Meet Octavia Samuels | Founder & Social Responsibility Strategist

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

Hi Octavia, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
Status PlāSpace was born out of a need for connection during the pandemic and took off after winning the StartUp Fayette Pitch Competition. I sought to merge my passion for event planning and elevated experiences with opportunities to support local small businesses and causes.

Community service has always been at the heart of who I am, from volunteering with my church as a teen to serving through the Junior League of Atlanta. The pandemic reinforced the importance of coming together, and I realized that one of the most powerful ways to connect, dream, and enrich our lives is through play.

I envisioned a space that not only fosters joy and connection but also inspires creativity by delivering memorable, elevated experiences. Status PlāSpace brings people together in ways that strengthen both personal and community bonds, all while supporting local causes.

What should our readers know about your business?
There was a time when I attended more funerals than my heart could bare. A family lost their son to cancer before he reached kindergarten. A mother wouldn’t witness her youngest children’s first day of second grade. My cousin never had the chance to follow his dreams. These heartbreaks changed me. They led me to search for meaning—how to live, how to love, and how to connect with people, knowing they will inevitably transition from this life.

I am most proud that I now have the opportunity to create spaces where people can build meaningful memories to cherish forever. The entrepreneurship journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been filled with tremendous rewards. Every step I’ve taken, and every place I’ve reached, came through lessons learned—often through failure and loss. But I’ve been fortunate to have strong mentors who have faced significant setbacks themselves. Their guidance makes it easier for me to fail forward and understand the power of pivoting.

I am where I am today because I chose to make investing in the community our priority. When challenges arise, I return to the original intent of Status PlāSpace and focus on leading a purpose-driven brand. I am consistently reading, learning, meditating, and praying. As I grow as a leader, our team becomes stronger, and so do our partnerships. One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is the power of partnership. We can accomplish so much more together than we ever could alone.

I want more people to know that Status PlāSpace is here to foster joy. We support diverse causes and communities, and we believe in the power of your dreams. We want to celebrate every milestone with you. Whether it’s a grand opening, product launch, or gala, we strive to make the ordinary extraordinary, ensuring that your personal or professional celebrations become unforgettable experiences.

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 love the diversity of our area. First, I’d make sure my best friend visits during the annual Winter Wonderland Fest, hosted by Status PlāSpace in Fayetteville. This festive event brings joy to the community while supporting local businesses and causes. Guests can enjoy unique experiences like Breakfast with Mrs. Claus and Santa, a Holiday Sunday Brunch with live music, or decorating cookies with elves inside cozy outdoor heated igloos. There’s truly something for everyone.

Next, we’d embark on a foodie, art, and music tour. We’d start with brunch at Ms. Icey’s Kitchen & Bar, followed by the Steamed Seafood Bucket at Spondivits. Then, we’d savor the Jalisco Burrito at CT Cantina, the Salmon Philly at Local Green, and finish with either a banana pudding milkshake from Woody’s Cheesesteaks or a banana pudding parfait from Woodstone Bakery. Afterward, we’d explore the latest installations at ZuCot Gallery and the High Museum of Art. To end the day, we’d enjoy live music at Kat’s Cafe or City Winery.

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 am deeply grateful for God’s purpose and love throughout my life. During my morning walks and at moments of reflection throughout the day, I pause to seek guidance. Several scriptures, like Hebrews 11:1, remind me that no matter how things may appear, I can access everything I need through faith.

My family is the wind beneath my wings. I’m blessed to have both of my parents supporting my work, and my niece, nephews, sister, and brother-in-love generously volunteer their time to help make Status PlāSpace thrive. My partner, Natalie, an accomplished STEAM entrepreneur and professor, continuously inspires me to stay the course, even in the face of adversity.

I stand on the shoulders of incredible people. Through this work, I’ve had the privilege of meeting small business owners and engaging with organizations dedicated to helping start-ups like mine succeed. These individuals are the unsung heroes, quietly uplifting others while building something extraordinary.

I truly appreciate everyone who attends our events—while we can create the experience, it’s their presence that brings the dream to life and makes it a reality.

Website: http://statusplayspace.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/statusplayspace/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/statusplayspace/

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@StatusPlaySpace

Other:

Image Credits
Photo Credit:
Portraits by Kaye (headshot)
Prim & Proper Photo (experience images)
Arch Wedding Studio (reception images)