Meet Jeremy Martinez

We were lucky to catch up with Jeremy Martinez recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jeremy, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?

Overcoming rejection, whether in relationships or social standing, is never easy, but it’s often a powerful catalyst for self-growth. Looking back, it’s clear that the journey toward developing confidence and self-esteem wasn’t about a single breakthrough moment, but rather a series of steps—each one contributing to a deeper sense of self-worth and a more grounded sense of identity.

In high school, not being the popular kid was a source of pain for me. It felt like I was on the outside, disconnected from the in-crowd, overlooked by the people I was interested in. Rejection from women I’d chase after stung, and at the time, it made me question my value, both socially and romantically. But those experiences also taught me resilience. Instead of letting the rejection define me, I learned to redefine myself on my own terms.

When I entered the world of professional dancing, it was a game-changer. Dance gave me an outlet for both expression and physicality, two things that fed directly into building my confidence. The attention I received from my skill, my dedication, and my ability to perform in front of audiences became a source of validation, but more importantly, it reinforced that my worth wasn’t determined by anyone else’s opinion—it was rooted in my talent, effort, and commitment to personal growth.

Dancing professionally, especially in the male entertainment industry, also helped me develop a different sense of self-awareness. There was an initial focus on how I was perceived, how others saw me. But over time, I grew to appreciate the artistry of movement and the unique presence I brought to the stage. My body became a tool of expression, not just for admiration, but for connection with the audience. Through dancing, I came to understand that my worth wasn’t about fitting into anyone else’s mold, but about owning my unique voice and energy.

The gym played an equally important role in this transformation. It wasn’t just about getting stronger or more physically defined (though that was a part of it). The gym became a space where I could prove to myself that I was capable of more than I thought. Each rep, each set, each mile run, was a small victory that added to my sense of accomplishment. In the process, I realized that confidence isn’t something that’s given to you; it’s something you build over time, piece by piece, through hard work, consistency, and resilience.

Self-care also became a crucial part of my evolution. It wasn’t just about taking care of my body, but about taking care of my mind and spirit. I understood that confidence isn’t only about how others see you—it’s about how you see yourself. As I became more attuned to my own needs, setting boundaries, prioritizing rest, and taking time for reflection, I found a deeper sense of self-respect. This sense of self-respect translated into an unshakeable inner confidence that wasn’t dependent on external validation or the approval of others.

Looking back now, it’s clear that all these experiences—overcoming rejection, dancing, hitting the gym, and learning to take care of myself—were part of the same journey: learning to trust in myself, to respect myself, and to honor my own unique path. My confidence now comes from a place of authenticity and strength. It’s a product of everything I’ve endured, everything I’ve achieved, and everything I continue to build within myself. My self-esteem is no longer tied to the approval of others; it’s grounded in my own sense of worth, which has become undeniable. All while maintaining humility and never forgetting where I once was in my life.

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?

Born February 8, 1989 in Mount Sinai Hospital and raised in the Bronx, NY, I was immersed in a rich, vibrant culture from day one. The rhythm of the city, the energy in the streets, and the pulse of music that echoed in every corner of my neighborhood were all part of the backdrop of my life. But it wasn’t just the city that shaped me—it was my family, and particularly my parents, who played an integral role in shaping the man I am today.

My parents, both professional salsa and hip hop dancers, were living proof that passion and dedication could become a way of life. Salsa and hip hop weren’t just dance styles; they were a language in my household. Their synchronized movements, the fluidity of their steps, the connection they shared through music—it was all a part of my everyday reality. Growing up in a home where dance was not only a tradition but a profession, I couldn’t help but absorb that love for rhythm, expression, and movement. From a very young age, dancing wasn’t just something I did—it was who I was. I didn’t have to choose it; it was simply a part of me.

Watching my parents on stage—seeing them command the room, feel the music, and connect with their audience—left a profound imprint on my soul. They not only shared their love for dance with me but also imparted a sense of purpose, discipline, and artistry that would guide me throughout my life. Salsa and hip hop weren’t just a skill; they were a legacy. It was through dance that I learned about passion, resilience, and the art of storytelling. My parents’ dedication to the craft showed me that the pursuit of something I love could bring both joy and fulfillment, but also hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance.

