Meet Mariana Martinez

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mariana Martinez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Mariana, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

Coming into the fashion and modeling industry I was so used to seeing the protoype of models; tall, light skin, and skinny. While these models have always been gorgeous, I had never seen anyone who looked like me and that was a little discouraging. As I started I wasn’t sure how far I could go with my journey, but I quickly learned that being the only person that looked like me in a room was what helped me. This became what I represented myself as and brought my culture into this industry, which has helped distinguish myself from others. I have been able to carry myself and gain so many amazing oportunities to push myself farther in the industry and create a path for others just like me.

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?

I am Mariana Martinez, a 16 years old teenage fashion model and dancer. I started modeling 2 years ago as a quinceañera model in expos, and I then moved on to fashion runways and photoshoots. Through my journey I quickly developed a passion for modeling and being able to open doors for others just like me. I was able to bring in my culture into this industry and brand myself differently from other typical models. I have been able to gain so many amazing oportunities and meet many different people through radio stations, interviews, and events. During the same time I started dancing and was able to learn differently skills that helped me present myself to the public. I have been able to participate in many dance recitals and performances, while being able to see a different side to my work and show my diversity.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

I think three skills that were the most impactful in my journey were public speaking skills, self-confidence/self-love, and managing my public image. Having public speaking skills, which I learned from being a debater, was such a huge advantage for me because it helped me connect with other and give a clear presentation of who I was and what I wanted my journey to be like. Self-confidence/self-love is a quality I have continued improving on throughout my journey, and has helped me push myself further and see a new perspective of my work and my accomplishments. Additionally, learning to manage my public image has helped me create a branding for myself and understand how presenting myself in certain ways has opened doors for me and created a path for other who are just starting.
Finally, a piece of advice I have for folks who are starting their journey and want to develop or improve these skills is to understand what their focus is and expand on that. Knowing what you want to achieve helps narrow down the skills you need and once you start, surround yourself with other who will help you reach your goal. Don’t be afraid to gain knowledge and ask for help on these skills, it is never easy but it helps having support around you.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did and continue doing for me throughout my journey is their endless support. From the start my parents have always pushed me to reach for goals and have been by my side through all of my accomplishments and my tough times. They were the ones with the ideas on how to start, who to reach out to me, and how to start getting myself out there. So many of my skills and qualities are thanks to their teachings, support, and learning new things with them by my side. Without my parents, helping in castings, events, marketing, and so much more I may not have been able to reach as many amazing opportunities as I have and I would love to recognize them for that and all they do for me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtz._.mariana/profilecard/?igsh=MWMyZDNqaWhueG40eA==
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@mtz._mariana?_t=8ro6NoSwi4J&_r=1

Image Credits

@fer_figueroa_photography
@lettyduartephotography
@alistphotography
@rnc_productions_
@roldanrivas.photo