Hi, I’m Samantha Macklin — and I believe joy is possible, even in the midst of pain.

Welcome to my little corner of the internet! I created SamanthaMacklin.org to be a space of honesty, hope, and healing. I’m a writer, speaker, and the founder of The Joy Project, but more than that, I’m just a girl who’s walked through anxiety, heartbreak, confusion, and healing—and lived to tell the story with grace.

My journey hasn’t always been easy. But through it all, God has been my anchor. His presence in the middle of my hardest seasons is what keeps me grounded—and it’s why I use my voice to encourage others that joy is still possible, even when life feels heavy.

Here, you’ll find blog posts about faith, purpose, healing, and stepping into the person God created you to be. I share moments from my journey as Miss California for National American Miss, my work with kids through The Joy Project, and my heart for helping young women embrace their worth—not based on what the world says, but rooted in the truth of who Jesus says they are.

If you’ve ever felt unseen, stuck, or like you’re chasing something that never seems to satisfy, I want you to know: you’re not alone. You’re loved. And your life carries deep purpose.

So grab a cup of coffee (or a Dr. Pepper!), take a breath, and stay awhile. You’re always welcome here.

Let’s chase joy—together.