B~Inspired | Gold Coast Girl


I’m really excited to bring you another installment of B~Inspired with Samantha from Gold Coast Girl as this month’s feature. I’ve been reading Samantha’s blog for quite some time and I love this girl’s Chicago style!!! She is always attending the best events and partners up with some great brands! However, it’s how she has parlayed her love of art and design into her career that really strikes me as inspiring!! 


Name/Blog: Samantha, writer & editor at Gold Coast Girl

Location: Chicago, IL

Current Title/Company: Gold Coast Girl creator, fashion + lifestyle blogger, also High School Special Education English Teacher

Educational Background: Masters in Education from DePaul University, BFA in Studio Art + Design from The University of Colorado, and lastly, I got a certificate from Chicago Portfolio School in Graphic Design.

B: You originally went to college and got your BFA in Studio Art/Design, how did you parlay that into a teaching career?

S: I have always loved art and continue to practice it and teach it at my current job. Right now I am a high school special education teacher so we do a lot of fun visual + hands on activities in my classroom. I have the certification and will always want to include art + teaching into my lifestyle in some way.

B: What’s a typical day like for you and how do you fit everything in?

S: I work during the week from 7:45-3:30. I usually try to work out or run errands after that, or sometimes I will have a fun event to attend during the week. I try to work on my blog during my free time, which is mostly on the weekends. I like to get all my posts ready by Sunday night so they are ready for the week.

B: What has been your greatest career achievement thus far?

S: I think I am super excited and surprised at how quickly my blog has taken off. I started it a little under a year ago, and have been able to participate in such amazing opportunities and meet great new friends. It is truly a part of me and a creative expression of my life + style.

B: What/who encouraged you to start blogging and do you find that it’s hard to balance it with a full time career as well?

S: I have always been interested in reading blogs so one day I just decided to go for it. I thought: “hey, I can do that too!” I think it is important to understand that everyone has their own personal style and viewpoint, so I believe that the more blogs out there, the merrier. Recently, it has felt like a second full time job, but I am happy I started one and wouldn’t change a thing.

B: What are three things you never leave the house without?

S: My iPhone, my keys, and my credit card (you never know what you will need to buy!)

B: You speak Spanish and French – are there any other languages you’re itching to learn?

S: Ha. This is such a funny little tidbit about me. I learned both in middle school and high school, but I am definitely not fluent in either. I would say that I can get by and for sure order food if I am in a foreign country that speaks one of these two languages. I think it would be fun to learn some more Italian for next time I travel to Italy. It is similar to the other two, so hopefully easy to pick up.

B: If you could go anywhere in the world – where would it be? What do you think you’d enjoying doing most while there?

S: The island of Capri. I went last summer for my honeymoon and fell in love. It is so magical and beautiful. They have great hiking, perfect weather, fun shopping, and of course the most amazing food (and gelato!).

B: Who would you pick to play you in a movie?

S: This is such an interesting question. I have been told I kind of look like Natalie Portman? That might make sense because of the brown hair.

B: If you could have dinner with one woman, who would it be and why?

S: Rachel Zoe. I think she has the best style, is super creative, and speaks a language that I simply adore. It would for sure be a fun + interesting night.

B:  Do you have a quote or motto that you like to live your life by?

S: Everything happens for a reason. I always believe that statement and what is meant to be, will be.

B: You’re definitely a fashionista – describe your style in three words?

S: Classic, Trendy, Modern: I try to follow these 3 on a daily basis.

B:  Do you have a major wish list item at the moment?

S: I am currently in the market for a new everyday handbag and have my eye on this Alexander Wang. It is a bit pricey, so I am not sure if I am ready to take the plunge.

B: What advice would you give your 21 year old self?

S: Don’t take life too seriously. Everything will work out so just chill and enjoy the ride. You only live once so make it a fun one!

Finally…

B: What has been your most inspired moment?

S:This is a tough one. I am not sure if I have a specific moment, but tend to try to be inspired every day. I am inspired by my surroundings and what I see, smell, hear, touch, and taste.

A huge thank you to Samantha for being part of this little series. If you want to see more of Samantha check out her blog + instagram



One of my favorite questions I get is – did you go to school for what you’re doing now and my answer is NO! What about you?




