Strauss grew up in Gold Coast, Queensland, and was educated at St Hilda's School, Trinity Lutheran College and Bond University, where she studied Film and Television.
She also trained in professional ballet on the Gold Coast, before a fractured back injury forced her to change directions.
Samantha Strauss is the co-creator and head writer of the 65-part ABC teen drama series Dance Academy.
On 22 September 2020, See-Saw Films launched production company Picking Scabs jointly with Strauss.
[4] Strauss created the 2025 Netflix series Apple Cider Vinegar about the convicted scammer and health influencer Belle Gibson.