Samata is a British-born Ghanaian entrepreneur based in Los Angeles and the CEO and Founder of BLACK PEARL, a company operating at the intersection of design, fashion, music, entertainment, and education. A passionate advocate for cultural sustainability, she leads a diverse and dedicated team committed to connecting people, communities, and the planet through meaningful partnerships and initiatives.
“Culture is a powerful force in shaping the future of sustainability—and it’s something I understand on a deep, personal level. We’re here to do the meaningful work that often goes overlooked, and we do it with purpose and care.
My passion has always been about bridging gaps—helping people see that they’ve always had a place in the sustainability conversation. By highlighting culture, I help others connect with sustainability in ways that feel personal, familiar, and real.”
— Samata
As former CEO of Red Carpet Green Dress (RCGD Global), Samata brought sustainability to the Oscars, building an eco-conscious fashion platform on one of the world’s most visible global stages. She developed international programs and partnerships with brands such as Louis Vuitton, Armani, Vivienne Westwood, and TENCEL, and collaborated with notable public figures including Billie Eilish, Emma Roberts, Zoe Saldana, and Lakeith Stanfield.
Her educational work spans institutions worldwide, from UC Berkeley and Yale to Central Saint Martins and ESMOD Paris. At BLACK PEARL, she continues to shape sustainability dialogue through partnerships with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, OVERHEATED, and organizations such as ZDHC.
A recognized environmental and social advocate, Samata has spoken at COP26, COP27, COP28, and the Washington State House of Representatives, and contributed to Billie Eilish’s Overheated documentary. She serves on the boards of Cambridge University, the Hollywood Climate Summit, and LA Climate Week, and advises the State of Fashion Council. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, she has been featured on LOHAS Magazine’s Green Women Power List and VOGUE Business’ Innovator 100 as a “Champion of Change.”
Samata is also the author of The Sustainable Style Guide for Everyone and created sustainability guides for the 95th and 96th Academy Awards. Her expertise has led her to advise two British Prime Ministers at 10 Downing Street on sustainability, entrepreneurship, and creative leadership.
