Sarah Nathalié: Made in the Secret Place
- Sofia Nicotra
- May 3
- 9 min read
In an era where polished studios and big production teams often define success in music, it's easy to assume that only the most “professional” setups can produce meaningful art. But for Sarah Nathalié—our Artist of the Month for May—her journey began with something far simpler: a laptop, an iPhone, and a heart full of faith. What some might have seen as a limitation, God used as a platform for His limitless glory.
We got to chat with Sarah directly about her experiences…
Your music journey began with just an iPhone and a laptop—no studio, no big team. Now you've released a full Spanish EP. In what ways has that “limited” setup actually become a stage for God's limitless glory in your life?
“When I initially began making music, my only desire was to worship God in my own creative way. I wanted to offer Him something pure and authentic. Sometimes, as humans, we think God needs what we think He needs in order to fulfill what He wants to do in our lives. We are the ones who construct a view of the "proper" way to be and the "proper" way to do. However, sometimes we just need to set aside our versions of the "proper" way- and just submit to God's way, which takes faith, surrender, and humility. Praise God for His Word that fills us with faith and is a lamp to our feet, and for the Holy Spirit that guides us into all truth!
I find the way this question is worded so beautiful! When I read the word "limit", I automatically thought of 2 Corinthians 12:9, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Meaning that even in our limits, God is limitless. When I think of my journey in music and how it began, I like to think of it like this: God took my five loaves of bread and two fish, and He multiplied them.
I can only give glory to God for whatever impact my music has made, and what the platform He has so graciously given me is so that I could preach Jesus. I desire to continue walking in obedience and faith, praying and hoping that everything I do brings glory to God and serves for the edification of my brothers and sisters who listen. God wants to use us all for His glory, we need just a willing heart.”
One of Sarah’s greatest strengths as a creative is her honesty about the tension between inspiration and discouragement. Even in moments of doubt, she’s learned to lean in and not give up.
Was there a specific moment during the making of the Spanish EP where the Holy Spirit shifted your plans or surprised you creatively? How did that moment impact the final outcome of the project?
“There was a time in 2024, during the making of the EP, when I almost gave up on the song "Regalo". I had been holding onto the song for about 2 years and just could not get it to sound the way I envisioned in my head! I believe my ears were burned out from listening to it so much. After weeks of frustration, I prayed, desperately asking God for some sort of help, which I should've done a long time ago, hehe.
He brought to my memory a friend of mine, who had offered to mix and master any unreleased song of mine for his portfolio! I headed to Instagram and reached out to my friend to see if he was still willing, and he so graciously was! He took the song off my hands and turned it into what it is today! God truly used him to revive my love for the song, and I ended up using his mix as a guide when I was mixing the other 4 songs on the EP!”
You carry your Dominican heritage boldly in your music—not just in style, but in spirit. How have you come to see your culture as a ministry tool that reflects God's beauty and diversity to the world? Have you found community within the scene (other Latin Christian creatives)?
“Awww, thank you! I love my heritage and have definitely been wanting to embrace it more. Diving a little into my personal experience, with being part of the Hispanic church all my life, I have seen that most (not all) Spanish-speaking Latinos tend to gravitate toward one of two music genres. Either Spanish Worship, or Christian Spanish Reggaeton/Rap. This is true in my local community, anyway. I'd like to believe that there are more girlies like me and men who also love other genres of music.
However, it's rare to run into songs that are, for example, in genres like indie, afrobeat, pop, and R&B that are both Christian and in the Spanish language at the same time. I hope the Regalo EP can bring diversity in that sense, with each song on the EP being in its own genre. God can use any genre and any language to minister! I want to let Him use me as a vessel to do that through. I haven't found a community in the scene just yet, but I hope to soon!”
When you're alone with God, writing or producing, what does surrender practically look like? How do you discern when a song is glorifying Him, versus just sounding “right”?
“Submitting to whatever God is putting on my heart and writing lyrics that produce Godly thoughts instead of lyrics or beats that just sound good is extremely important to me. Personally, I believe surrender starts before I sit in front of the microphone or laptop. It starts in my personal time with the Lord. Writing and producing a song that sounds "right" or trendy can be tempting at times, but when I set my mind back on the things above and seek the approval of God rather than man's, the temptation is no longer attractive. It is my prayer that each song has words that not only encourage but reveal the truth that sets us all free, which is Jesus Christ and His word. There have been times when I close my computer, walk away, and go spend time with the Lord because I feel that my cup needs more filling before I can write or produce from the overflow of His presence. Other times, the Holy Spirit inspires me randomly, and I'm able to write and produce a song in one day. In those moments, I know it's Him, and some of my most loved songs are the fruit of that. All in all, I always want to use my gifts, time, and talents to glorify Him. If a song isn't doing that, it gets rewritten or deleted, haha!”
You’ve built your audience as an independent artist, which is no small feat. How has staying independent challenged or deepened your trust in God as the One who builds what He calls you to?
