Great Company with Jamie Laing
Episode: AMANZA SMITH: FROM SURVIVING ABUSE & ADDICTION TO STARING IN NETFLIX’S SELLING SUNSET
Release Date: May 13, 2025

Introduction

In this powerful episode of Great Company with Jamie Laing, host Jamie engages in a heartfelt and inspiring conversation with Amanza Smith, a resilient survivor who has transformed her life from enduring abuse and battling addiction to becoming a prominent figure on Netflix’s reality show, Selling Sunset. This episode delves deep into Amanza’s tumultuous journey, exploring themes of trauma, recovery, and personal growth.

Early Life and Experiences with Racism

Amanza opens up about her upbringing in Vincennes, Indiana, a predominantly white, small-town setting. She recalls being the only black child in her school, which exposed her to overt racism from a young age.

• Amanza ([12:24]): "I was the only black kid in my whole community. My biological father's black, my mom's white, but I was raised by my white stepdad and my white mom."

She describes the daily challenges she faced, including derogatory remarks about her skin and hair, which profoundly affected her self-esteem and sense of belonging.

• Amanza ([13:36]): "There was a big, big racism. In high school, my boyfriend's family told me they didn't want him to date me anymore because I'm black."

Struggles with Abuse and Addiction

Amanza bravely shares her darkest moments, including years of sexual molestation by her stepdad and stepgrandpa from ages three to eleven. These traumatic experiences led her into a cycle of self-medication through drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine during her twenties.

• Amanza ([23:18]): "I had been sexually molested by my stepdad from the time I was three until I was eleven."

Her battle with addiction was intense, but a pivotal moment came when a friend confronted her about her destructive behavior, pushing her to seek help without formal rehabilitation.

• Amanza ([31:03]): "A friend pulled me aside and said, 'What are you doing? You're throwing your life away.'"

Path to Recovery and Personal Transformation

Amanza credits her decision to move to Los Angeles and prioritize her sobriety as crucial factors in her recovery. Through self-determination and the support of friends, she managed to overcome addiction without entering rehab.

• Amanza ([31:45]): "I cleaned up my life, got a job, and never looked back. It was incredibly hard, but I knew I had to change."

Her journey also involved confronting her past through therapy, which enabled her to address the deep-seated trauma she had buried for years.

• Amanza ([25:50]): "Starting therapy allowed me to finally speak aloud the things that had been haunting me."

Career Breakthrough with Selling Sunset

Amanza’s resilience and unique perspective eventually led her to the world of reality television. As an interior designer and interior design specialist with the Oppenheim Group, she brought a fresh aesthetic to Selling Sunset, distinguishing herself from her peers through her emphasis on design over competition.

• Amanza ([42:14]): "I'm not about knocking anyone down. I focus on aesthetics and creating beautiful spaces."

Her role on the show not only showcased her professional talents but also highlighted her personal growth and ability to thrive despite her challenging past.

Overcoming Health Crises and Embracing Life

Amanza recounts a life-threatening health scare that further solidified her outlook on life. After experiencing severe back pain initially dismissed as a spasm, she was later diagnosed with a blood infection (osteomyelitis) that required extensive medical intervention, including spine surgeries.

• Amanza ([53:38]): "I almost didn't make it. The infection was deteriorating my vertebrae, and I was in excruciating pain."

This brush with death reinforced her commitment to living fully and pursuing her passions, such as painting, which became a therapeutic outlet during her recovery.

• Amanza ([58:28]): "Emerging from the hospital, I knew I had to seize every moment. I began painting as a way to heal."

Navigating Personal Relationships and Forgiveness

Amanza discusses the complexities of her personal relationships, including her decision to cut ties with her abusive mother to protect her mental well-being. She emphasizes the importance of forgiveness as a tool for personal liberation, sharing her experiences of forgiving those who wronged her.

• Amanza ([50:32]): "Forgiveness is for yourself, not for them. It’s about releasing the weight you carry."

Her approach to co-parenting and supporting her teenage son through the absence of his father showcases her strength and dedication as a single mother.

• Amanza ([62:12]): "I explained to my son that sometimes your brain gets sick, just like your body. It’s a way for him to understand daddy’s absence."

Artistic Endeavors and Future Aspirations

Amanza has channeled her life experiences into her art, with her collections featured in galleries across London and Los Angeles. She views art as a continuation of her healing process and a means to inspire others.

• Amanza ([63:25]): "Art has become a dream I never knew I had. It’s a journey I’m excited to continue."

She expresses her intention to explore new creative avenues, including international exhibits, further establishing herself as a multifaceted artist.

Closing Thoughts and Inspirational Message

Throughout the interview, Amanza's story is a testament to the human spirit's capacity for endurance and transformation. Her ability to overcome severe trauma, addiction, and health crises to achieve personal and professional success serves as an inspiration to listeners facing their own challenges.

• Amanza ([53:38]): "If you're struggling, know that there's a path forward. Forgiveness and self-love can change your life."

Jamie Laing and producer Jemima commend Amanza for her unwavering strength and infectious energy, concluding the episode with admiration for her remarkable journey.

Notable Quotes

• Amanza ([12:24]): "I was the only black kid in my whole community."
• Amanza ([23:18]): "I had been sexually molested by my stepdad from the time I was three until I was eleven."
• Amanza ([31:45]): "I cleaned up my life, got a job, and never looked back."
• Amanza ([50:32]): "Forgiveness is for yourself, not for them."
• Amanza ([58:28]): "Emerging from the hospital, I knew I had to seize every moment."
• Amanza ([63:25]): "Art has become a dream I never knew I had."

Conclusion

This episode of Great Company with Jamie Laing not only highlights Amanza Smith’s extraordinary resilience and triumph over adversity but also offers valuable insights into dealing with trauma, the power of forgiveness, and the pursuit of one’s passions. Amanza’s story is a beacon of hope, demonstrating that through sheer willpower and support, one can overcome even the most daunting life challenges.

For those inspired by Amanza’s journey, her artwork is available at Grove Gallery in Fitzrovia and MASH Gallery in West Hollywood. Follow her artistic endeavors and support her mission to inspire others through resilience and creativity.