18 Questions

Q&A with Sam Soni

1. What inspired you to start volunteering at the animal shelter?
I’ve always been an animal lover, and when I found myself with extra free time on the weekends, I wanted to use it to give back. Helping animals in need felt like the perfect way to make a difference.

2. What do you enjoy most about working with the shelter animals?
Taking the dogs for walks and seeing their confidence grow over time is one of my favorite parts. It’s incredibly rewarding to earn their trust and see them finally wag their tails with joy.

3. How do you help with adoption events?
I introduce potential adopters to the animals, share each pet’s unique story and personality, and help make sure they find the right match. Seeing an animal go to a loving home is always a special moment.

4. What’s the most challenging part of volunteering at the shelter?
Saying goodbye to the animals I’ve bonded with can be tough. While I’m happy they’ve found a home, I do miss them. But knowing they’re going to loving families makes it all worth it.

5. Have you ever adopted a pet yourself?
Yes! I adopted a rescue dog named Milo. He was extremely shy at first, but now he’s full of energy and loves to follow me everywhere.

6. What motivated you to transition from traditional illustration to digital design?
I noticed the industry was shifting toward digital tools, and I didn’t want to be left behind. It was a challenge at first, but learning Photoshop, Illustrator, and AI-driven design has really expanded my creative possibilities.

7. What’s your favorite design software to work with?
Right now, I love using Illustrator for detailed vector work and Photoshop for more expressive, painterly designs. I’ve also been experimenting with AI tools like Firefly to push creative boundaries.

8. How would you describe your artistic style?
My style is a blend of traditional illustration techniques with modern digital design. I love incorporating bold colors, intricate details, and a bit of storytelling into my work.

9. What kind of projects do you typically work on?
I’ve worked on everything from social media campaigns to greeting card designs. Recently, I’ve been exploring NFTs and plan to launch my own collection soon.

10. Where can people find your artwork?
I share my work on my Sam Soni Design and Art channels, and soon I’ll be launching an Etsy store for my greeting cards and digital art prints.

11. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to aspiring artists?
Never stop learning. The industry is always evolving, so being open to new tools and techniques will keep you ahead of the game.

12. How do you balance your work as an artist with your volunteer efforts?
I set aside time each week for volunteering, no matter how busy my schedule gets. It’s important to me, so I treat it as a priority rather than just a hobby.

13. What’s a memorable experience you’ve had while volunteering?
There was a rescue dog named Luna who was terrified of people. It took weeks of patience, but one day, she finally let me pet her—and soon after, she found a loving home. Moments like that make all the effort worthwhile.

14. What do you enjoy about working with Big Brothers Big Sisters?
Mentoring young people and helping them navigate challenges is really fulfilling. It’s amazing to see their confidence grow over time.

15. What are your goals for the future, both in art and animal advocacy?
For art, I want to expand my Etsy shop and continue experimenting with AI-driven design. For animal advocacy, I’d love to organize more fundraisers and community events to support shelters.

16. What do you think is the biggest misconception about animal shelters?
That all shelter animals are “damaged” or difficult. Many are loving, wonderful pets who just need a second chance.

17. What’s one thing you wish more people knew about adopting pets?
Patience is key. Some rescues need time to adjust, but the love and gratitude they show in return make it all worth it.

18. What keeps you motivated to continue giving back?
Seeing the direct impact of my efforts—whether it’s an animal finding a home or a young person gaining confidence—reminds me why I do this. Every little action makes a difference.

Sam Soni Twitter

How was your childhood growing up?
I had a pretty good childhood. Despite both my parents divorcing when I was 5, both were loving and provided a stable environment for me to grow up in.

My favorite movie when I was young was and why?
My favorite movie growing up was the Neverending Story.

Best advice you would offer your younger self?
Don’t sweat the small stuff, it’s not worth the stress.

What were you like in high school?
I was shy in high school. I did not go to a lot go parties. I was took photos for the high school yearbook.

Tell us about your first job?
I worked at a small mom and pop gift shop at the cash register.

Do you have any pets please tell us about them?
I have two cats. I have a black cat named Bella and a big fluffy tabby named Hagrid.

What chore do you absolutely hate doing?
I hate doing the dishes!

What is your strangest travel story?
I one time had to hitchhike in Bali because the bus I was on broke down. I got a ride by this family that spoke no English but they managed to get me back to my hostel.

What’s your favorite pet/s?
Cat

Who inspires you and why?
My mom inspires me. She is a two time cancer survivor and now she is an advocate for cancer research. She works tirelessly to raise money for cancer research.

How could you create more balance in your life?
I try to make sure to put my phone and computer away and focus on either mediating, reading, or calling friends and family.

List a few of your favorite things to do?
Reading, Hiking, Pilates

What’s the one thing you cannot live without?
I can’t live without books. I love reading!

If you could have lunch with one person alive or dead, who would it be?
I would have lunch with JK Rowling.

What are your guilty pleasures?
I love eating raw cookie dough. It is my absolute favorite!

What would you change about your job?
I would prefer to have less interaction with people.

Tell us about your current job/industry?
I work at an IT helpdesk.

What’s next for your career?
I don’t know yet. Still trying to figure that out.

What did you think you wanted to be when you grew up?
When I was very young I remember wanting to be a fish doctor. Then I thought I wanted to be an aquarium architect.

My favorite movie when I was young was and why?
Hands down, Disney’s Robin Hood. Who didn’t want to be a do good archer hero with a best friend like little John?