I’ve created a page on this blog if you’re interested in seeing some of the ladies that have been featured! 


xo,

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49 Comments

  1. Elle Sees
    October 22, 2014 / 11:33 am

    loved learning more about her–off to check out her blog now!!

  2. P!nky
    October 22, 2014 / 12:17 pm

    Man I just love this series. You find some amazing women. Anyone who teaches in our school system is a rock star, mad props, lady!!!

  3. Maggie
    October 22, 2014 / 12:22 pm

    I love reading about other bloggers! I love her style and her perspective on style! I can't wait to follow along. Thank you for sharing wonderful bloggers with us!

    Maggie
    PolishedClosets.com

  4. Kerry @ Till Then Smile Often
    October 22, 2014 / 12:47 pm

    She has really great style. Checking out her blog now. I am so not doing what I went to school for, but it was broad enough to help with any job.

  5. Pink and Fabulous
    October 22, 2014 / 12:57 pm

    I love this series! She has such a great blog and great style!!

  6. Karly @ What Karly Said
    October 22, 2014 / 1:05 pm

    This was a fabulous addition to your series! I've been following Samantha here and there for a little bit now, and I love her style. Thanks for allowing us to get to know more about her!

  7. Courtney B
    October 22, 2014 / 1:22 pm

    Oh she is such a beauty!!
    I wish I could dabble in other languages… Eric is fluent in Spanish and I can't even roll my r's to pronounce a lot of the worst, HA!

  8. Nadine
    October 22, 2014 / 1:24 pm

    Such cute style!!! I will have to go blog stalk her!

  9. Whitney and Blaire
    October 22, 2014 / 1:37 pm

    Thanks for introducing her! she has such great style!
    xo, Whitney and Blaire
    Peaches In A Pod

  10. The Gals @ The Sequin Notebook
    October 22, 2014 / 1:58 pm

    Thanks for giving us a new blog to check out! We're loving Samantha's style already!

  11. Shannon Jenkins
    October 22, 2014 / 2:01 pm

    Love this and love finding new blogs to follow! She is so cute and I love the leopard blazer!

    <3 Shannon
    Upbeatsoles.blogspot.com

  12. Amanda Elizabeth - Meet @ the Barre
    October 22, 2014 / 2:26 pm

    She has such great style (and hair!) thanks for the introduction! I have definitely been in some great company 😉

  13. Caroline @ Windy City Chic
    October 22, 2014 / 2:31 pm

    Thank you so much for the intro! She has fab style and I will have to reach out to her since we live in the same city. 🙂 I hope that you are having a great day so far too. 🙂

  14. Kristen
    October 22, 2014 / 2:34 pm

    love this series – though I will say I got super excited and thought she was Australian, as we have a place called the Gold Coast, lol. Don't take life too seriously, so true – love it!

  15. Ally- Life as I know it
    October 22, 2014 / 2:48 pm

    Going to check out her blog now! Love these series!

  16. Elise @ High Heels and Glittering Eyes
    October 22, 2014 / 2:50 pm

    I love her! Great post B!
    ~Elise @ highheelsglitteringeyes.blogspot.com

  17. Zoe {The Latina Lens}
    October 22, 2014 / 2:56 pm

    Love finding new blogs and this one looks awesome! I feel like all of my friends are in careers that are drastically different than what they went to school for…

  18. Marie
    October 22, 2014 / 3:08 pm

    I love learning about new blogs, thanks for posting this.

  19. Emily @ Martinis | Bikinis
    October 22, 2014 / 3:13 pm

    What a fun interview and I want all of her outfits! Sounds like pretty stylish lady and these photos make me miss Chicago!!

  20. Rebecca Jo
    October 22, 2014 / 3:40 pm

    What a stylist little thing she is!

  21. Julia
    October 22, 2014 / 3:51 pm

    Thanks for sharing, definitely going to check out her blog!

  22. Jaclyn Y
    October 22, 2014 / 3:53 pm

    Love that she is a Chicago girl, def going to become a follower!

