Hot’s new docu-reality show “Barak Girls” brought to the screen quite a few interesting characters from the ultra-Orthodox world, including one of the most well-known makeup artists in the ultra-Orthodox sector, Esti Sokolovsky. In a festive interview with Tahiya Barak in Lasha magazine, she talks about the price of exposure, the relationship with God, and how she managed to deal with her little daughter’s illness.
During the series, viewers are often exposed to her personal moments at home, and she says about the exposure that it was actually easy for her to agree to participate in the series. “Itzik took a little longer. I’m a dreamer and he’s a realist. He told me: ‘I know the divinity of the ultra-orthodox public.’ I’m afraid that the girls will be told, ‘Your mother is shameful,’ or ‘She is blaspheming.’
“I’m sick of God”
“When you grow up as an ultra-Orthodox girl, you are expected to believe that there is a God. You are not allowed to ask questions about him. Nevertheless, I asked who is God, why should I trust him and believe in him? The teacher blew up at me. They don’t ask such questions. I always asked the wrong questions in the wrong place, in the end I learned to be silent. I connected to God in my own way, without definitions. I was waiting for the day when we could be me and him alone. I love God. He is the best thing that happened to me.”
Esti, a very well-known make-up artist, shares with her tens of thousands of followers on Instagram her daily work, when she makes up brides and in the past also made up talents on TV. “I was always terribly extroverted and it was natural. I always knew I was beautiful, even when I was fat I had confidence, and I realized that if I uploaded pictures of myself with makeup on it would help my business. I started taking pictures with different types of makeup and special wigs and giving cool tips, how to create freckles for example. Slowly I started to gain followers.” She further added, “Itzik only asked that I try not to make fun of men. I announce in advance that I keep my touch and it helps me avoid unpleasant situations. But it’s not an option not to make fun of men on TV, and halachically, when it’s for work, it’s allowed.”