Get to know a little bit about Samantha Ro...
What are your hobbies?
Avoiding people.
How old where you when you first flew on an airplane? Where did you go?
Hmmm, maybe 4ish and I have no clue. To be fair, my dad was a pilot and had his own airplane so my sister and I flew a lot as kids. Although, the first time that I flew by myself (on a commercial flight) was when I was 12. I flew from Virginia to Missouri, alone. Times were much different back in the late 80s/early 90s, lol.
When is the last time that you wore a ballgown?
Oh sheesh. Does a bridesmaid dress count? If so, 2018? But a true ballgown would have to be back when I was in my early 20s.
When was the last public speech that you gave? What was it about?
Public speeches are the worst, but the last one I did was in 2021. Thankfully, I had it fully scripted (thanks, Jennifer!) and rehearsed, so I made it through without any accidental curse words or fumbles. #PraiseJesus It was to honor my late grandmother and her accomplishments throughout her lifetime.
When was the last time you were at the ocean?
Last summer. A friend and I drove to Cape Charles for the day.
Any future travel plans?
Nothing booked, but Kristine and I do have a few summer homes in Italy on our radar. We are always looking for a place to go halfsies on. 😏
What is your biggest pet peeve?
People writing "to" instead of "too" or "your" when it should be "you're.”
What makes you unique?
My personality, obvi.
What was the worst trouble you ever got into with your parents?
I was a pretty good kid growing up. With that said... I was grounded my whole ninth, tenth, and eleventh year of high school because I thought boys were more important than class. Right before I went into my senior year, my step-dad had a "coming to Jesus" talk with me and basically told me (very politely but also with a sort of "eye twitch") to get my shit together. He still laughs about that conversation, to this day. Spoiler alert: I did, in fact, get my shit together and went on to college.
Do you have any weird quirks?
A ton. I'm human. The one that I'm the most willing to admit (because it's maybe the least craziest of them all) is that I can't refill my coffee cup in the morning unless I pour out any remaining coffee that's in there. I have to start fresh, every time. Otherwise, the creamer to coffee ratio is off and I won't enjoy the second cup. I also believe that coffee tastes different in different mugs. So I will only use certain ones.
Any piece of advice for a young girl who is about to leave for college?
Dress appropriately, get an education, stay up to date on politics, and don't settle down until you've lived on your own for at least a year. Living by myself taught me more than I could ever put into words. It's how you truly learn about life.
Any piece of advice for someone who is starting a business?
Keep it to yourself for as long as you can, if possible. Otherwise, other peoples (unsolicited) opinions and suggestions can cloud your judgement.
What was the last thing that made you laugh?
My best friend and I have known each other since kindergarten. Earlier, we were reminiscing about our old college days and how she doesn't remember certain things. Her nickname back then was "Sober" if that gives you any clue as to why. The one time that her and I went to a bar and she actually wasn't drinking, she still got us kicked out because she tripped on a step with her new heels on, and they thought she was wasted. Poor girl, couldn't win.
If your best friend was asked today to write your eulogy, what do you think that they would say?
Well, I'm lucky enough to have several best friends. But let's settle for two of them, for now...
Theresa would say something about my uncanny ability to say something totally inappropriate in the worst of times. She's sweet like that.
Kristine would probably tell everyone that I loved Dairy Queen, proclaim that I was an asshole for leaving her, and then she would probably yell "PINEAPPLES!" towards my casket and walk off.
Lastly, name a time that you questioned a decision.
Does answering these count?