In the vast landscape of eating disorder recovery, where the journey can feel like an uphill battle, there are few places that truly understand the struggle from the inside out. Safe Sam’s, founded by Samantha Brior, is one such place. Born from a deeply personal mission, Safe Sam’s is more than just a brand—it’s a lifeline for those navigating the often overwhelming world of eating disorder recovery.

Samantha, or Sam as she is affectionately known, isn’t just the founder of Safe Sam’s—she’s a survivor. With 16 years of personal recovery and six years of professional experience in the field of eating disorder recovery and addiction, Sam knows the journey to healing all too well. Her firsthand experience lends a unique authenticity and empathy to Safe Sam’s, making it a brand that truly resonates with those it aims to help.

A Mission Born from Friendship and Compassion

The seeds of Safe Sam’s were planted during a time of profound personal connection. It all started when Sam set out to help her best friend through her eating disorder recovery. What began as a deeply personal mission quickly grew into something much larger—a desire to help as many people as possible navigate their recovery journey with dignity, compassion, and, above all, hope.

Initially, Sam envisioned Safe Sam’s as a line of snack bars designed specifically for individuals in eating disorder recovery. These were meant to be “safe” foods—foods that wouldn’t trigger anxiety or overwhelm those in recovery. However, as with many startups, the path wasn’t straightforward. Manufacturing and cost issues forced a pivot, transforming the snack bar concept into a line of recipe books accessible to all. These recipe books became a cornerstone of the brand, offering individuals in recovery a resource that felt safe and supportive.

But the road didn’t end there. When Safe Sam’s expanded into a broader product line, the journey hit another bump—about 70% of the inventory was lost in transit. It was a significant setback, but Sam and her team persevered, driven by their unwavering commitment to the brand’s mission.

A Safe Space for Real-Life Recovery

What differentiates Safe Sam’s from other eating disorder recovery brands in the industry is its focus on the real-life situations that people face outside of treatment. While many organizations provide crucial support during treatment, Safe Sam’s addresses the daily challenges that individuals often feel too ashamed to discuss. These are the moments when recovery feels most fragile, and it’s in these moments that Safe Sam’s steps in.

Sam’s unique perspective as both a survivor and a professional in the field gives her a profound understanding of what it’s like to walk in the shoes of someone struggling with an eating disorder. She’s not just an outsider looking in—she’s been there. This lived experience allows her to create products and resources that truly meet the needs of those in recovery.

One of the most powerful aspects of Safe Sam’s is the sense of safety and trust that Sam has cultivated. The name “Safe Sam’s” itself is a testament to this. In the world of eating disorder recovery, the term “safe” is often used to describe foods that don’t induce anxiety. Sam chose to keep this name even as the brand evolved because it reflects the safe space she has always aimed to create—a space where people can be themselves, without fear or judgment, as they navigate their recovery journey.

Empowering Others Through Personal Connection

Beyond its products, Safe Sam’s is a community—a sanctuary for those in recovery. Sam runs weekly support groups, where she forms deep, meaningful connections with struggling people. These groups are more than just a place to share—they’re a space where individuals can find understanding, support, and, most importantly, hope.

Sam’s professional journey is as inspiring as her personal one. Starting with an idea for a snack bar, she worked her way up from an entry-level position at an eating disorder treatment center to a role where she now works with AI software to help track patient progress post-treatment. This innovative approach aims to step in before a potential relapse occurs, providing crucial support when it’s needed most. Along the way, Sam has been recognized for her contributions to the field, winning Employee of the Month and being featured in various blogs and podcasts dedicated to eating disorder recovery.

A Positive Glimpse Into the Future

The future of Safe Sam’s is bright. Sam envisions expanding the product line and forming partnerships throughout the mental health and eating disorder communities. But more than anything, her goal is to help as many people as possible in a big way. She’s not just building a brand—she’s building a legacy of compassion, support, and empowerment for those on the path to recovery.

Safe Sam’s was created out of a simple desire to help—a desire born from personal experience and one that has touched the lives of many. Sam understands not only what it’s like to struggle but also what it’s like for the family and friends of those going through recovery. This deep empathy and understanding are at the heart of everything Safe Sam’s stands for.

As Safe Sam’s continues to grow, it remains a beacon of hope for those navigating the often tricky and isolating journey of eating disorder recovery. It’s a brand that doesn’t just offer products—it offers a safe space, a supportive community, and a reminder that recovery is possible, no matter how challenging the road may be.

Published by: Khy Talara