Meet Natasha Samuda | Creative Director

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

Hi Natasha, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Starting my own business came from a tough spot; it was like starting from scratch after everything comfortable was taken away. I got over 160 rejection emails in just 6 months. I’ve never been the type to sit around and wait for things to happen, so I decided to make my own opportunity. The whole idea started almost as a dare to myself—to see if I could actually do it. And guess what? Within 2 months, I landed my first big client, a keynote speaker at the NBCC in Atlanta.

Everything just clicked for me. I worked on revamping his LinkedIn, honing in on his message, picking out the right color scheme, coming up with a marketing strategy, making tweaks on social media, finding him more opportunities, and asking him the key question I ask everyone I work with: “What do you want to be known for?” That’s the core of building a personal brand. I ended up as a Brand Strategist, but really, Creative Director fits just as well. My work has to have my creative touch—it’s a big part of who I am, made in the image of the Creator himself; God.

What should our readers know about your business?
My journey to founding RhetoriqX is more than just a business story; it’s a deeply personal saga of transformation, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of greatness. What sets us apart isn’t just our sharp eye for the nuances of personal branding or our perpetual quest to stay ahead in the dynamic world of social media. It’s the heart and soul we pour into every project, driven by authenticity and a steadfast commitment to our values.

Let me share the three defining moments that sculpted my path:

A Turning Point: The date November 27, 2016, is etched in my memory. Battling alcoholism and standing on the brink, I faced my darkest hour with a failed suicide attempt. That moment was a harsh wake-up call, but it also marked the beginning of my journey towards a radical life transformation.

A Renaissance of Learning: Fast forward five years, and I experienced a breakthrough that felt like breaking free from shackles. I dove headfirst into a world of books, seminars, and business courses, reigniting a passion for learning that changed the course of my life. It was as if I was reintroduced to myself – a version eager to grow, evolve, and embrace change.

A Career Evolution: My professional journey has been anything but linear, winding through roles as a makeup artist, a life insurance agent, B2B sales, and finally blossoming into entrepreneurship as a Creative Director. Each pivot was a step towards self-discovery, a testament to investing in oneself.

What truly distinguishes RhetoriqX is our holistic approach to branding. We dive deep, focusing on the essence of who our clients are and amplifying their voices in a noisy world. Our work is driven by referrals, a testament to the impact and integrity of our approach. And yes, being at the helm means I get to choose who we partner with, ensuring that every project is fueled by synergy and passion.

Facing challenges is a given in entrepreneurship. From wearing all hats to sometimes working non-stop to meet a deadline, the journey has tested my limits. Yet, each hurdle has been a lesson in resilience, teaching me that evolution—both personal and professional—is a constant process.

I want the world to know that RhetoriqX was born from a place of integrity, passion, and an unwavering faith in the power of transformation. From the depths of despair, I chose to rise, embracing my potential and finding my voice. My message to you? Change is possible. When you dare to alter your life’s path, everything shifts—your perspective, your circle, your destiny.

With RhetoriqX, it’s not just about establishing a brand; it’s about igniting a movement. We’re here for the visionaries, the changemakers, the moguls in the making. If my journey from the brink to building a brand that stands for authenticity and excellence speaks to you, know that it’s only the beginning.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend came to visit, I’d be all about showing them the real New York – the places that mean the world to me, where I’ve made memories, grown, and yes, where I keep myself looking as good as I feel.

We’d definitely hit The MET. It’s my go-to when I need to clear my head or find some inspiration. I used to spend hours there in college, just sketching and soaking in all the art history I could. It’s like my own personal retreat in the middle of the city.

But it’s not all about art. We’d have to swing by Johnny’s Seafood in the Bronx too. A few times a year, I go there just to chill by the water, dig into some fried lobster tails, and knock back the best piña coladas. Trust me, it’s the vibes for me – great food, great view, and just great times.

And speaking of great, you gotta hear about my friend Cashmier Mcaden. We met working at MAC Cosmetics back in the day, and to see her go from that to running her own show with several businesses, including Boop Aesthetics where I get my monthly facials, is just wild. Our friendship’s lasted over 13 years, and going through this hustle together? It’s been everything.

Being known for my makeup game and keeping my skin on point is no joke in this city. I mean, you don’t hit 49 and still get mistaken for 32 without putting in some work. My secret? Regular facials at Boop Studio and just taking care of my skin, seriously. Working with big brands like MAC and being backstage at Fashion Week taught me a lot – not just about makeup, but about keeping it real with my style and staying true to what works for me.

So yeah, showing my best friend around would be a mix of hitting up my favorite spots, sharing the parts of New York that have shaped me, and just making sure we have a blast. In this city, it’s all about the experiences, the people you meet, and how you show up in the world.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shoutout goes to Mike Waters, the big brother figure I’ve always wished for. From the moment we met, Mike has been my unwavering supporter, helping me navigate through moments of doubt, frustration, boredom, and the all-too-familiar imposter syndrome. He stood by me as my sole advocate when I took the leap to start my business, illustrating the powerful influence of having supportive people close by. Mike showed me how making ‘unusual changes’ in life can unsettle others, teaching me the vital importance of surrounding myself with positive influences during the fragile early stages of entrepreneurship.

The freedom and empowerment I’ve gained from being the decision-maker in my life have been liberating and unexpectedly freeing. I’m now fully committed to seizing every opportunity that comes my way, without being held back by any doubts.

Furthermore, my faith has been a foundational aspect of my journey. Giving myself to God and embracing my relationship with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has significantly shaped my path. Through my faith, I realized that what seemed like rejection was actually God’s way of redirecting me towards a greater purpose He has envisioned for me.

By acknowledging Mike and my faith, I highlight the essential sources of support and guidance that have been crucial in my journey to where I am today.

Instagram: @thearchitectofbeautyofficial

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-samuda-brand-strategist

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thearchitectofbeautyofficial

Image Credits
https://www.ceoportrait.com [I photo blue suit]