21 Aug YB Spotlight Samantha John
Rising from the Ashes: A Symbol of Resilience
Some entrepreneurs start with a business plan. Others start with passion. For Samantha John, the journey began with necessity. Facing financial challenges, she turned to what she loved most: cooking her favorite dishes, and began selling meals from her kitchen. What started as a way to survive soon grew into something much more: Sammy’z, a food business that would come to represent strength, community, and perseverance.
But the road was far from smooth. Samantha’s story is one of rising, falling, and rising again, with more strength each time.
The Path to Food Truck Dreams
Samantha didn’t launch Sammy’z from a storefront or a big investment.
“Being financially unstable forced me to start selling my favorite dishes. It was never part of a big plan, but it became my way forward.”
For six months, she sold food from her kitchen, building a customer base one plate at a time. As demand grew, so did her vision. She took a leap and invested in a food truck, ready to take Sammy’z to the next level.
The Fire That Almost Took It All
On what was meant to be the grand opening day of her food truck, disaster struck.
“After six months of selling from a kitchen, I decided to purchase a food truck which burnt on the opening day. It pushed me into debt and depression.”
The excitement of expansion turned instantly into devastation and debt. For many, this would have been the end. But Samantha didn’t let that be her final chapter. She took time to recover, reflect, and eventually, rebuild, this time with structure, guidance, and a new mindset.
Building Back with Support
It was during her rebuilding phase that Samantha connected with Youth Business Trinidad and Tobago. Through the JumpSTART Programme, she began to rediscover her confidence as a businesswoman.
“I did the JumpSTART program, which really expanded my knowledge of taking the business to different stages. I currently have a mentor who is guiding me with strategic planning and expansion.”
Her introduction to YBTT came through Sterling Callender, owner of Roc Boyz Electronics and a past YBTT entrepreneur. Sterling not only introduced her to the JumpSTART programme, but also played a direct role in Sammy’z growth.
“Sterling has assisted and pushed me into growing the business customer base in terms of advertising on social media platforms; he did the pages. He designed the entire restaurant and also ensured that everything was completed. He has also mentored me.”
For Samantha and her new YBTT mentor, Ronnie Rampersad, mentorship isn’t just about business strategy. It is about reimagining her future and learning how to scale without losing her core values.
A New Chapter: Sammy’z Expands
In August 2025, Samantha marked a new milestone by opening a larger location for Sammy’z.
“The menu was too big for the truck. The demand was high but being able to produce in a timely manner was very challenging. Now we have more space, more equipment, and customers have the option to dine in, and there’s parking too.”
With growth, however, comes new challenges.
“With a new space comes new pressures and responsibilities. A lot is going to rest in the hands of employees, some may not be ready for it. I now have to build a culture that incorporates my vision and standards, and lives even when I’m not there.”
Despite the added responsibility, this expansion is deeply personal.
“Personally, this is a dream that came into reality. For the business, it means expansion in terms of the menu, dining options, and now being able to host small events.”
Sammy’z is more than a food business. It’s a community. Samantha’s proudest achievements aren’t just financial milestones.
“I am proud that I was able to create job opportunities. Also, the relationships I was able to form through Sammy’z.”
At the heart of it all is a deep commitment to service. A spirit of excellence and hospitality has helped her business stay relevant, even through its most challenging seasons.
“We ensure that the customer is always satisfied.”
What’s Next?
Samantha’s journey is a powerful reminder that entrepreneurship doesn’t always go according to plan. Resilience is learning to start over, to ask for help, and to keep serving others. Even the most painful setbacks can turn into purpose.
Today, Samantha continues to grow her brand with the support of her mentors and the lessons she’s gained from YBTT. Her eyes are set on further expansion, strategic partnerships, and creating even more opportunities for others.
Her advice to young entrepreneurs: Keep going, even when your plans catch fire, literally or figuratively. There’s always a way forward if you believe in your vision and surround yourself with the right support.
Celebrating 25 Years of Impact
As Youth Business Trinidad and Tobago marks 25 years of impact, we celebrate changemakers like Samantha who remind us that entrepreneurship is not defined by how you start, or even how you fall, but by how you rise. Because with resilience, mentorship, and the will to try again, young people don’t just build businesses, they rebuild hope.