Member Spotlight | Samonae Carter | American Association of Private Lenders

Our September Member Spotlight shines on Samonae Carter

How long has Micro Monies been an AAPL member?

We just joined!

What benefit are you most looking forward to from membership/why did you join the association?

I joined to grow alongside other lenders, learn from seasoned professionals, and stay grounded in best practices while building a sustainable, impact-driven lending business.

What, if anything, would you like to contribute to fellow AAPL members and the private lending industry?

I’d love to contribute by helping demystify the lending process for newer participants, and by sharing resources that support ethical lending, financial literacy, and operational efficiency.

What brought you into the private lending industry?

I started funding vending machines for business owners who couldn’t get traditional loans. That hands-on experience showed me how powerful private capital can be when used with care and clarity.

Advice you’d give your younger self?

Start building relationships earlier—and trust that you don’t need to have everything figured out to start something meaningful.

Career advice for industry newbies?

Don’t skip the foundational learning. Understand the paperwork, the risk, and the responsibility. And connect with people—you’ll learn more through real conversations than through assumptions.

Accomplishment you’re particularly proud of?

Launching a financial education platform and support services that has helped people rethink how they grow, fund, and sustain their businesses—even with limited resources.

Your “one big goal” for the year?

To grow a private lender network that’s both profitable and principled—connecting more capital to overlooked opportunities and helping others lend with confidence.

Your personal motto/words you live by?

“Give more than you take, and value flows back in ways you never expected.”

Favorite “down time” activity?

Hot baths with good music or a book—bonus points if it’s smooth jazz or something uplifting.

The “one weird fact about you” that you always share during teambuilding exercises?

I can’t go to an airport without mentally evaluating its operations—it’s a habit I just can’t turn off. I’m always observing the signage, security flow, gate logistics, and how the airfield is managed. I think about how impressive the entire system and infrastructure really is—and then I start thinking about how I can apply what I’m seeing to improve the airports I help manage. Even on personal trips, I naturally shift into “how could this be better?” mode—it’s just how my brain works.

Favorite book/movie/other content, and why?

The Go-Giver — it’s simple but powerful, and a great reminder that real success is rooted in generosity.

Your fur baby’s name?

Luna is my little Maltipoo—small in size but overflowing with love, personality, and charm.