Today we’d like to introduce you to Samalie Apira.
Samalie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
There is so much to story that it honestly needs to be a book, lol I am joking—kind of. I was born in Uganda, then my father moved us to the states when I was nine years old. I grew up in many surroundings, which resulted in me searching for my true identity. By that I mean, when a lot of white people surrounded me, I would be called an oreo (black on the outside and white on the inside). Then when Hispanics surrounded me, I would be called “a wannabe Mexican” that is a direct quote and finally, when I was hanging out with black people, I wasn’t black enough or “I couldn’t be black”. I was never heavily surrounded by Africans besides my family and some cousins so that make things even harder. Not knowing my identity along with other things caused me to go through depression. It wasn’t until my junior year in college that I found out where my true identity lies. My true identity is who I am with Christ and what he calls me to be. Learning that helped me battle depression, anxiety and all the side effects that came with it. I am still battling those two things today, but choosing Christ helps me a lot more than anything that I tried in the past. Now I want to help those that are going through what I went through.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has been tough. Struggles included depression, anxiety attacks, terrible nightmares, questioning my personality, my identity, unlearning toxic behavior, standing up for myself, etc. It was a tough road but I thank the people that helped me get through it.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I have a blog called SOMS and you can read my blogs at somsoms.com. I wanted to name it soms.com but that was already taken. I write about the different lessons that I have learned so far in my life. What I am most proud of is the fact that I started and I didn’t give up. Sometimes friends ask me if I still write and when I say yes, they are shocked. Topics and ideas may come slowly but I do not intend on giving up anytime soon.
I also vlog on the side as well. All my vlogs are on my IGTV. My handle is @xoxo_soms_ . I have always wanted to write and be on camera so this is the best of both worlds. I like to creative and having two outlets is great.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I think any city is a great place to start your business but I favor Dallas the most. For one, this was the very first city that I ever knew of so it will always have my heart. Second, business is always booming in the city of Dallas. It has many resources. The people are nice, encouraging and it has some amazing coffee shops that will provide you spaces to get into your work.
Contact Info:
- Website: somsoms.com
- Email: samalie.apira@gmail.com
- Instagram: @xoxo_soms_ (that is my personal one). @somsblog (my blog’s IG)
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