Meet Samantha Peters | Author, Speaker, Mentor, Podcast Host, & Co-Founder of Light Up Your Life, LLC

We had the good fortune of connecting with Samantha Peters and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Samantha, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting my own business was never just about creating income—it was about creating impact. I knew deep down that I was meant for more than what my circumstances growing up had shown me was possible. I was forced to grow up quickly. My home was filled with trauma, scarcity, and emotional instability. My father never healed from his own pain, and because of that, I had to face the weight of his projected hurt. I carried emotions that were never mine to hold and learned to navigate chaos long before I even knew who I was.That pain, for a long time, kept me stuck in a cycle of believing I was unworthy of support, love, or abundance.

But I made a decision—I would be the first in my family to break those generational patterns. My healing journey lit a fire in me to help others do the same.

I launched Light Up Your Life because I wanted to create a space where people—especially women—felt seen, empowered, and supported. I started with my podcast, interviewing inspirational guests who had overcome incredible odds, just like I had. The podcast quickly became a platform not just for stories, but for transformation.

That led to launching Queens of Light, my women’s empowerment community, because I realized how many women felt alone, stuck, or like no one understood them. I knew what it was like to have no one clapping for you—so I built a room where we could all clap for each other.

At the heart of it all, my business was born out of the belief that your past does not define you. You can heal, rewire your mind, and create a life of happiness, freedom, and significance. I’m simply here to be the guide I once needed.

What should our readers know about your business?
My business, Light Up Your Life LLC, is the culmination of everything I’ve experienced, learned, and overcome in my own life. It’s a platform where I empower women to break free from limiting beliefs, heal from trauma, and step into their full potential. Through my podcast, women’s empowerment community, journals, and countless educational resources, I help others create lives filled with happiness, freedom, and significance.

The journey began with The Light Up Your Life Podcast, which I co-host with Alexa Dabkowski, we’ve made it our mission to provide our audience with real, actionable inspiration. Our mutual foundation for starting the podcast was deeply personal—rooted in the understanding that growth and mentorship often had to be sought outside our immediate circles. Both Alexa and I came into this partnership with powerful backstories that shaped our drive: Alexa, who navigated the complexities of growing up with immigrant parents in a new country, and me, having overcome the pain of a toxic upbringing. These lived experiences gave us a shared lens into life’s challenges and a unique depth to the conversations we bring to our audience. That common ground became the spark for the podcast and our passion to help others navigate adversity with strength, resilience, and purpose.

We knew that personal growth and success didn’t always come from those closest to us, so we wanted to create a platform that would bring listeners the wisdom of people who had truly transformed their lives. Our podcast features successful guests from all walks of life, offering tools, tips, and real-world advice on overcoming adversity, building resilience, and finding fulfillment.

As the podcast gained traction, I realized there was an opportunity to expand the brand beyond just audio content. Light Up Your Life grew into a full movement, one that also included a supportive women’s community, coaching, educational resources and speaking engagements. It became a place where women could find not just inspiration but real transformation—an empowering space where they could connect with others who were committed to rewriting their stories and stepping into their power.

What sets Light Up Your Life apart is that it’s not just about motivation—it’s about transformation. I come from a place of deep personal pain and struggle, but I turned that pain into purpose. I’m living proof that no matter your starting point, you have the power to rewrite your story. That’s what I teach others: you don’t have to be defined by your past, and you can achieve anything when you put your mind to it.

One of the things I’m most proud of is how my community, podcast, journals, and ebooks have grown and made an impact. Being able to bring together like-minded women, helping them connect, support one another, and rise together has been incredibly fulfilling. Through the tools and resources I’ve created—from empowering podcast episodes to transformational guided journals and digital ebooks—I’ve been able to help women not only find their voice but reclaim their inner confidence and personal power. I’ve also been featured on the news countless times for segments focused on manifestation, self-love, self-care, boosting self-confidence, and the importance of meditation and mindfulness. When I see women in my group stepping into their strength and owning their worth, it’s a powerful reminder of why I started this business. It’s about helping others see what I see in them—strength, beauty, and limitless potential.

