the choice to leave my family and friends to move to Atlanta, GA. I needed a fresh start for my daughter and I. I didn’t know anyone in Atlanta. I had never been to Atlanta, but my thought process was – if I survived while being homeless in San Diego. I could survive in Atlanta. It was a hard decision to make but it shifted the trajectory of my life.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Stay Encouraged is an inspirational brand that offers Hope to those facing adversity and mental support to those suffering in silence. Our brand is unlike any other simply because we identify with the fact that life is an imperfect journey. We also utilize our own struggles to uplift others through the word of God with powerful messages. We are not really proud or excited BUT we are “honored” when we hear and receive testimonials of how customers had bad days and felt like giving up; however the moment a customer looked at and put on their Stay Encouraged apparel or saw a post on our social media. The person was empowered to NOT give up.

This journey was far from easy. Imagine hitting rock bottom as a single parent, being homeless , moving to a foreign land (Atlanta, GA.), not having a team and having no one to depend on in the midst of building a brand. I am where I am today because I put complete faith in Jesus Christ. I stopped comparing myself to others and embodied my brand. I NEVER GAVE UP!! I literally had to STAY ENCOURAGED myself! The lesson was I can’t make it without Jesus Christ and giving up is NOT an option! Period!

I want the world to know my life hasn’t been easy, pretty or perfect. I’ve shed bitter tears, I was facing a minimum sentence of 5 years in prison. I’ve been lied on! Betrayed! I’ve had thoughts of giving up on life, my brand, and my ministry. There was a period in life where I actually felt like selling my business and giving it all up! I want the WORLD to know that I am passionate about seeing others overcome difficult situations and living out victorious lives. I want the world to know that Jesus loves them and if God be for you WHO can be against you. If I can Stay Encouraged so can you! Stay Encouraged is more than just a saying or brand. It is spiritual arsenal when you are at your breaking point in your life. It is a constant reminder! DO NOT GIVE UP!

STAY ENCOURAGED!!!!!!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would of course take them to church to get Spiritually fed. I would then take them to Soap Creek and Kennesaw Mountain for a place to relax, align and take some time to rest in peace. Life can be very busy and distracting but I always want those connected to me to know the value and power of connecting to peace. My favorite eatery in Atlanta is Flower Child. It’s eclectic and reflects an atmosphere of joy. I would also take them to the MLK monument. Dr. King was a true leader. He also knew the value of Staying Encouraged!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I owe all of my success to Jesus and The Holy Spirit. In regards to books The Holy Bible has literally transformed me inside out for the BEST. I would also like to honor my Mother and Uncles who raised me and trained me up to be a Fearless Woman of God! A huge shoutout to my daughter who has inspired me from the moment she was born. She’s a very special gift from God- I love her so much!!. I’d like to Honor My Spiritual Parents Mairek and Linda Huffton these two have gone above and beyond as well as pushed me into my purpose! I can’t forget my World Harvest Church Family in Roswell, Georgia they exemplify unity and agape love! I also must honor my amazing Mentors Evangelist Lauren Juzang and Ms. Elizabeth Chaps – these two women have been very instrumental in my growth they’ve honestly been sent from God. Last but not least I’d like to thank my sisters Faith Barnes, Ms. Nakia J. and Lindsay Rodgers for truly praying with me, encourage me, love on me and have been a huge support system for me. Lol I CAN’T forget the Whole Stay Encouraged Family. So many have supported The Stay Encouraged Movement! They’ve been a blessing. I must thank them as well!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Website: www.samiradean.com & www.stay-encouraged.com

Instagram: @samira_miamor & @_stayencouraged

Facebook: Samira Amor

Image Credits
Richard Thomas Imaging