From New York to Hong Kong, Samantha Hahn has been making her mark all around the world. She is an illustrator, art director, author, and the founder of Maison Rainbow. Per her professional repertoire, Samantha has been recognized by It’s Nice That, The New York Times, American Illustration, and the Society of Illustrators + Communication Arts. With her artistic background, Samantha took her skills and founded Maison Rainbow, which is an art print shop that was inspired by her daughter’s love of rainbows. Besides art, Samantha has also found a love for writing and has published several books: A Mother is a Story: A Celebration of Motherhood and its accompanying piece, Stories for my Child: A Mother’s Memory Journal, Well-Read Women: Portraits of Fiction’s Most Beloved Heroines, and Well-Read Women’s Reader’s Journal. Read on for The Montclair Girl’s conversation with Samantha Hahn, detailing her inspirations and love for North Jersey.
Photo Credit: Samantha Hahn
MG: How, if at all, does your community inspire you?
Samantha Hahn: This community is so welcoming, and engaging. Without my Brownie Troop text chain, I don’t know how I’d get through the day. Having Local Coffee a couple of blocks away gives us that happy feeling of living in an energetic environment plus, the sweetness of small-town living. It’s impossible not to run into friends anywhere we go in town.
Photo Credit: Samantha Hahn
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MG: If you could inspire people in one way based on the work you do, what would that mean to you?
SH: I hope my work adds a grace note to people’s day. Even a small pause to look at something visually compelling brings light and color into people’s lives.
MG: What is your favorite thing about living in North Jersey?
SH: I love being in the orbit of the city but with easy proximity to nature. We still feel like explorers in a strange land after moving here from Brooklyn. It’s fun discovering the variability of towns and trying out all the restaurants and hikes within a 10-mile radius.
Photo Credit: Samantha Hahn
MG: What are your favorite local businesses?
SH: Local Coffee, Java Love, Le Salbuen, Jiang Nan, and Jones Road Beauty.
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MG: Are there any local business owners you look up to?
SH: Rob at Local Coffee really makes his coffee shop a community hub. He’s just so welcoming and inviting to everyone, even noisy kids who leave crumbs. Also, Le Salbuen is a family-owned spot that has the best brunch ever. They’re super nice and let me add avocado and greens but take shallots out of their Kennett Square Omelet.
See more of Samantha Hahn via @samanthajhahn on Instagram and her website here. Also check out her business, Maison Rainbow via @maisonrainbow on Instagram and its website here.
