Sam Faiers: Just Adding To The Empire

Sam Faiers first burst on to our screens in ‘The Only Way Is Essex’, but over the past couple of years we have come to know her for her success as a business woman, beauty role model and expectant mother. From opening her clothing boutique with sister Billie, to her fitness website ‘Celebrity Training with Sam Faiers’, Sam has shown her expertise across fashion, beauty, cosmetics and health & fitness.

Reality TV didn’t stop at TOWIE for Sam, as we saw her appear in Channel 5’s hit show Celebrity Big Brother. Shortly after leaving the house, where she made the final, Sam was diagnosed with Crohn’s. With her career and personal life experiences being so varied, she is seen as a relatable public figure who inspires others through her constant drive and determination.

VIVA caught up with Sam ahead of her visit to Manchester’s Trafford Centre to launch her most recent fragrance ‘Pure’ on Saturday 10th October.

‘Pure’ is your second fragrance, following on from the very popular ‘La Bella’, so what are the key differences?

I wanted to get a second one out this year. ‘Pure’ is much more of a fresh, fruity scent compared to ‘La Bella’, which was more of musky smell and went from day time to evening, so I wanted this to have a real difference. But in terms of packaging, I didn’t want them to be a million miles away from each other, so the bottle is a diamond inspired shape, which is kind of similar to ‘La Bella’. The packaging is really simple and classy; I’ve just kept it really neutral and pure, hence the name.

So they have continuity and customers know they belong to the ‘By Samantha’ brand?

Yeah exactly. With the tan I know there is a massive competition out there and there’s a lot of great brands with great products, so I wanted to make mine a bit different and use natural and organic ingredients. I wanted it to have the aroma guard so it masks that fake tan smell- that was really important to me. I think when you’re tanning it’s that biscuit-y smell that puts you off. And again, I wanted the packaging to be really nice so people feel like they’re buying a gift that could look nice on the dressing table.

It’s something that women will want to have out rather than put it in a draw?

Yeah, I’ve made it so that it’s all rose gold and it goes well with the tan itself. It’s all really nice and I’m really excited for the tan to launch because everyone’s seen ‘Pure’ and you can actually buy it, but no one has managed to get their hands on the tan yet, so I’m really excited to see the response.

Which stores will it available in?

Superdrug, The Fragrance Shop and Argos. At the moment that’s it, but we’re going to be rolling out into supermarkets and other stores later in the year.

When you’re creating a fragrance and a self tan, what is your favourite part of the creative process?

Literally from the beginning of the preparation to the end, I’m across everything. Where I’m a perfectionist I want everything to be just right. But we start at the product. So with the fragrance we start with the scent and come up with all the ideas that I like. So with ‘Pure’ it was fresh washing, cotton and linen, I love all those fresh smells. They always come back to me with the ideas and then we look into the bottle and how we brand it and what it will be called; it’s all step-by-step, and again, it’s the same with the tan. It’s about the product first and making sure it’s a really good quality product and then the packaging, the photo shoot and branding all come after. Getting the product perfect is exciting, but when you’re trying it out on yourself, your friends and family and getting their feedback- that’s probably the most exciting thing.

People say smells have certain memories attached to them, is there a particular scent that has a nostalgic moment for you?

God, there are so many, I know exactly what you mean! Coco Chanel always reminds me of my mum. She’s worn it from a young age so every time I smell it or she’s wearing it, I’m always reminded of being young, growing up and just being around my mum.

How is pregnancy treating you? Have you got any beauty products that are your absolute favourite?

Probably loads of things. On my face day to day I like rosehip oil which is really nice for your skin, I think it makes it feel soft and rejuvenated. I take a Vitamin C drink which is full of goodness and is packed of different vitamins and minerals. I have one of those every morning which really revitalises me, makes me feel really awake and its giving me everything I need. So on a busy day when I can’t eat all the fruit and veg I need to, I can have my drink and that way I know I have some goodness in me.

When we first saw you, you were a big TV personality starting off on TOWIE of course and then on Celebrity Big Brother- since, you have become a business woman, a beauty role model and an inspiration to many young people suffering with Crohn’s Disease. Do you consider things such as fragrance and self tan to be a real confidence booster?

Yeah of course, for example with the fake tan, I know when I’m tanned I feel much more confident, because I think tanning is actually quite slimming. It’s all about making women feel better about themselves and having it be affordable so it isn’t breaking the bank to feel good every time.

Have you got any other projects in the pipeline?

I’ve got my hair electricals coming out this year just before Christmas, so I’m adding more to my brand. It’s going to be mini portable straighteners, a hot wand, a curling tool and a hair dryer.

So we can expect exciting things to come from the Sam Faiers beauty brand?

Yes, I’m building myself a little empire.

When are you in Manchester for your launch?

I’m in Manchester on Saturday 10^th October in the Trafford Centre at Indulge Fragrance from 11am. Fans are welcome to bring other ‘By Samantha’ products along to be signed as well as their bottle of ‘Pure’.

Follow Sam on Twitter @SamanthaFaiers and Instagram @samanthafaiers1