Meet Jen Martin

We were lucky to catch up with Jen Martin recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jen, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

This is such a juicy question! Does anyone EVER get over imposter syndrome completely?

I can say that I imagine I will always be challenged by the comparative thoughts. Those little buggers that come into my head based on physical limitations, resume gaps, training choices, and the amount of gigs and performances that I do or do not have on the calendar at any given time. BUT. I remind myself that what I DO, what I have done and how I interact with my students is always a choice. How I view my successes and failures is a choice. And I choose to view everything as a learning experience. Each decision along the way leads me toward the best version of myself and my potential. And I want to encourage others to believe in their choices along the way too.

Ultimately though, I think imposter syndrome is that shadow of doubt that is sometimes necessary to push yourself. Acknowledgement by others has a special way of making me feel better and less of an imposter. But it won’t go away unless you believe in what you are doing and understand your reason for doing.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

Hi! I’m Jen Martin. I’m an aerialist, a mom of 3, and a small business owner. I’ve been lucky enough to have the opportunity to follow my passions of performing, creating and coaching under the umbrella of my company, Suspended Fluidity. We are in the business of sharing the beauty, athleticism and creativity of aerial arts through entertainment and education. In addition to event based performances and services, I teach regular weekly classes, specialty workshops, and retreats. I also create opportunities for students to perform.

Suspended Fluidity offers aerial and cirque style entertainment for all types of events. And now we have added some unique service/performer options including a champagne dress and human tables.

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?

1. Aim to be personable and communicative with everyone
2. Maintain a general willingness to seek and understand other perspectives
3. Persistance- as a mindset, an attitude and a way to follow through on tasks and goals

My advice is to ask others for their advice. Ask questions big and small. Ask for and be willing to receive feedback. And always, if you want something and don’t succeed the first time, evaluate, re-set and try again.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

I love love love the idea of collaboration! I am artistically inclined in the physical space but I really want to make an impact in other areas too.

From a broader impact perspective: I would love to collaborate with researchers with regard to how aerial activity affects the body – neuroscience related

For youth education: I aim to partner with schools for a playful intersection of science (physics) and aerial movement

For individually facing opportunities: I would like collaborate with other retreat facilitators for aerial + ___ retreats

For performance opportunities: I would love to collaborate with technology specialties to explore alternative performance creations

And then always other artists – musicians, performers, creative directors, etc

Contact Info:

• Website: https://suspendedfluidity.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/suspendedfluidity

Image Credits

Max Damian Photography
Michelle Burke Photography
Michelle Badger Photography