Inspirational makeup artist from Benenden who was adopted from an orphanage in Thailand
INSPIRATION: Dominic Paul (above) talks about adoption for National Adoption Week after being adopted himself as a baby. (Photo by Sally Loram)
A 29-year-old makeup artist who was adopted as a baby from an orphanage in Thailand and grew up in Benenden has encouraged people to consider adopting children.
Dominic Grief was adopted by Joanne and David Grief when they were six months old, with the couple subsequently adopting two sisters from Ecuador and Thailand.
He grew up in Cranbrook Road, attended the independent Sutton Valence School and then studied fashion and textiles at West Kent College in Tonbridge.
Dominic, who professionally uses the name Dominic Paul, said: “My parents adopted because they wanted their dream of having children.
“Growing up in Benenden went well, however, I noticed very quickly that we were the only ethnic children around. I really felt out of place. “
He is interested in exploring his cultural roots and has even returned to where he was raised as a baby.
“Every year before the pandemic, I made the effort to travel to Thailand. A few times since I came back, I myself have visited the orphanages and my sister has come to see those who were taking care of us, and to bring toys for the kids to play with, â€said Dominic, who turns 30 on Saturday.
Dominic is an Ambassador for the IAC The Center for Adoption, which celebrates National Adoption Week Monday, October 18-24.
It is the only international adoption charity in the UK, which Ofsted says has provided “exceptional” service to those wishing to adopt since 1997.
The makeup artist started his own Dominic Paul Cosmetics line when his mother sadly passed away in 2017 at Hospice in the Weald and left him some money. He worked with actress Dakota Blue Richards, actors Richard Rankin and Mel Raido and Graham Norton.
He urged others to consider adoption.
“I would encourage people to adopt because children should not be raised in orphanages. They should be raised in family homes where they can get a second chance at life,” he said.
You can visit the IAC The Center for Adoption via www.icacentre.org.uk
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