Meet Maria Jose Peña Pappaterra | Creative Makeup Artist & Medical Student

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maria Jose Peña Pappaterra and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maria Jose, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
Discipline, it takes discipline to create any good habit. I consider motivation a good starter, but the truth is motivation won’t always be there, you have to do it even the days you don’t feel like it in order to create consistency and then good results. In my case when it comes to art it’s a little different, because you usually create the best art when feeling inspired, but not giving up is the key. Find what inspires you, do it for you, not for the feedback you’re going to get. Sometimes one can feel unmotivated to keep going, but that’s when discipline comes in. Also not giving up is very cliché to say but the truth is, you have to stick to the plan even when you feel like you’re tired, remember what drove you into your chosen path and fuel it everyday!

Please tell us more about your art. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I consider art a way of expressing myself, a therapy and a skill that I’ve been perfecting for years now. I would say what stands me out is definitely creative makeup, also I feel amazing when I do it, when I challenge myself to new looks and ideas.

I think the best lesson I’ve learned is that when you do something because you love it and actually enjoy it, the path is way easier, because you don’t feel like depending on what others will say or the feedback you get. It’s hard sometimes expecting more and not getting that but when you let that go, things arrive on their own. I just put my full effort on it, because I love doing it.

I still consider myself a work in progress, I’ve come way further than I’ve ever even imagined and I’m grateful for it. But after accomplishing it, I’m ready to go for more.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well, I’m from the Dominican Republic and I gotta say my country has many beautiful spots. But I would definitely take her or him to the best ones such as the beaches. From Las Terrenas to Cabarete, we have many fun places to visit and feel nature here. Los Haitises National Park is also an amazing place to visit, and the areas around it. Food is also amazing, I would offer some of our best and typical dishes such as La Bandera & Sancocho. For last would definitely take him or her partying in the Caribbean and meet our amazing people.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I dedicate my shoutout so every single person that has supported me since day 1. My parents are a huge support, they’re always amazed by what I do and feel proud of it. My closest friends are also a huge support to me, and motivate me by giving me ideas or inspirations, I’m truly grateful for them.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bymariajoseppt

Image Credits
Abraham Sanchez (photographer)