Built on Passion, Powered by Purpose: Inside Sam’s Social Agency

Sam Bergan’s journey with video began at just 11 years old.

“I used to make dancing videos—goofy, terrible dancing videos,” she laughs. “I’d film myself three times dancing to the same song, edit it so everything lined up perfectly with the beat, and share them with friends and family. Eventually, I started posting them from a private Instagram account.” A self-described over-sharer and visual person, Instagram quickly became woven into her life. “Instagram launched when I was 11, and I’ve been on it ever since.”

Today, Sam is the founder of Sam’s Social Agency—a small but mighty creative studio serving mission-driven small business owners. Passion is the heartbeat of her work, and she expects the same from her clients.

“If a business owner doesn’t care deeply about what they do, it’s hard for me to get on board,” she says. “My best work happens when my clients are obsessed with theirs. It can be anything—as long as they love it.”

For Sam, social media isn’t just marketing—it’s storytelling. And while she delivers content and strategy, she’s equally committed to teaching her clients. “I love explaining the ‘why’ behind everything—what I see, why I see it, and what it means. Every detail matters.”

Her role as Guest Expert in Digital Marketing with the Waimea Valley Business Incubator has been a perfect match. “I love teaching—seeing people have those lightbulb moments is so rewarding.”

Fun is non-negotiable. “If my clients aren’t having fun, something’s wrong,” she says. But she knows that for many, social media feels overwhelming.

The biggest struggle? Time.

“Clients don’t have time to post. And when they do, they don’t know how to do it strategically. That’s where we come in—so they can build brand loyalty and community through story.”

Busting Social Media Myths

One myth she hears often: “I don’t want to post too much.”

“Your audience is not watching you that closely,” Sam insists. “If you’re not posting consistently, you’ll be forgotten—social media moves too fast. Consistency builds love and loyalty. But that only works if your posts offer value or entertainment. ‘Bad posts’—self-centered or empty—are the real problem.”

Entrepreneurial Balance

Sam, like her clients, is pressed for time. As her agency grows, she relies on structure: Google Drive, Asana, and strong personal boundaries.

Her three non-negotiables to avoid burnout:

• Dinner time

• Scheduled friend time (beach days, events, outings)

• Health time (fitness, cooking, cleaning, reading)

“As long as those are blocked into my calendar, I’m grounded,” she says. And throughout the workday? “I take 15-minute breaks, find someone to talk to—or hug!”

Bonus: Get to Know Sam

You joined social media at age 11. Did you face any of the struggles young people often talk about?

In my early years, no. Instagram was just fun and social. It wasn’t until college—when I moved away—that I felt lonely and started comparing myself. I took a break from Instagram for a few years. Now, I use it strictly as a tool—for business and inspiration. I unfollow and follow intentionally, based on what supports my goals.

You were a realtor before launching your agency. What was that transition like?

Real estate felt isolating. I eventually moved into a role at Oak + Pine, running their Instagram. I started consulting, teaching workshops, and realized it was working. For anyone shifting careers, I recommend part-time work during the transition. Keep some income flowing so you’re not creating from desperation—you can always pick up odd jobs. And work hard. Really hard.

You’ve grown from solo entrepreneur to leading a team. What has that been like?

Insane. I hired my first VA a year ago, then a second, and now an in-person Marketing Agent, Jessica. My focus is being a good leader and helping her produce exceptional work. Leadership is the hardest part—knowing if I’m doing right by someone who depends on this income.

Any personal rituals that support your work?

I get coffee, respond to every message, check my task list, and get to work. I can’t stand unanswered messages. When I’m out filming or creating, I still build in mini-breaks to recharge.

Complete the sentence: If I wasn’t running my own agency, I’d be…

Running BookHouse, a thrifted bookstore and book club—or volunteering on farms and ranches.

If you could have one superpower?

Teleportation. Travel time kills my productivity. If I could skip the driving, I’d get so much more done.