Meet Samantha Wood, the fashion designer and dress maven behind @thedressdesigner.

Sam grew up in the Washington D.C. area, where she picked up some skills from her godmother (a seamstress) and mom (a hobbyist sewer). Growing up, Sam created anything and everything, but most loved making her own dresses.

After whipping up her prom dress from scratch, she went off to college at Virginia Tech for real design training. Sam managed to win Best New Designer her first year of school (2005), then Best Designer her last year (2009). She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Apparel Product Development & Merchandising, then went to NYC to pursue her passion. Sam decided to take a different direction and gain experience in other aspects of the fashion industry while saving up to make her dream a reality. From bringing dress sketches to life for well-known designers, to buying for America’s top retailers, to developing innumerous marketing campaigns for big brands, she expanded her perspective – while simultaneously designing custom dresses and figuring out her aesthetic. When she had a tough time finding the perfect little white dresses for her wedding events, Sam brought her vision to life and launched her ready-to-wear collection.

Sam now lives in Charlotte, North Carolina with her husband, baby girl and doggo. After juggling this side hustle with her her Product, Retail and Brand Marketing career for years, she recently left corporate to pursue this full time.