As I grew older, I naturally found my own rhythm and path within the dance world. But dance wasn’t just something I pursued for the sake of success or recognition. It became the heartbeat of my life, a constant source of expression, purpose, and identity. It was through dance that I learned to navigate the ups and downs of life—especially the challenges of rejection and self-doubt. Dance taught me how to embrace vulnerability and turn it into strength. The stage became a place where I could shed the weight of the world, express my emotions, and connect with others in a way that words couldn’t quite capture. Through the highs and lows of life, dance gave me something to hold on to, a steady thread that wove through my journey and kept me grounded.

As a dancer, I’m aware that the world of professional dance can be incredibly demanding. The pressure to stay relevant, keep evolving, and constantly push boundaries can sometimes feel overwhelming. But through it all, I’m committed to refining my craft, growing as an artist, and shaping the version of myself that I want to project—not only on stage but in life as well. Every performance, every rehearsal, every new step I master contributes to my evolving sense of self. It’s about finding that balance between remaining true to my roots—my love for salsa and hip hop, the foundation laid by my parents—and incorporating new elements to stay fresh and relevant in an ever-changing industry.

At the same time, parenthood has brought a new dynamic to my life. Navigating the demands of being a father while maintaining a successful career as a professional dancer isn’t always easy, but it’s a challenge I face with determination and heart. Parenthood has taught me to prioritize, manage my time efficiently, and to find purpose in the day-to-day grind. There’s a deep sense of pride in knowing that, through all the rehearsals and performances, I’m also modeling hard work, passion, and resilience for my son. I want him to see that no dream is too big, that with commitment and discipline, anything is possible. The joy of being a father, the love and responsibility I feel, has only fueled my drive to be the best version of myself both as a parent and as a performer.

There’s an undeniable magic that comes with being on stage—an energy that flows through me as I connect with the music and the audience. The moment the lights hit, the music starts, and I step into the spotlight, there’s a rush of excitement, adrenaline, and purpose. Performing in front of a crowd is more than just a physical act; it’s an emotional experience. The way I move, the way I express myself, is a conversation with the audience. It’s a chance to communicate without words, to share a piece of my soul with people who may not know me personally, but who feel the emotion in my performance. The connection between performer and audience is electric, and there’s nothing quite like it. The excitement of being on stage, the energy of the crowd, and the sense of achievement that comes with each performance are feelings that never get old.

For me, being on stage is also a moment of self-affirmation. It’s where I’m reminded of the hard work I’ve put in. Every performance is a reflection of my journey—my growth, my struggles, and my triumphs. When I step off that stage, there’s a sense of fulfillment, knowing that I’ve not only entertained but also honored the person I’ve become.

The thrill of performing also comes with the satisfaction of knowing that, despite the challenges I face off-stage, I am still growing, still learning, and still evolving. As a father, as a dancer, and as an artist, I am in a constant state of becoming—one step, one performance, one day at a time.

Building my self-image in the world of professional dance while balancing the demands of parenthood isn’t easy, but it’s a journey filled with purpose, passion, and progress. The pride I feel as I continue to grow both as a dancer and as a parent is palpable. Each step I take on stage, every movement I make, is a celebration of who I am now—and the person I am still becoming.

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?

Perseverance, determination, and humility have been at the heart of my journey to becoming a professional dancer. These qualities didn’t just shape my career—they became my foundation, the principles that allowed me to push through every challenge, setback, and moment of self-doubt.

Perseverance is the force that kept me going when things got tough. Like every dancer, I’ve faced long hours of practice, physical exhaustion, and the frustration that comes with not mastering a move as quickly as I’d like. But instead of giving in to discouragement, I leaned into the struggle. I knew that each mistake, each challenge, was an opportunity to learn, to grow, and to refine my craft.

Determination is the fuel that powers my dreams. It’s the unwavering commitment to my vision, even when the path ahead seems unclear or insurmountable. Early in my journey, there may have been times when others doubted me, or when I questioned whether the sacrifices were worth it. But my determination kept me focused on the bigger picture—the goal I had in mind from the beginning.

