Image: Matt Johnson
Meet Samantha Johnson. Soccer star. Women’s empowerment advocate. Role-model to young girls around the world. And just one hell of a genuinely nice person, spreading a message of positivity wherever she goes.
Known as the Black Rose, there’s no doubting Samantha Johnson is the whole modern day sporting package. Drafted to the Chicago Red Stars at just 23, she has taken the soccer world by storm. Currently playing in the W-League for Melbourne Victory, Samantha is using her ‘star’ platform to encourage girls to find their talents and follow their career dreams.
When did you start playing soccer? How much work was involved to get you into the Chicago Red Stars at just 23?
I started playing soccer when I was 5 years old. I quit soccer after college. I genuinely didn’t love the game anymore. After a year my best friend at the time was playing for Chicago and convinced me to leave my job as a bottle service girl/ fitness model and try out for the Red Stars! I trained with Paul Pratt @drspeed and he got me in great shape. After I made the team I never expected to play I was just hoping to provide moral support for my friend hahaha then I accidentally landed in the starting line up as a centre back because someone got injured. Definitely wasn’t the plan haha
Image: Matt Johnson
Testing physical and emotional limits and dealing with injuries…. How has soccer changed the way you think?
Wow ok. My rookie season as a pro I got kicked in the face; broke my nose and split my forehead open. Needless to say, I immediately contemplated why I was even playing again and was thinking about retiring AGAIN. However, the game is really funny it does teach you lessons and you have to have an open mind and be willing to learn what the game teaches you.
Soccer is my vehicle for success but I respect the game and the game respects me. It’s allowed me to meet so many interesting people and gain perspective on countless subjects. I’ve discovered I can really influence young girls by using my talent to inspire them to find their talent and be better. It’s an important message I enjoy sharing because it’s authentic.
Samantha wearing the Wrap top in red satin & Alida skirt in red chiffon | Image: Richard Shaw
What have you enjoyed the most about travelling the world to play soccer?
My favourite part about the game is the global aspect. We all relate to the game and don’t even need to speak the same language. I’ve met people I would have never met without being a pro footballer. It’s not always A dream but it’s always a lesson.
How did you find & connect with Lucy Laurita?
I am a very forward and ambitious person. I love meeting new people and expanding my perspective. I don’t always want to hang with football people I want to learn about other industries as well. This summer in Melbourne I wanted to attend more fashion events so I emailed Lucy randomly and asked about her events. We immediately made a connection and I’m glad we are friends now. She has already made me feel connected to the fashion in Melbourne. I’m thankful for her and her family!
Samantha wearing the Bella Wrap Dress in Lemon Vivacious Print | Image: Sam Tabone
What do you like about her brand?
Lucy seems, like me. A go-getter type of woman and knows what she likes and wants. What I wore at the Melbourne Cup was divine! She dressed me in all red and I worked the hell out of that dress.
Samantha wearing the Wrap top in red satin & Alida skirt in red chiffon | Image: Sam Tabone
Samantha wearing the Wrap top in red satin & Alida skirt in red chiffon | Image: Sam Tabone
So what does an average day look like for Samantha Johnson?
There is always something going on for me because I’m always making things happen. At the moment I’m working closely with brands to help market and assist on photo shoots. At the moment I’m used as a model but I’d like to be more behind the scenes and be more creative.
Samantha wearing the Bella Wrap Dress in Lemon Vivacious Print | Image: Sam Tabone
Samantha wearing the Bella Wrap Dress in Lemon Vivacious Print | Image: Sam Tabone
Your brand has been doing some AMAZING things to help nurture young girls and even teaching kids to code. Can you tell us more about that?
YES! It’s just a fun time to be a kid. Lots of technology and a great time for the girls. Codeverse is a company in Chicago that allows kids to learn how to code in a fun way. As for my girls, I visit schools as much as I can. I truly believe I can inspire girls to be better in whatever they choose to pursue. I stress the message of betterment of self because it’s applicable to every aspect of life. My sport keeps me honest and keeps me inspired. I hope my girls find their path and their talent does the same for them.
Samantha wearing the Helena jumpsuit in ivory silk satin | Image: Sam Tabone
So what’s happening in 2019?
2019 is going to be very exciting! I have a few launches happening and I’m excited to share them with my girls. I’ll kick off the year with a visit to Clapton Girls Academy in London. Once I am back in America my brand launch of the BETTER campaign will be full on and I’ll begin my tour of visiting school all across Salt Lake City. It’s going to be very exciting and just as much as I want to inspire I hope my girls inspire me as well.
What question do you wish you were asked more?
I wish people would ask me “Do you feel pressure to portray a specific image because of your job?”
I do feel pressure, especially in my social media posts. Female athletes are under this double standard that we need to be “ladylike”
And we have little girls looking up to us. I am aware and I visit schools and connect with the youth all the time but I’m always myself when I’m in front of them. They appreciate me being real with them. Social media is a portrayal of who you might be so we have to be mindful of our social media and because of the unsaid rules.
Samantha wearing the Helena jumpsuit in ivory silk satin | Image: Sam Tabone
Follow Samantha Johnson on intagram @dreamonrose or visit www.samanthajohnson.co for more information.
Credits:
Hats – Stevens Hats, Italy
Swarovski Crystal Cuff – Andrea Agosta
Stylist – Lynette Pater
Get The Look
Find all the latest fashion seen in this article by Lucy Laurita online @ Frockoholics
[button open_new_tab=”true” color=”accent-color” hover_text_color_override=”#fff” size=”large” url=”https://www.frockaholics.com/collections/lucy-laurita-leiela-melbourne-fashion-designer” text=”GET THE LOOK NOW!” color_override=””]