Local StoriesDecember 18, 2025

Daily Inspiration: Meet Samaira (Aviance) Harley

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Samaira (Aviance) Harley.

Hi Samaira (Aviance), we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Funny enough, my creative path didn’t flourish until post Covid. I’ve always been a creative at heart, but the year 2021 really changed the game for me. Growing up, I was always be surrounded by people who had typical lives (your standard 9-5 job, starting a family, and having the same routine every day). Now don’t get me wrong, choosing that path for yourself isn’t bad- it just wasn’t me. You would think that growing up in a suburban town where creativity doesn’t seem to exist, that I would end up the same. Thankfully that wasn’t the case. That’s why in 2021, one day I woke up and told myself that I didn’t want to confine to anyone else’s perception of life but my own.

In 2021 that’s when I decided to run with my creativity and take a shot at the city life. I ended up going to SCAD where I would be in Atlanta for a few years pursing my craft and creating something deeper than what I came here for. Fast forward to today, I now get paid to photograph clients, creative direct, model, and do makeup for people all around the world.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
To be totally transparent, no it hasn’t been a smooth road. I’ve had my fair share of ups and downs just like any other creative, but no matter what, I always found a way to stay true to myself. One struggle that I would find myself in and honestly still do is finding clientele. When I first started working as a creative, I would have a hard time finding clients who saw my potential and wanted to take a chance on me. I took it hard at first, constantly finding ways on how I could promote my business and get my name out there. Eventually, I found the best way to gain clientele was honestly just to let things flow and let people find you. Continue doing content, but without the thought of doing it to gain attention. Once I learned this, everything else fell into place and this obstacle didn’t become such a struggle anymore.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
What I’m known for is making people look and feel good. Whether that be in creative direction, makeup, photography, and other creative fields. My clients give me a vision, and I set out to execute it. That is what I’m most proud of. Not only do I execute what my clients give me, but I make sure that every step of the way they are happy and comfortable. I treat every client as if we’re friends to create that comfortability yet still keep it professional. That’s what sets me apart from other creatives.

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
No matter what you go through, there will always be a light at the end of the tunnel. As creatives, we tend to compare ourselves to others especially when it comes to social media presence. We want things to go a certain pace, but don’t realize that you can’t rush what path the universe has set out for you. Take it one step at a time and enjoy the process.

Contact Info:

Suggest a Story: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.