My most irrational fear is and why?
I am still haunted by the Bloody Mary myths of middle school bathrooms. I can not handle being in a dark bathroom.

What were you like in high school?
I was fairly popular in high school. I wouldn’t say that I was prom king or had athletic accolades but I was reasonably liked and had plans most weekends.

Tell us about your first job?
My first job was working at a dry cleaning shop. It was very hot and the pay was low, but it gave me a solid appreciation for that kind of labor and the people who perform it.

Do you have any pets please tell us about them?
I have three cats, all siblings. They are named Larry, Curly and Moe. Larry and Curly are both males and Moe is a female.

What chore do you absolutely hate doing?
I hate cleaning out my car. It takes so long and it is dusty again in a few minutes.

What is your strangest travel story?
I got stuck once in Kansas City after losing my wallet. I had no money and a dead cell phone battery. I wandered up to a park and saw a band unloading their gear for a show. They asked if I was there for the show and I told them what was going on. They let me crash in their van, fed me, and when I made my way to the police station the next morning someone had turned in my wallet and had added twenty bucks.

What’s your favorite pet/s?
Cat

Favorite podcast right now?
History on Fire

How do you keep your life centered?
I spent fifteen minutes every morning reminding myself to be grateful for all of the blessings in my life and go through even the small things. I call my parents every Sunday and check in.

List a few of your favorite things to do?
I love surfing and once a year my college roommate and I go on a trip somewhere new with our surfboards and just decompress for a week.

What’s the one thing you cannot live without?
My sketchbook.

If you could have lunch with one person alive or dead, who would it be?
Jacques Cousteau

What is something you learned in the last few months?
I have heard it said before, but it did not resonate until recently the concept of sometimes you have to just let go and relinquish your belief that you have control over everything that happens. Everything happens for a reason, but it may not be your reason.

What would you change about your job?
Nothing. I love my job and all of the quirks and perks that come with it.

Tell us about your current job/industry?
I work for the Department of Fish and Wildlife, tagging and tracking various species of fish.

What are your next set of life goals?
I would like to marry my girlfriend and retrofit an old bus or camper with a cat tree so that we can all stay together when we go camping. I would also like to set up a surf camp for underprivileged kids to teach them how to surf and appreciate the water.

– Devin Sloane, thanks for answering our 18 Questions.

Thanks for taking the time to answer our 18 Questions, Marjorie Klapper. Tell us a little bit about yourself before you get started. “I’ve live in Southern California my whole life and can’t image living anywhere else in the country. I have a very large family of brothers and sisters. I’ve always dreamed of being successful and being an entrepreneur. The name “Marjorie Klapper” came from my Mother who I love dearly. I was raised in a single parent household. Everything I am today is because of my Mother. I love Yoga and staying healthy. I keeps me grounded and in touch with the World.

What did you think you wanted to be when you grew up?
An astronaut but I soon realized that was not a possibility. I love the planet though.

My favorite movie when I was young was and why?
Fievel goes west. I loved the songs and the mouse family.

My most irrational fear is and why?
I fear choking on a spider that crawls into my mouth while I sleep. I had this dream when I was a child and it really has stuck in my mind. I’ve lived with this my whole life and certainly in my biggest fear. Sorry spiders but not sorry.

My fondest Summer memory is?
Going to the beach and spending all day in the ocean. I grew up very close to the family next door they are like my other brothers and sisters. We would all pile into the truck and just have fun by the beach, play, cook over the fire. That is my fondest summer memory.

Tell us about your first job?
Well…I worked at Mcdonalds. Hey you have to start somewhere. It’s not a place I visit now as I live a much healthier lifestyle.

Do you have any pets please tell us about them?
I have a cat named Sprinkles. Sprinkles is not very friendly except to me. I got her in a previous relationship. We are made for each other.

What chore do you absolutely hate doing?
Cleaning the toilet honestly. It is the worst chore ever. I would rather clean dishes and cook all day then to deal with any bathroom cleanup. We all have things we don’t enjoy though so that is just mine.

Tell us about your first heartbreak?
When I was 16 my very first boyfriend broke up with me for someone else. Lesson learned. Boys can be mean.

What’s your favorite pet/s?
My cat of course.

Favorite streaming binge right now?
Love is Blind on Netflix. I’m pretty busy so don’t watch much TV. Marjorie Klapper is a busy bee.

How do you keep your life centered?
I keep my life centered by taking a daily yoga class. I started a few years ago and has really helped me. I gives my mind a rest for a moment then I’m taking the World by storm. Now I work doing Yoga so I can help others. I really enjoy it actually.

List a few of your favorite things to do?
Yoga, walking my cat, cooking, brunch with friends. My friends tell me I work too much and don’t get out enough. I agree but I would say I’m mostly a home body and enjoy relaxation more.

What’s the one thing you cannot live without?
I cannot live without green tea. The smell and taste is just refreshing. It goes with my lifestyle and I like keeping that peaceful.

What three habits will improve your life?
Drink more water, Sleep more, focus on the positive aspects to life. Always trying to improve myself.

What is something you learned in the last few months?
People don’t wash their hands nearly as much as they should.

What do you think is the most difficult part of your job?
Interacting with people. Some people really think they know it all or are just rude. It comes with customer service and I find it more difficult to put up with as I get older.

Tell us about your current job/industry?
I work for a yoga studio as an instructor. Helping the residents of Southern California find peace and joy with their lives.

What’s next for your career?
I am working on opening my own yoga studio.