We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sonalys Matos a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Sonalys , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you recount a story of an unexpected problem you’ve faced along the way?

Life is hard sometimes and I believe we should never stop. I remember when I arrived here where I live, I lead a happy life, in peace and doing what I love; and surrounded by people who love and support me, it was difficult at first, everything that happened was very hard and I regretted the change a lot, I never thought I would achieve it and I received more than I expected in the midst of the storm I continued, I have a job that I love , I live and enjoy and although at first I did not understand the purpose, now I can see. I only understand and I have tattoos and I would like everyone to know that no matter what… everything happens, everything changes and everything comes to the good at heart; For all those who fight for their dreams, I have achieved many and this is one of them and I am grateful for every problem I overcome to be here.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am a Dominican who arrived with a suitcase and a dream once in Jersey City and today is living a dream in a new city that has given her a lot. 10 years ago I felt a passion for makeup before leaving school. I remember putting makeup on my friends to go out lol. enter to study makeup on a scholarship that I won in one of the best makeup schools in the Dominican Republic; After that I moved to the United States in the 2018 to Jersey City, there I started doing makeup. There have always been obstacles and changes and even more so when you are an immigrant and do not have a certain stability. But when we maintain discipline in what we want and work at it we manage to have what we want. Everything I’ve been through fills me with pride to be here today living what I love. I moved to Raleigh North Carolina where I currently live and work in makeup. I had a contract 1 year ago with a very famous company @reignbeauty. There I totally fell in love with bridal makeup. I currently work with them and individually I offer my services for brides, bridal, socials, 16th & more. I love do bridals and soft but then I love to do and play with glams <3. I have in-home bride services throughout NC and destination bride.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

When I moved I went through domestic violence, I lost a lot and I lost myself for my dreams and I hid them and I hid myself. I finished it and reported him. I locked myself in. I remember what has been more difficult for me… I didn’t speak and even less so at that moment. I didn’t want to speak the language because I was ashamed of my accent, I couldn’t even do that anymore due to a lot of anxiety and stress. I got out of there I asked God and I got out of there I fought for it, I worked for it and I have it. It is from God and the strength we put in is always the only thing I can say.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

my dream to help women get out of the void, find themselves and love themselves!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: samakeupartist_
• Other: @hubschsammy

Image Credits
portrait photo(rdu area): @bjproductions_ bridal photos (rdu area) : @casscophoto