Meet Laisha Martinez

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Laisha Martinez a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Laisha, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

Imposter syndrome is something I still wrestle with today, though it’s become more manageable over the past three years since I began my journey as a content creator. When I first started, it felt overwhelming. The self-doubt, fear of failure, constant comparison, and tendency to downplay my successes were some of the hardest aspects to navigate.

Over time, I’ve learned to approach these challenges with a healthier perspective. For instance, while comparison once drained my confidence, I now use it as a source of inspiration. Instead of measuring my success against others, I look to other creators for ideas and motivation to help shape my own vision. It’s shifted from a negative habit to a constructive tool in my growth.

I’ve also reframed my view of failure. I now see it as part of the creative process rather than a reflection of my worth. Not everything I create will resonate widely, and that’s okay—it’s all an opportunity to learn and express myself authentically.

Another thing I’ve embraced is celebrating the small wins. I make a conscious effort to acknowledge my accomplishments, even the ones that might seem minor to others. When I produce something I’m proud of, I allow myself to feel that pride, regardless of how much attention it receives.

While imposter syndrome is still a work in progress, I’ve found that these mindset shifts have helped me grow not only as a creator but also as a person. It’s a journey, but one I’m learning to navigate with more grace and self-compassion.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

Professionally, my focus is on nonprofit work, particularly in the storytelling and content creation space. I see this as the artistic side of nonprofit work—using videography, photography, and digital media to share messages of hope that align with our mission. My goal is to create content that resonates deeply with people, educates them, and inspires them to join the fight against stigma.

My journey into this work is deeply personal. Growing up, I was always drawn to videography and photography, but I also struggled with addiction and mental health challenges during my high school years. At 18, I made the life-changing decision to pursue recovery, and since then, I’ve been working daily to nurture my mental health. Now, I’ve been able to merge my passion for creative expression with my commitment to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and addiction.

I work with a nonprofit called F The Stigma (FTS), where I’ve been involved for over two years. In my role, I create educational and informational content, host and produce a weekly podcast where I bring on guests to discuss and dismantle stigmas they’ve faced, and document my journey through vlogs that give a glimpse into life as a person in recovery. These projects allow me to share not only my own story but also those of others, fostering a community of understanding and hope.

Recently, FTS has taken exciting steps forward. We’ve launched a newly redesigned website to better serve our community and introduced a line of stigma-breaking merchandise. Additionally, we’ve rolled out a new Medication Assistance Program to help Marylanders who struggle to afford their mental health medications. This program is particularly meaningful to me because it provides tangible support to those in need, furthering our mission to break down barriers to mental health care.

Through my work with FTS, I’ve found a space where I can combine my passion for creativity and storytelling with my commitment to making a difference. I’m proud of the impact we’re making and excited for what’s to come.

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?

Looking back, I’d say the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are open-mindedness, authenticity, and a willingness to be uncomfortable—essentially, learning to embrace discomfort as a pathway to growth.

Open-mindedness has been critical for both my recovery and my work. In recovery, and in a field where there’s always more to learn, staying open to new ideas, perspectives, and ways of doing things has been essential. For me, this means remaining teachable. I’ve learned that no matter how much I grow, there’s always room to improve, whether it’s finding better ways to articulate myself or learning new coping skills to navigate challenges in recovery. The moment you start thinking you know everything, you stop growing.

Authenticity—staying true to who I am—has also been key. In everything I do, whether it’s content creation or advocacy, I want to highlight the humanity of people who struggle with addiction and mental health. It’s about showing that we’re not defined by our past or our struggles; we’re just as human as anyone else. Staying authentic allows me to connect with others in a genuine way and helps me create content that resonates on a deeper level.

Lastly, a willingness to be uncomfortable has been one of the most transformative qualities for me. Both in recovery and content creation, I’ve rarely felt “comfortable,” and that’s been a good thing. Discomfort signals growth. Whether it’s stepping into a new role, sharing vulnerable parts of my story, or tackling a challenging project, I’ve learned that pushing through those moments is where real progress happens.

For those early in their journey, my advice is this:

Stay open-minded: Be willing to listen, learn, and grow from every experience and person you encounter.
Be authentic: Your uniqueness is your strength; don’t shy away from it. People connect with authenticity.
Embrace discomfort: Growth happens when you challenge yourself and step outside your comfort zone. It might be hard at first, but it’s worth it.
These qualities have not only helped me in my professional and personal life but have also shaped me into the person I am today.

If you knew you only had a decade of life left, how would you spend that decade?

A challenge I’m currently facing is navigating the ups and downs of my motivation. It’s something I’ve struggled with for a while. Some days, the creativity flows effortlessly, and I’m energized to bring my ideas to life. Other days, it feels harder to tap into that spark or even find the energy to execute my plans.

What I’m learning is to accept these fluctuations as part of being human. Creativity isn’t always a steady stream—it’s more like a wave, with its peaks and valleys. I’m working on riding those waves rather than resisting them. On the tougher days, I remind myself not to beat myself up for not being 100% all the time. Instead, I focus on progress, not perfection, and give myself grace when I need to rest or recharge.

This challenge has also taught me the importance of balance and self-compassion. While it’s important to stay disciplined and consistent, it’s equally important to recognize that rest and reflection are just as valuable in the creative process. By giving myself permission to step back when needed, I’m finding that I can show up more fully on the days when inspiration strikes.

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Laisha Martinez

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