Getting to where I am today was not easy. There were many obstacles, from self-doubt to financial hardships to the challenges of building something from the ground up. But through it all, I’ve learned that perseverance, faith, and a clear vision will always guide you through the storm. I’ve had to face my own fears, overcome the negative beliefs that had held me back for so long, and take massive, messy action—despite the uncertainty. It’s been a process of constant growth and reinvention.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that challenges are just opportunities in disguise. They’ve forced me to get creative, find new ways to pivot, and ultimately trust that everything is happening for me, not to me. I’ve learned that success doesn’t happen overnight, and that real growth happens in the moments when you feel like giving up but choose to keep going anyway.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that it’s rooted in authenticity and empowerment. I’m not here to put on a perfect front or sell a dream—I’m here to share real, raw, and relatable stories. My journey is a testament to the power of resilience, self-belief, and the unwavering pursuit of purpose. Through Light Up Your Life, I want to create a ripple effect that helps women all over the world step into their greatness and truly believe that they are capable of achieving everything they desire.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting San Diego for a week, I’d 100% plan the ultimate experience in Del Mar—my favorite coastal gem. We’d kick off the trip by checking into L’Auberge Del Mar, a dreamy resort that feels like a slice of heaven with its ocean views and charming, luxurious ambiance. Mornings would start with breakfast at the hotel—think fresh, local ingredients and coffee with a view—followed by a peaceful beach walk or a more active hike through Torrey Pines State Reserve, just a short drive away.

For lunch we’d explore some of the amazing spots in nearby La Jolla or Encinitas, but dinner would definitely be back in Del Mar. Monarch offers a gorgeous ambiance and delicious coastal fare, or we might go all out with a steak and cocktail night at Rare Society, which has that elevated but still relaxed SoCal energy.

If you’re planning a visit, I highly recommend coming in July for Opening Day at the Del Mar Horse Races—it’s one of the most exciting and fashionable events of the summer. The energy is unmatched, with everyone dressed to the nines, and the afterparty at L’Auberge is always a scene to remember—live music, beautiful people, and coastal luxury vibes all wrapped into one unforgettable evening.

The rest of the week would be sprinkled with sunset views from Seagrove Park, boutique shopping in the Del Mar Plaza, maybe a spa day at L’Auberge, and a day trip to Coronado Island or the San Diego Zoo for a little adventure. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing escape or a vibrant social scene, San Diego—especially Del Mar—has a little magic for everyone.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, I have to give a huge shoutout to Ed Mylett. His story was one of the first that lit a fire inside me and showed me that my past didn’t have to define my future. Meeting him in person was already life-changing—but being personally chosen to be on his TV show and mentored by him was truly one of the most surreal and defining moments of my journey. Sitting across from someone I had looked up to for years, receiving his wisdom and guidance, felt like everything in my life had come full circle. For so long, I felt unseen and unheard—but in that moment, I was reminded that when you commit to doing the inner work, stay rooted in your purpose, and keep moving forward despite the pain, life will show up for you in the most unexpected and extraordinary ways.

Along the way, I’ve been incredibly blessed to have the unwavering support of my friends and family, especially my grandpa. He’s always been the one positive person who’s shown up for me through all of life’s ups and downs, offering me love and encouragement when I needed it most. My friends and family have stood by me through the highs and lows, reminded me of my strength when I forgot, and continued to support my dreams—even when they didn’t always understand them. Their love and belief in me have been a foundation I could lean on when things felt uncertain.

In addition to them, I’m deeply grateful for the mentors and thought leaders who poured into me with tough love, powerful insight, and the belief that I was capable of so much more. They challenged me to stop playing small, and their guidance helped me rewire my mindset and transform years of survival into a life rooted in purpose and significance.

And lastly, I want to honor the younger version of me—the girl who kept showing up, even when no one else did. She’s the reason I’m here. She’s the reason I get to serve others now. I made a promise to her that I would never abandon her again. I’ll keep showing up for her—and for every woman who’s still trying to find her light.

Website: https://www.lightupyourlife.org

Instagram: samanthalynnpeters

Linkedin: Samantha Peters M.Ed.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samantha.lynn.5682

Youtube: @light_up__your_life_