Today we’d like to introduce you to Samantha Townsend
Hi Samantha, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My story began when I was 19, after my assault case was dropped before it even made it to a grand jury. Feeling silenced and without justice, I wanted to reclaim my voice and provide others with the platform to do the same. That’s when I created Your Voice is Heard Foundation and launched the annual Your Voice is Heard Fashion Show. The show became a space for survivors to share their stories and for the community to stand in solidarity with those who have been silenced. It’s a personal mission that grew from my own experience and has become a movement to empower others.
Alongside this, I pursued my nursing career, with the goal of becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner. Working in healthcare, especially on the COVID unit during the pandemic, gave me a profound understanding of the intersection between care, compassion, and advocacy. But my passions didn’t stop there.
I am the owner of Rarefied Acting and Modeling, a training program for aspiring actors and models, focusing on self-confidence, professional development, and offering people, especially younger generations, an opportunity to grow in an industry that often feels unattainable. Rarefied teaches people to break into modeling and acting while also providing life skills like resilience and communication. Now, I’m working on partnerships, such as with Euphoria Magazine, to provide even more opportunities for those who go through the program. Follow the journey @RarefiedIdaho on social media!
Through both initiatives—Your Voice is Heard and Rarefied—I have remained committed to creating platforms where people can grow, express themselves, and feel empowered. Whether it’s through fashion shows for survivors or modeling workshops for aspiring talent, my journey has been one of transforming pain into purpose and using my voice to help others find theirs.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. In the beginning, when I started Your Voice is Heard, I was navigating my own trauma after my sexual assault case was dropped. That was an incredibly painful moment, I felt like my voice had been taken from me, and there was no justice for what I had endured. The legal system failed me, and I was left grappling with how to process that loss while wanting to help others who felt similarly silenced. The pain of my personal experience fueled the creation of the foundation and the annual fashion show. Organizing the event every year came with its own challenges, like finding the resources, building a network of supporters, and managing the emotional toll of hearing other survivors’ stories while also carrying my own. But each year, seeing the strength of the people who participated reminded me why I started and why the fight for visibility and justice matters so much.
On the other hand, starting Rarefied Acting and Modeling was fairly smooth. My passion for helping others grow in their confidence and professional development came naturally, and I found a lot of joy in mentoring aspiring models and actors. However, not everything was easy. Unfortunately, I ran into strained relationships with other organizations in the Treasure Valley. While I saw Rarefied as an opportunity to collaborate and grow together, certain organizations saw it as competition, which led to tension. Instead of being embraced for the potential Rarefied offered to the community, I found myself having to navigate perceptions of rivalry, which made it harder to foster the partnerships I initially hoped for.
Despite these setbacks, I’ve remained committed to my mission—both with Your Voice is Heard and Rarefied. Even in the face of resistance or adversity, I’m constantly reminded of the importance of the work I’m doing and the lives it touches.
We’ve been impressed with Rarefied Acting and Modeling/YVH Foundation, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I run two organizations, Your Voice is Heard Foundation and Rarefied Acting and Modeling, both of which are deeply connected to my passion for advocacy, empowerment, and personal growth.
Your Voice is Heard is a foundation born from my own experience as a sexual assault survivor. Through our annual fashion show, we create a space for survivors to reclaim their voices, share their stories, and find strength in community. The fashion show isn’t just about the clothes; it’s a platform for survivors to feel seen, heard, and supported. What sets us apart is the way we merge fashion with activism! Our shows aren’t just about beauty, they’re about power, resilience, and healing. I’m proud that we’ve been able to build a supportive and inclusive space for survivors to connect with each other and with allies in the community.
On the other side, Rarefied Acting and Modeling is a training program that helps aspiring actors and models break into the industry. We focus on self-confidence, professional development, and providing skills that are not just industry-specific but also beneficial for personal growth. What makes us stand out is our holistic approach, we don’t just teach runway or acting techniques, we build people up from the inside out. Our goal is to foster talent while also developing life skills like resilience, professionalism, and self-expression. I’m most proud of how Rarefied has helped individuals, from kids to adults, step into their confidence and see their worth both in and outside of the entertainment industry.
Brand-wise, I want people to know that Your Voice is Heard and Rarefied are more than just organizations, they’re communities built on support, growth, and empowerment. Whether it’s giving survivors a platform to be heard or helping someone find their confidence in front of a camera, our mission is to uplift and inspire. We offer a supportive space for everyone, whether they’ve experienced trauma or are simply looking for a way to grow into their best selves.
At Rarefied, we provide a full range of services from runway and acting training to personal development workshops. We also partner with brands and organizations, such as our current collaboration with New Visual, which allows us to offer even more exposure and opportunities to our students. Find out more at www.RarefiedIdaho.com
Ultimately, I want readers to know that both of my organizations are built on the foundation of helping people feel empowered. Whether you’re a survivor needing a platform or an aspiring model or actor looking for the right guidance, we’re here to support and uplift you every step of the way.
How do you think about happiness?
Of course, my passions regarding my business and foundation, make me happy. But what truly feeds my soul is staying busy and always having something to plan or organize. Whether it’s a birthday, a family get-together, or a special occasion, being able to create meaningful experiences for others makes me genuinely happy. I thrive when I’m planning, and knowing that I can make someone’s day or celebration even more special is incredibly fulfilling.
Another major source of my happiness is the incredible support system of friends and family I’m fortunate to have. They’ve played a huge role in shaping who I am today. Their love and encouragement are constant reminders that I’m never alone on this journey, and they’re a big part of why I’m able to stay so grounded and optimistic.
In general, I consider myself a happy person. Like everyone, I’ve faced adversity, but I always remind myself that everything works out the way it’s supposed to. I’m grateful for the lessons life has taught me, and that belief “that things will be okay” keeps me content. What really brings me the greatest joy is knowing I can be a light in someone’s day or life. There’s no better feeling than making a positive impact, no matter how big or small.
Pricing:
- There are two payment options regarding Rarefied course. To learn more join us for and information night!
- There are 3 packages to choose from to donate to the YVH Foundation contact us today to learn more.
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