Small Maker Spotlight: Celebrating Women's History Month with Samantha Testa

We’re excited to bring you the next Maker Spotlight in our Small Maker Series, where we get to introduce you to some of our fellow creatives, small business owners, and entrepreneurs from the DC area and beyond. In each blog feature, they’ll share a bit about their story, the products they create, and the culture and experiences that inspire their work. 

This month, we are featuring Samantha Testa, from Right Place Studio, a fellow artist and maker based in Washington DC, whose artwork celebrates the physical locations that hold our memories and bring people together.

Sam is one of my very first maker friends I met after moving to DC back in 2015. We connected at a ladies networking event, and instantly clicked. We have both grown so much over the years and have been there cheering each other on through it all. 

Left: image Sam and I over lunch, during my Dolly Parton–blonde hair phase. Right image: Sam in her element, engraving Valentine’s Day glassware at our Shaw storefront in 2019.

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MEET SAM FROM RIGHT PLACE STUDIO

Can you introduce yourself and tell us a little about your brand?

Hi, I'm Sam! I'm the watercolor artist and calligrapher behind Right Place Studio. RPS specializes in making art inspired by the places you love and the experiences you want to remember!

How does being a maker in Washington, DC influence your work, and are there any personal experiences or memories tied to DC, specifically, that inspire what you create?  

DC has inspired my work immensely! When I was a teacher, I would take my summers off to bike around and explore the city and its beautiful landmarks. When I started my creative journey after many years of teaching elementary school, I decided to use these landmarks as the pillars of my art. It's a thrill when a customer sees my artwork and says, "I got married here," or "I walk my dog past this everyday," or "I haven't been here yet!" It's a great opportunity to connect our community through art.

In addition to your artwork, you also host workshops for adults. What do you enjoy most about connecting with people through these experiences?

Having been a first grade teacher for almost a decade, this was a natural progression of my career. I love creating a warm and welcoming place for people to take their first steps to learn a new skill. It's difficult for some adults to try something they might not be good at right off the bat and I celebrate just making something with your hands, even if you're not good at it immediately!

In honor of Women’s History Month, are there any women, past or present, who have inspired your work or influenced your journey as an entrepreneur?

Yes! Hilma Klimt was an innovative abstract artist who specified her work not be released until at least 20 years after her death. She created not for recognition or public validation, but from a place of personal conviction. This is a powerful reminder for me to build and create for myself first!

You can find more on Hilma Klimt here. 

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your brand or business? Anything coming up you want our readers to check out?

Right Place Studio is part of the Brookland Arts Walk, a fantastic art community that holds events throughout the year. We are hosting our second Family Fun Day in collab with Takoma Collective on March 29, 2026. We will have a free puppet show, kid activations, and over 20 local vendors and food trucks. Register to attend HERE. 

RPS is leaning into doors this year. I LOVE doors and have been working to illustrate one door from every DC neighborhood. I'm about 75% through all 100+ doors and look forward to sharing the collection with everyone once it's completed.

On-site activations have become the cornerstone of my business. It's where my work comes to life in real time right in front of guests, blending creativity and connection! We love making meaningful gifts for party guests, brand activations, store openings, and every event in between!

Get in touch with my team at Right Place Studio to see how we can elevate your brand event this season. You can check out our full list of offerings here. 

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You can also find Sam's magnets, stickers, and her DC door illustrations at our gift shop at Reagan National Airport, The Neighborgoods DC. Stop by and check them out next time you're traveling through DC. Our shop is located inside Terminal 2 in the National Hall, closest to the C Gates, after security.

Sam’s art is a great reminder of how the places all around us shape our memories and help connect us! We’re so glad to celebrate her story during Women's History Month. Stay tuned for the next post in our Small Maker Series as we continue highlighting makers whose heritage and artistry inspire us year-round.

Thanks for reading!