A Sydney makeup artist and sexual assault survivor who suffered years of debilitating pain has died suddenly after suffering agony since she was a teenager.
The family of Samantha Feld-Holmes said they “desperately miss their special girl who is now at peace” in a heartbreaking tribute in a newspaper obituary.
Ms Feld-Holmes, 27, from Kogarah, in Sydney’s south, died suddenly on November 11 after a long struggle with conditions including bipolar disorder and chronic fatigue.
She had also been a victim of sexual assault and domestic violence, she told her followers on social media.
Her family has now asked mourners to make donations to charities researching the treatment of migraines, as well as bipolar disorder and endometriosis, in lieu of flowers.
The details of his funeral have not yet been formally arranged. His family has not yet revealed the cause of his death.
The 27-year-old makeup artist, whose work had recently been featured in Vogue magazine, had openly discussed her life problems with her online followers.
“My body no longer keeps your secrets,” she wrote on her website, referencing her sexual assault allegations.
Sydney makeup artist Samantha Feld-Holmes died earlier this month
She shared her health problems with her online followers.
In recent weeks, he has shared photographs of his watercolors of Australian nature which he said reflected his journey until being diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
“Creating these paintings has been a cathartic experience, allowing me to express the duality of my condition,” he said in an Instagram post.
‘Bipolar disorder is often seen as a challenge, but through my art I want to highlight the unique perspectives and strengths it brings.
“It’s about accepting both the highs and the lows, finding balance and recognizing the luxury of understanding yourself more deeply.”
Ms Feld-Holmes also shared details of her long-standing endometriosis diagnosis.
“I have suffered from severe menstrual pain and dysfunction in normal life since I was a teenager,” she shared on her company’s website.
‘Endometriosis affects my daily life and I would like to raise awareness of the thousands of people out of pocket trying to find answers, time and recovery with multiple operations.’
In 2016, he posted on social media about his years-long struggle with chronic fatigue syndrome (myalgic encephalomyelitis).
«Coping with these symptoms on a daily basis, and over a period often measured in years, can be very difficult; The impact this condition can have on a person’s life is immense,” he shared in a heartfelt Facebook post.
‘I’m lucky to have an amazing doctor; Dr. Richard Schloeffel, which means I am currently recovering and in the best health I have been in years.
‘It has been a long and incredibly challenging process to get to where I am now. I am still plagued with pain, suffer from debilitating fatigue and have reduced capacity.’
In recent weeks she has shared photos of her watercolor painting inspired by Australian nature that reflect her journey to being diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
Last month she celebrated a career milestone after photos of her makeup work appeared in Vogue.
‘I’m beyond excited to announce that my work has been featured in **Best of Photo Vogue**!’ she smiled online.
“This milestone highlights the diversity and inclusion of my brand, showcasing the beauty and uniqueness of everyone I work with.”
He also announced that he had started a Master of Business Administration – MBA at the Australian Institute of Management.
If you or someone you know needs help, please contact Lifeline Australia 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue 1300 22 46 36