Today we’d like to introduce you to Samantha Fairlie.
Hi Samantha, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
In 2004, I relocated to St. Augustine, Florida, where I opened a retail location at the St. Augustine Premium Outlets. As the business continued to grow, I later moved into a storefront in the Historic District of St. Augustine while continuing to expand my mobile event route throughout the Southeast and beyond.
When the COVID-19 pandemic brought the event industry to a standstill in 2020, I adapted by opening a bakery and retail shop on State Road 207 in St. Augustine. This transition allowed me to continue serving loyal customers by shipping fresh pretzels nationwide to the many fairgoers and event attendees who had enjoyed our products for years.
While continuing to operate The Pretzel Lady, I was hired in 2021 to manage the Putnam County Fairgrounds. I am currently serving in my fifth year as Fairgrounds and Event Manager, overseeing fairground operations, facility rentals, special events, and the annual Putnam County Fair. Today, I proudly call Putnam County home and remain dedicated to supporting community events, agriculture, and youth programs while continuing the business I founded more than three decades ago.
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?
Being a small business owner, it is rarely smooth. One of the biggest challenges came in 2020 when the pandemic caused the cancellation of virtually every fair, festival, and special event on our schedule. Overnight, the business model I had relied on for 25 years disappeared. Rather than give up, I opened a storefront in St. Augustine and began shipping pretzels nationwide to stay connected with customers and keep the business operating.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
What I am most proud of is building a successful business from the ground up while also helping strengthen and improve a community asset like the Putnam County Fairgrounds. Whether operating a business or managing a public venue, I have always focused on creating positive experiences for the people I serve.
What sets me apart is my hands-on approach and willingness to adapt. I have spent more than 30 years working directly with customers, vendors, entertainers, community groups, and event organizers. Having experienced both the business side and the management side of the event industry, I understand the challenges and needs of everyone involved. I believe in leading by example, solving problems creatively, and continuously looking for ways to improve operations, facilities, and customer experiences.
At the heart of everything I do is a commitment to hard work, perseverance, and building lasting relationships. Those values have allowed me to grow a business, navigate difficult challenges, and contribute to the continued success of the Putnam County Fairgrounds and the community it serves.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
One of the most important lessons I learned as a business owner is that success comes from being willing to adapt. The biggest example came in 2020 when fairs and events across the country were canceled almost overnight. I also learned that relationships are the foundation of any successful business. The customers, event organizers, vendors, employees, and community members I worked with throughout the years helped make The Pretzel Lady what it is today. Treating people fairly, keeping your word, and building trust creates opportunities that money alone cannot buy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ThePretzelLady.net
- Other: https://www.PutnamFairandExpo.com
