Meet Gina Martirano

We recently connected with Gina Martirano and have shared our conversation below.

Gina, 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.

Mental health has been a deeply personal part of my journey—one that continues to evolve. After launching my business, Shop Empathic, four years ago, I experienced a wave of depression and heightened anxiety. The weight of potential failure, the constant unknowns, and the pressure of turning my passion into something sustainable hit hard. I found myself in a dark place, unsure if I could keep going—not just with the business, but emotionally and mentally.

During that time, I committed to going to therapy twice a week and eventually started medication, both of which helped stabilize the ground beneath me. My therapist recommended an intensive outpatient program. Because it was during the pandemic, the work was virtual—daily sessions focused on healing, self-reflection, and building a toolbox of coping strategies. It wasn’t easy, and it didn’t offer any quick fixes, but that season of deep inner work saved me. I leaned on my family, my friends, my partner, and others who had bravely opened up about their own mental health struggles. Their support reminded me I wasn’t alone—and that healing is never linear.

Now, four years into my business, I still manage my mental health every day. But I’ve learned how to ground myself through purpose. I’ve poured even more of my heart and soul into Empathic—not just as a business, but as a space for connection. This past year, I focused on doing more pop-ups, which has been a beautiful way to break out of the isolation of running an online business. Meeting people face-to-face, sharing stories, talking about the amazing brands we carry, and creating a sense of community has been profoundly healing. Those moments remind me why I started this in the first place: to create something rooted in empathy, understanding, and care.

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’m the founder of Shop Empathic, an online wellness boutique that curates small-batch, intentional goods from women-owned, family-owned, and minority-owned brands. At its heart, Empathic is about more than just products—it’s about people, thoughtful gifting, and building community. Whether you’re treating yourself or someone you care about, everything we offer is chosen with intention and supports another small business in the process.

I also teach yoga on the side, and the idea for Shop Empathic actually started from wanting to share beautiful, useful wellness products with my students—things that supported their practice and their lives beyond the mat. What began as a small side project rooted in mindfulness has grown into something so much more. It’s become a way to celebrate intentional living, to uplift other brands doing meaningful work, and to create little moments of connection through the products we carry.

This past year has been especially energizing as I’ve focused on bringing Shop Empathic out into the community through local pop-ups and markets. It’s been so rewarding to connect with people face-to-face, share the stories behind the brands we carry, and see how much joy these products can bring. Even though we’re based online, these in-person events have allowed us to create our own little Empathic community—one conversation, one connection at a time.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to keep building on this momentum. I’d love to explore new collaborations, host more events, and even begin developing our own product line someday. Empathic continues to grow alongside me—shaped by the people we meet, the stories we share, and the values we hold close. No matter where it goes next, my goal is to keep showing up with intention, heart, and a deep commitment to community.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

One of the most impactful qualities in my journey has been resilience. Starting a business—especially one rooted in personal passion—comes with a lot of highs and lows. I launched Shop Empathic during a really difficult time in my life, and there were moments when I wasn’t sure if I could keep going. But I kept coming back to my purpose and let that guide me, even when things felt uncertain. For anyone just starting out, know that resilience doesn’t mean never struggling—it means continuing to show up for yourself, your vision, and your growth. Take care of your mental health, surround yourself with support, and give yourself grace. You’re allowed to be a work in progress.

The second thing that’s helped me the most is the power of connection and communication. Whether it’s through yoga, social media, pop-ups, or just everyday conversations, I’ve seen how important it is to create real, human connection. People want to feel something—they want to know the story behind what you’re doing. My advice? Be honest, be curious, and don’t be afraid to share your “why”. Show up as your authentic self, always. That’s what builds trust and community, and that’s what makes people want to support you.

Lastly, a quality that’s been vital to my journey is a willingness to keep learning—not just from formal education, but from everyday experiences, podcasts, books, and conversations with other business owners. The business world is always changing, and staying curious keeps me adaptable and inspired. For anyone starting out, I’d say make learning a daily habit: listen to stories from others, read widely, seek out mentors, and be open to new ideas. Growth doesn’t stop after school or you complete a goal—it’s a lifelong adventure.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, I take a step back and honestly assess my life and commitments. I ask myself: Am I giving too much of myself right now? Am I spreading myself too thin by always saying yes? Are there tasks or events I can reschedule or set aside? I focus on identifying what truly needs to get accomplished first and prioritize those things.

At the same time, I make it a priority to carve out time for myself—whether that’s resting, practicing yoga, cooking, crafting, or simply spending quality time with my husband and dog. These moments help me recharge and fill my cup so I can come back to my work and life feeling more grounded and focused.

The phrase “You can’t pour from an empty cup”, may sound cliche but it’s so true. We can’t show up for others if we are neglecting ourselves.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://shopempathic.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shop.empathic/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Shop.Empathic/