Meet Yasmeen Martinez

We recently connected with Yasmeen Martinez and have shared our conversation below.

Yasmeen , we are so deeply grateful to you for opening up about your journey with mental health in the hops that it can help someone who might be going through something similar. Can you talk to us about your mental health journey and how you overcame or persisted despite any issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.

This can be a controversial topic but I grew up believing in God. He always seemed like a far away kind of God until I started to face some struggles in my early adult life. Trauma resurfaced for years and years and I assumed it was just normal to feel the way that I had felt. I had struggled with severe anxiety throughout my life and that became my drive. In early 2023, I faced the realities head on. I knew something was wrong and I also knew what I was trying to cope with, was not working. I remember finally breaking and acknowledging that I couldn’t do this on my own. From that day on, I persisted in prayer, asking for direction, and was lead to therapy. I am still in this season of healing from childhood trauma that included severe anxiety and PTSD. One thing that has helped me stay rooted has been the reminders of God’s promises. The beautiful thing is, anxiety can scream “what if”, but God’s word can remind “even if”. My mental health issues have surfaced and despite the negative connotation of it, I can chose to remind myself of very good promises to continue moving forward.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

One thing I have always struggled with was grace. I could easily give it to others but to myself? That was incredibly hard. To understand what grace is somewhat hard to grasp. Its the gift of undeserved favor. There is nothing that you can do to earn it, rather a gift. Grace & Elegance was formed out of a place of grace. The ability to help create a day that perfectly embodies your character + intentionality + personality. Since I was a little girl, I have always loved creating something. Whether that was perfecting my handwriting, to making hand painted cards. Over the years I picked up painting, creating signages, calligraphy, making earrings with clay, and much more. Being creative has always been the outlet that allows me to just be present. It calls my mind, boosts energy, and reminds me of the goodness that I get to have in this life. I have always been a momma’s girl- I enjoy spending quality time and we especially love shopping!
I am so lucky to own a dachshund puppy too! Her name is Phoebe. Though she has little legs, and a long torso, that pup sure does keep me on my feet with her crazy energy and loud bark!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

1. Vulnerability- social media has made it so hard to see the truest form of human kind. We can see a post and assume that these people don’t struggle the way we do. The more I’ve healed, I’ve realized that we all face hard struggles. Being vulnerable actually helps others to do the same. Vulnerability has led me down a path of grace and compassion.

2. Humility- I think there are areas in my life that I fear judgement but honestly, asking for help when I truly need it has opened my life to community. Acknowledging that I can’t do it alone has helped me in so many ways. It truly is a strength to put your pride aside and to allow others to be a helping hand. (personal life and my business)

3. Compassion- We are all learning! This has helped me to better understand that no one has “made it”. There is always room for more growth and more healing. Choosing to view people through compassion has helped me to better understand and to give grace.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

My parents have shown me so much love and grace. They have always made themselves available to hear my heart, to encourage me, to shower me with love and so much more. My Mother married my step dad about 5 years ago and it has healed me in ways I didn’t know I needed. They provide safety for me physically, emotionally, & spiritually. They have helped me to see God’s hand at work in life even when things are difficult or don’t make sense. They have been that helping hand and a vessel of God’s love. I hope to be like them as I grow up!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://graceandelegancellc.com
• Instagram: @graceandelegancellc
• Yelp: Grace & Elegance

Image Credits

Rose Freedman
Freedman Co.