What happens when a gifted songwriter and Navy veteran decides to tackle the fintech world? In this episode, Cam and Otis sit down with Samoria Preston, founder of ThrillPay, to explore her fascinating journey from creating music to revolutionizing how people access financing for experiences and non-physical products.

"Music theory is basically math," Samoria explains, revealing the unexpected connection between her artistic background and her current work in financial technology. From discussing the challenges of maintaining authenticity in the music industry to sharing insights about building a fintech startup during the Ticketmaster controversy era, this conversation offers a unique perspective on entrepreneurship.

What makes this episode particularly compelling is Samoria's ability to bridge both sides of her brain—the creative artist and the analytical businessperson. Whether you're an entrepreneur navigating industry disruption, someone interested in fintech innovation, or simply curious about how diverse experiences shape business vision, Samoria's story provides valuable lessons on staying authentic while building something new.

More About Sam:
Samoria Preston is a songwriter, Navy veteran, and the visionary founder behind ThrillPay, an innovative fintech company redefining how people access and experience financial technology. After serving as an Aviation Maintenance Technician and Plane Captain in the U.S. Navy, Samoria earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Liberty University, laying the groundwork for her entrepreneurial journey.

Her career began in the music industry, where she established herself as a professional songwriter, collaborating with a wide range of artists and producers to create digital music using technology that connects deeply with audiences around the world. This creative path sparked her fascination with the power of technology to transform industries and improve lives.

Motivated by a passion for innovation and community empowerment, Samoria launched ThrillPay. This cutting-edge app provides users with easy access to financing for a variety of purchases, including non-physical products and unique experiences. Through ThrillPay, she is dedicated to helping everyday people leverage their finances to create more meaningful and memorable moments.

Throughout her journey, Samoria has been driven by a desire to connect with others and make a positive impact. Whether writing songs, developing new business concepts, or fostering community, she is committed to authenticity, meaningful innovation, and inspiring others to pursue their own passions.


Chapter Times and Titles:

Introduction: The Artist Turned FinTech Founder [00:00 - 03:35]
Meet Samoria Preston and ThrillPay
From Navy veteran to songwriter to entrepreneur
The unexpected connection between music and numbers

"Music Theory Is Math" [03:35 - 15:10]
How music and technology intersect
Digital audio workstations and the tech side of creativity
Writing songs as personal communication

Authenticity in the Music Industry [15:10 - 19:06]
The challenge of staying authentic in a manufactured industry
Writing from personal experience and emotion
When superficial content overshadows meaningful art

The Pivot to FinTech [19:06 - 35:00]
The Ticketmaster era and industry disruption (2022)
Why the original concept didn't feel authentic
Finding the real problem to solve with ThrillPay

Building ThrillPay: Innovation Meets Community [35:00 - 45:00]
Redefining access to financing for experiences
Empowering everyday people through financial technology
The vision behind non-physical product financing

Lessons from Multiple Worlds [45:00 - 53:35]
Balancing creativity with business strategy
The importance of authenticity in entrepreneurship
Advice for asp