Today we’d like to introduce you to Matty J.
Hi Matty, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My story really begins when I moved to LA after college to pursue a career in the music industry. I worked in that space for over a decade and eventually landed what I considered one of my most exciting and challenging roles. But just three months into that new job, I experienced an unexpected and devastating loss—my mom passed away.
Balancing the demands of a high-pressure job while processing her death and handling everything that came with it—funeral arrangements, managing her affairs, clearing out her apartment—took a serious toll on both my mental and physical health. I tried to push through, but over a year later, I realized I wasn’t okay. I decided to leave my job and take time to really focus on my well-being.
At the same time, I was also in the middle of a home renovation, which was its own kind of chaos. I worked with my incredible interior designer, Sebastien Markoc (IG: @markocdesign) who helped bring my vision to life. Once I left my job, I started casually sharing videos of my space and the renovation process. People resonated with it—but to my surprise, it really started to gain traction.
The more I shared, the more I realized how much I love creating content centered around home, design, and personal transformation. That’s what led me to pursue content creation full-time. It’s been incredibly rewarding to build something rooted in healing and creativity, and to create a home that feels like mine in every sense.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Has it been a smooth road? Definitely not. But every twist has brought me closer to where I’m meant to be.
The biggest emotional challenge was stepping into the unknown after leaving my job. I gave myself permission to slow down and focus on healing—spending time with friends and family, staying present, and not rushing to figure out “what’s next.” But as time passed, the fear crept in: Would I return to a traditional office job? Did I even want to?
The answer was no—I knew I didn’t want to go back to a 9–5 life. But figuring out what I wanted to do instead came with its own uncertainty. I started looking at content creators who were building full-time careers doing what they loved, and that opened my mind to the possibility of doing the same.
Still, transitioning into a new field came with a learning curve. I had to start from scratch—researching the home and design space, studying what worked for other creators, and finding my own creative voice.
A breakthrough moment came when Apartment Therapy reached out to feature my kitchen renovation. That came months after I had casually posted the before-and-after. It felt like a full-circle moment—something I had hoped for, and then it actually happened. That gave me the confidence to keep pushing forward.
The struggles I’ve faced have absolutely shaped how I connect with my audience. I’m passionate about showing people that it’s possible to pivot into a new chapter and feel good about it. I also want to help people feel proud of their homes—whether that’s through entertaining better, organizing more intentionally, or just creating a space that feels like you. Our homes are a reflection of who we are, and I love helping others bring that to life.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a home decor and lifestyle content creator with a focus on storytelling, intentional design, and personal transformation. My work blends my love for Japandi aesthetics with a California coastal warmth—think neutral palettes, natural textures, and personal touches that reflect both Black culture, queer culture, and the intersections between the two.
What I do is more than just styling a space—it’s about sharing my journey as a homebody, my connection with family, and how healing and growth can physically manifest through your environment. I create videos and content that are light-hearted and fun, but also informative—whether that’s about cleaning tips, small upgrades, or learning to tackle one home project at a time without overwhelm.
People often tell me they connect most when I share more personally—especially about my pivot from a demanding career in music to becoming a full-time creative. A lot of folks are scared to make a leap like that, so hearing from someone who’s done it—and is still figuring it out—can be really encouraging. Being open like that has just become a big part of how I show up in my work.
What lights me up most is the creative process itself—when I level up a video by learning a new editing tool, trying a new transition, or capturing my authentic self on camera. One example I’m really proud of is my “Sunday Reset” video, where I layered in a gospel bounce remix of Fred Hammond’s “Blessed” and just had fun with it. It wasn’t just about cleaning—it was about joy, energy, movement, and culture, all while showing off my space. It felt like I was in a music video and, honestly, it was just me.
I’m obsessed with how viewers experience content—what makes someone pause while scrolling? What’s the hook? What makes it worth 30 seconds of their time? That kind of awareness shapes how I present everything.
At the end of the day, I just want people to smile, learn something, and feel a little more connected to their space. Your home should feel like your sanctuary—and if I can help someone feel like the king, queen, or boss of their own home, then I’ve done my job.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I think the space isn’t necessarily saturated—it’s just become more expansive. There are so many more creators now, which actually makes it easier for people to find someone whose aesthetic or approach really resonates with them. Even though there are established design categories, the variety of voices and styles out there today makes the content feel more personal and relatable. People can find creators who reflect their own identity, culture, or lifestyle, and that makes the whole space feel more inclusive.
One trend I see continuing is the use of vintage or secondhand pieces. They bring a sense of warmth and character to a space that cookie-cutter decor just can’t replicate. I think we’re moving away from homes that look like showrooms and toward spaces that feel layered and lived-in—where every item tells a bit of a story.
Technology is shifting everything too. With tools like ChatGPT or AI-based interior design apps, people can take a photo of their room and get instant mock-ups with different paint colors, furniture, or decor styles. It makes the process more accessible, especially for people who aren’t sure where to start or need help visualizing changes in their actual space.
As for where I see my role evolving—I definitely want to keep growing in home design, but I’d also love to branch into fashion, especially menswear. Style plays such a big part in how I express myself. I also want to incorporate more travel content—sharing tips, experiences, and hidden gems from trips I take. Long-term, I’d love to write a book and explore creative projects that bring all these elements of my life together.
The beauty of this space is that it’s always changing—and I’m excited to grow right along with it.
Contact Info:
- Website: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattyjallday
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattyjallday
Image Credits
Willie Mack (@TheMackster); Matty J (@MattyJAllDay); Daniel the Photographer
