Kelly Martins on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Kelly Martins. Check out our conversation below.

Kelly, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day are all about mindset and setting the tone for how I want to show up. I start simply, with a cup of coffee and a splash of oat milk. Then I open my journal. I begin with gratitude, writing down ten things I’m thankful for and, just as importantly, why. This helps me ground myself in what’s good, even on hard days.

After that, I check in with how I’m feeling, whether I’m calm, creative, or a little overwhelmed. If I notice stress or tension, I do a short EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) tapping session. It’s a gentle practice that combines focused affirmations with light tapping on specific acupressure points to release emotional blocks and reset your nervous system. It helps me start my day feeling centered, peaceful, and in a good headspace to take on whatever’s ahead.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Kelly Martins, the founder of GRATI Consulting and The GRATI Collective.

Through GRATI Consulting, I work with entrepreneurs and small business owners to help them find clarity in their message, strengthen their online presence, and create marketing strategies that truly reflect who they are. I’ve spent more than 15 years in marketing, and I’ve learned that success comes when strategy meets authenticity. My goal is always to help people grow their business in a way that feels aligned and meaningful.

My second business, The GRATI Collective, was born from my own healing journey. It’s a space designed to empower women to rise into their worth, reconnect with gratitude, and create lives that feel abundant and aligned. Through online courses, mindful apparel, and motivational speaking, I help women shift their mindset and step confidently into the next version of themselves.

In addition to running my businesses, I’m a Professor at Bay Path University, where I teach business classes. I love guiding students and seeing their confidence grow as they connect their passions with their purpose.

I’m also a domestic abuse survivor and advocate, and a public speaker who shares stories of healing, resilience, and hope. My experiences have shaped everything I do, reminding me daily that growth is possible, and that gratitude has the power to transform not just our lives, but the lives of those around us.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
The part of me that has served its purpose and is ready to be released is the part that stayed quiet to keep others comfortable. For a long time, I held my story close, believing that sharing it might make me seem weak. But I’ve learned that there is strength in vulnerability and healing in speaking our truth.

As a survivor of domestic abuse, I’m ready to let go of silence and step forward with purpose. Through my work, teaching, and public speaking, I want to use my voice to help others see that no matter where they’ve been, they have the power to rise, rebuild, and create something beautiful from their pain.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
It showed me who I truly am beneath the titles, goals, and achievements. When everything felt like it was falling apart, I learned resilience, empathy, and faith in myself.

My failures and hardships have shaped me far more than my successes ever did. They stripped away perfectionism and taught me to lead with compassion, for myself and for others. They reminded me that growth doesn’t come from getting everything right; it comes from showing up, learning, and trying again.

Suffering taught me how to rebuild, how to listen to my intuition, and how to find gratitude even in pain. Success may celebrate the outcome, but suffering is what taught me the meaning behind it.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, the public version of me is the real me. I believe showing up authentically is important, especially in business. When we are genuine, people can feel it, and that builds trust and connection. I try to show up as myself in every space I’m in, because honesty and openness create the foundation for real relationships and meaningful impact.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
That I was able to find a silver lining out of every situation in life.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Hillary Lynn Brand Photography

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