We were lucky to catch up with Blake Martin recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Blake , thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
My admiration for my work ethic stems from the influential women in my life who taught me its value. From a young age, I witnessed my mother’s dedication to her academic pursuits. When I was around five years old, my mother started her academic journey. I can remember times in which my mom would be sitting on the couch, covered in books and papers, studying while I sat on the floor near her playing with my toys. I can see those moments vividly right now. Through the years, my mother got her bachelor’s degree, three masters degrees and eventually two doctorates. There were times, even as a young adult. I remember seeing her wake up, eat breakfast, go into her office and grind in front of that computer until it was time for dinner. She had goals and allowed nothing to stop her, no matter what diversities and adversity came her way. I didn’t know it, and probably neither did she, but she was teaching me what work ethic was. What dedication was. What unwavering hard work looked like.
Moreover, when I get to high school and became an athlete, I had the best coach, Mrs. Howard-Taylor, that an athlete could ever ask for. She would always tell me that I was good but good wasn’t good enough. If I didn’t want to be the best, then get off her court. And she made me the best. She led me to regional and national championships, dozens of awards and eventually a college scholarship.
These exceptional women not only shaped my understanding of work ethic but also inspired me to embody it in everything I do. Their influence has been invaluable, and I owe my success to their guidance and example.
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?
A few years ago, I was given the title of international fashion expert and celebrity photographer by a local news station. Upon hearing it for the first time, I felt a great deal of pride. Who would have ever thought that the little boy who was once homeless, an addict, and suffered from severe mental illness would have those titles attached to him. I’m beyond humbled and grateful. However, after the initial pride wore off, I realized that those titles don’t actually describe who I am or what I do. In its most simplistic form, I’m a lover. I love people. I love helping people achieve their dreams. I love teaching models and helping them grow. Seeing what they thought was impossible become a very real opportunity for them. I love capturing people and creating art with my camera; helping them see themselves in different ways. It uplifts them, it empowers them, it brings them joy. That is a very unique power that I am humbled God blessed upon me.
I created Blake Martin Productions in the summer of 2009. Since then, I have produced over 300 fashion shows, managed 10 US and International tours, choreographed and directed 132 music videos and live performances, etc. In 2021, during the pandemic, I pivoted into photography and changed the name of my company to Frow Media Group, LLC. Since that time, I have captured over 500 clients, had work featured in American Vogue and GQ, the cover of Vogue Japan, two Times Square billboards and over 25 additional magazine covers.
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?
Reflecting on my career, I think one of the biggest skills I learned is being open to growth. At the start of my journey, I was terrified of not knowing things or knowing how to do something. I would be scared that if someone knew I didn’t know something, they would think I was a fraud or a failure. So, I spent a lot of time forcing myself to learn everything imaginable or being arrogant to hide my ignorance.
Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
The Bible, simply put. The book of the Bible has been life-changing for me. I have always been a lover of Christ and followed him but I had never been a Bible reader. As of late, reading the word of God has changed my life in ways I never thought were imaginable.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.FrowMediaGroup.com
- Instagram: MrBlakeMartin
Image Credits
All credits are Blake Martin
Credit of photo of me is David Dickerson
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