“I have thoroughly enjoyed building relationships with the brothers and sisters who support me and my music. Truly, it's amazing to see how social media can be a tool to unify the body of Christ all over the world, and I am forever grateful for my community as an artist. As many are aware, most independent artists wear multiple hats, and sometimes that can be hard. These hats include but are not limited to: writing lyrics, producing instrumentals, arranging and composing songs, mixing & mastering, uploading for distribution, publishing, developing a marketing plan, developing merchandise, selling merchandise, filming content, editing content, engaging with listeners, managing social media, directing visuals and more.
To be vulnerable, I have struggled in every one of these areas at some point - whether that be because of financial limits, lack of knowledge and skills, or no team to help, etc. There are so many ideas and goals that I've desired to see come to fruition, but don't necessarily have the resources for just yet. Even so, I believe God knows what He is doing in this ministry that He has called me to. Being independent, I've had to rely solely on Him, His wisdom, and the resources He has provided to do everything I have ever done. It's only been through Him. The struggles have kept me patient, humble, and trusting in the Lord with hope and faith.
Despite the ongoing challenges, God has been so faithful in opening many other doors in the 5 years I have been in music. For example, just recently, God sent me someone, according to His will, who is helping me publish my music and produce some songs for my upcoming album! In my eyes, that is a massive praise report! I know God will continue to direct my steps and open the doors He needs to open in order to do His will. I just need to say, "Here I am, Lord. Send me."”
Even with a growing platform, Sarah knows her calling is more than music—it’s ministry.
In seasons where the pressure to produce, grow, or “keep up” kicks in, what grounds you in the truth that you’re not just making music—you’re ministering?
“There have been times when I literally feel the Spirit tell me, "It's in my timing, not yours." LOL! What keeps me grounded is the fact that God has designed a unique blueprint for every single one of us. Everyone has an assignment specific to them. My season of rest may be someone else's season of work. My season of sowing may be someone else's season of reaping, and vice versa. God has a plan, with timestamps for each of us, and we won't all be going at the same pace. Galatians 6:4-5 says, "Don’t compare yourself with others. Just look at your own work to see if you have done anything to be proud of. You must each accept the responsibilities that are yours."
We can't compare our blueprints to the blueprints of others, they are just not the same! It's like using the answer key for a math test to grade an essay. Realizing this has helped me only seek direction from God for what He has called me, specifically, to do. I believe ministering and discipleship are the most important aspects of all of our lives as believers. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 talks about how if we do anything, but do not have love, it is pointless. I view ministry in the same way. If I produce, grow, and keep up but do not have love, I have gained nothing.”
Behind every beat and lyric is a deep personal process. We asked Sarah what surrender looks like off the mic.
You’ve said your music is an expression of worship. What does that look like behind closed doors—when no one’s listening? And how do you protect that posture as your platform grows?
“Self-examination and always being open to correction from the Holy Spirit are two principles that have been key in my quiet time with God. I desire for Him to prune me of the things that are ungodly. I desire a pure heart that has its sights set on the Lord, and not earthly riches. That's just what I pray for when I'm asking God to search me and help me be more like Jesus every day of my life. Let me tell you!!! God does not hesitate to answer that dangerous prayer, haha!!! Being refined in the fire is not easy and can hurt... But when you've tasted the goodness of God and His sweet presence, it's all you want. If my platform ever grows bigger than imagined, I hope future Sarah can look back at this answer right here and keep this heart posture. A heart posture that just wants to submit, love God, and love others as He has loved me.”
When people listen to your music, or see you living out your calling—in your lane, your language, your style—what do you hope they walk away believing about God?
“After spending some time pondering, I think I would say that I want people to walk away knowing that God is a good father who just wants the best for us. People always look at the reviews when they are deciding if they want to buy something or eat at a restaurant.
In that same way, I hope my life serves as a 5-star rating for living a life dedicated to Christ. That it may inspire others and convince others of how sweet life becomes when Jesus enters your heart. I pray that they would begin to believe the complete opposite of the negative stereotype placed on following Christ and see Him for who He truly is. Holy, good, and worthy of it all.”
If you could curate your own Christian music festival, who’s on your dream lineup—established or underground? Basically, who are your current favs and why?
“Awww, I would love for that to happen!!! Let's see.. I would love to see Alia Lara, Cèjae, Eris Ford, Abbie Gamboa, Jon Keith, and nobigdyl! But I would love to have all of my independent friends share their music, actually!! There are so many different artists that I truly enjoy!”
As we wrapped up, Sarah left us with this heartfelt message of thanks and blessing:
“Thank you so much for taking the time to ask me these questions. I don't think words are sufficient to describe how honored and grateful I am. I pray that the Lord continues to bestow much blessing and favor on not just For The Glory as a whole, but each individual person that is involved in the ministry!”
Getting to know Sarah Nathalié—both the artist and the worshipper—has been a gift. From a humble setup in Florida to impacting lives across the world, her story reminds us that God doesn't need much to do something mighty. Go stream her latest music now on all platforms—you’ll walk away inspired, encouraged, and maybe even a little more surrendered.
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