  23. Gold Coast Girl
    October 22, 2014 / 4:15 pm

    Thanks so much for including me this month! So sweet of you! xo

  24. Katie @ yellowmangolife.blogspot.com
    October 22, 2014 / 4:26 pm

    This is really a great series! Love your questions and love learning more about Samantha…so much so that I'm heading over to check GCG out right now! =)

  25. Good Girl Gone Glam
    October 22, 2014 / 4:30 pm

    What a fun interview! I will be checking her blog out for sure! Reading some of her answers, she and I have many things in common and I love all of her looks! Thanks for sharing!
    Marianne
    goodgirlgoneglam.com

  26. MakeMeUpMia
    October 22, 2014 / 4:31 pm

    Thanks for introducing us to her, she looks like a cool chick with great style 🙂

  27. Nina @ Flowers in my Hair
    October 22, 2014 / 4:57 pm

    Wow love her style!

  28. Jamie
    October 22, 2014 / 4:59 pm

    Love finding new blogs!

  29. East Coast Chic {Natalie}
    October 22, 2014 / 5:17 pm

    What a fun interview! I love finding out about new bloggers to follow

  30. The Siberian American
    October 22, 2014 / 5:51 pm

    Biana, I loved the questions you asked! Such a fun way to get to know Samantha! 🙂

  31. Anonymous
    October 22, 2014 / 6:28 pm

    I thought that was you at first ha. Two hottie brunettes that are smart and creative – love it!

  32. Anonymous
    October 22, 2014 / 6:48 pm

    What a great profile. I love this series, Biana! Great questions 🙂

  33. Becky M
    October 22, 2014 / 6:51 pm

    Yay! Love meeting new bloggers! Heading to her blog now!

    madeintheshadeblog.com

  34. Unknown
    October 22, 2014 / 7:23 pm

    This is such a lovely interview – love learning more about new bloggers!

    – Deniz
    dressedupdeniz.com

  35. Unknown
    October 22, 2014 / 8:15 pm

    Love this!! I am definitely going to check out Samantha's blog. She has great style! Thanks for sharing 🙂

    taffetaandtulips.com

  36. Tricia Coniglio
    October 22, 2014 / 8:15 pm

    Capri sounds amazing and I would like to learn Italian as well. Doesn't have to be fluent but enough to travel in Italy and communicate.

    I am amazed that she sets up all her blogs on the weekends to be ready for the week. That must be extremely time consuming! And a teacher?! I have seen the way students act toward teachers and I don't think it's very nice. In the meantime, heading on over

  37. JMO
    October 22, 2014 / 8:55 pm

    Love this- so happy you did this bc I am now a reader and new follower!! Great post!! xoxo

  38. Chelsea Marrs
    October 22, 2014 / 9:19 pm

    Aw love when bloggers feature fellow bloggers! 🙂 So cool that she knows some Spanish & French, I love learning languages. It's a weird hobby 😛

    Chelsea
    Chowing Down by the Bay
    Bloglovin
    Pinterest
    Twitter
    Instagram

  39. A Possible Fantasy
    October 22, 2014 / 11:57 pm

    pretty girl, lot of style! thank you for sharing, off to check the blog!
    i'm following you on bloglovin' and twitter. hope you'll look for me too. see you around!

    ♥
    a possible fantasy

  40. Shenine joon
    October 23, 2014 / 2:23 am

    I say this every time but these are my favorite posts! I love waiting for the Wednesday of the month when we get the new B-Inspired post!

    I'm going to add Capri to my list for our Italy adventures so thank you Samantha for sharing!!

  41. Unknown
    October 23, 2014 / 3:02 am

    She sounds amazing! I can't wait to check out her blog!

    xo

    Michaela

    michaelajeanblog.com

  42. Carly
    October 23, 2014 / 3:40 am

    Loved this! You seriously know how to pick people that really are inspiring! Going to check out her blog now!

  43. Fash Boulevard
    October 23, 2014 / 8:07 am

    This comment has been removed by the author.

  44. Fash Boulevard
    October 23, 2014 / 8:08 am

    So many great looks. That first dress is stunning. I'm merging collections on the blog today (a few gifts from Paper Crown + LC Lauren Conrad) I'd love to hear your thoughts when you get a sec. 🙂 xx

    fashboulevard.com

  45. katherine lou
    October 23, 2014 / 8:17 am

    Thank you for sharing Samantha on the blog! She has wonderful style and I'll definitely be checking out her blog!

  46. Live Simply- Live Well
    October 23, 2014 / 10:21 am

    Wow, I love all those looks!!!

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