Sam Way
Model, Musician & Mentor
I was a young teen, just turning 16 when I was scouted my Models1, still my mother Agency here in the UK. I came from a small town in the South West and trust me no one at the careers office had mentioned that modelling was an actual job prospect. The entire experience at the beginning was surreal but I threw myself into it as best I could. Now 16 years on, there’s little that would phase me, from catwalk to campaign, from commercials to bizarre editorials, I’ve been there.
Why do you want to be a Mentor on the Mentoring Young Creatives programme?
Looking back, my journey in the industry was just wild. I was a teenager flying all around the world on my own sometimes four or five flights a week, living out of a bag and though I wasn’t aware of it, I was getting deeply stressed out. I wished I could have just spoken to someone who really understood the world I was living in, or been encouraged to open up a little bit about what was going on for me. So really, it’s about being there, giving back, and I know it will be deeply rewarding.
How did you hear about Mentoring Young Creatives?
Models 1 actually brought it to my attention. Go them.
What past experiences do you have which you believe will help you to mentor a young person in the creative industries?
I trust with these 16 years under my belt, there’s going to be a lot of crossover and shared experience to connect and reflect on. My own journey in the industry also involved some really difficult times that I had to overcome, and now being on the other side of that, I’d love to pass on some of the tools and tricks that allow me to stay healthy, work hard, and succeed in the industry.
What do you hope to achieve from the Mentoring Young Creatives programme?
I know it will be deeply rewarding on both sides. Sometimes the teacher is also the student.
What are you most excited about in starting the Mentoring Young Creatives programme?
I can’t wait to meet my first mentee. It’s a real sense of privilege to know you might be able to be there for someone and help them navigate the industry.
How do you think your career and health would have been affected had you had the opportunity to be mentored early in your career?
Oh I think it would have helped massively. My health really suffered for a few years, and although I was presented with an opportunity to heal and develop a deeper understanding of health, balance and nutrition, there were lessons learnt the hard way. I think, if I had a mentor or someone to talk to back then, I just would have been happier.
What is the best piece of advice that you have been given by a mentor/colleague/friend?
In no particular order. Never give up. Life is a process. Drive the bus, and lastly this one less advice more motivation from my mum ‘You can do whatever you put your heart, body and mind to’
Find more out about Sam on his instagram here.