Humility is often the most overlooked trait in a dancer’s journey, but it has been crucial to mine. Humility allows me to recognize that no matter how much progress I make, there’s always room to grow. It taught me to accept constructive criticism without defensiveness, to learn from others, and to understand that every performance, every class, and every experience is an opportunity to improve.

To anyone on a similar journey, here’s my advice:

1. **Embrace the Struggles.** Understand that struggle is a part of the journey. There will be moments where it feels like you’re not progressing fast enough, or like you’re hitting a wall. Those are the moments where perseverance counts the most. Trust that every struggle is teaching you something important. Keep showing up.

2. **Stay Determined.** Setbacks are inevitable. You will face rejection, criticism, and moments where your progress feels stagnant. But if you have the determination to stay focused on your goal, you will get through the hard times. Keep pushing forward, even when it feels impossible. Your determination will eventually create the breakthroughs you seek.

3. **Stay Humble.** No matter how far you go, stay open to learning. There’s always room for improvement, always someone from whom you can learn. Embrace humility in your practice. Understand that growth never stops, and the most successful dancers are the ones who never stop learning, evolving, and refining their craft.

4. **Celebrate Small Wins.** Success is often the sum of many small victories. Whether it’s finally nailing a step you’ve been working on or receiving positive feedback, take a moment to appreciate how far you’ve come. These small wins are stepping stones to greater achievements.

5. **Be Patient.** This journey takes time, and not everything will happen as quickly as you’d like. Trust the process, and trust that all your hard work will lead to where you’re meant to be. The key is not rushing it but enjoying the growth that comes with each step.

Above all, remember that dance is not just a career—it’s a passion that evolves with you. The most important thing is to keep pushing, keep learning, and stay humble. It’s the perseverance, determination, and humility you cultivate along the way that will not only make you a great dancer but a great person.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

As I continue to grow and build my personal brand, collaborating with like-minded companies and brands is a natural next step. I’ve worked tirelessly to develop my craft and my image, and now, I’m open to creating partnerships with companies that align with my values and lifestyle.

Specifically, I’m interested in collaborating with gym clothing and gym supplement companies, as both of these areas align perfectly with my personal brand and my daily routine. As someone who is deeply committed to fitness and maintaining a strong, healthy physique, partnering with companies that create high-quality, performance-oriented gym wear or supplements feels like a natural fit. These collaborations would allow me to showcase my lifestyle in an authentic way—sharing my experiences with products that enhance my training and overall well-being, while also offering my audience practical, reliable recommendations.

I understand the power of building authentic relationships with brands that believe in the energy I bring to the table. As someone who is outgoing, energetic, and relatable, I bring more than just expertise and knowledge to the partnership. I offer an engaging, dynamic personality that can connect with people on a personal level. Whether I’m promoting gym wear that helps me perform my best, or supplements that support my health and recovery, I have the unique ability to speak directly to my audience in a way that feels approachable and inspiring.

For me, it’s not just about the products—it’s about the lifestyle they represent. My passionate about living a balanced, healthy life, and I want to share that passion with others through collaborations that make sense. Whether it’s recommending clothing that helps me move with ease during my dance performances or sharing supplements that support my workouts and recovery, I’m eager to partner with brands that align with my philosophy and values.

I’m open to working with any brand that’s looking for someone who embodies energy, enthusiasm, and relatability. My social media presence, including my active accounts on TikTok and Instagram, give me the perfect platform to engage with my audience and promote the products I believe in. Whether it’s through fun, behind-the-scenes glimpses of my training, or inspiring fitness content, I’m ready to collaborate in a way that feels natural and genuine.

For any brand looking to collaborate with someone who truly lives and breathes the lifestyle they promote, I’m the person who can bring a fresh and engaging perspective. I’m not just about promoting products; I’m about building relationships, inspiring others, and fostering a sense of community around health, fitness, and self-growth.

If you’re interested in partnering with me, you can reach out through any of my social media platforms, whether it’s TikTok or Instagram, where I’m always engaging with my community. You can also reach me directly through my business email: [email protected]. Let’s create something exciting and impactful together!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.tiktok.com/@theofficial_martinez
• Instagram: @theofficial_martinez

Image Credits

Image credits go to @whoshotya Janeiro Perry photography