Meet Miquela Martinez

 

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Miquela Martinez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Miquela below.

Hi Miquela, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

Life itself presents challenges to each and every one of us that have the gift of life. I like to remind myself and believe that part of this gift is each of us are unique and have a set of gifts we are meant to share with the world. Working in communities, it is good to remember what you have to offer with your strengths, abilities and having an open mind with your experiences. You always have an opportunity to learn. Having humility and vulnerability is an incredible strength to have. Especially with emotional intelligence and a safe space to hold your emotions in all situations and implementing this in any space. With my life experiences, challenges and what I have had to survive, overcome and endure gave me the opportunity to gain the wisdom I have today. I implement this in spaces I create in, work I co-create with and in the present moment. Remembering who you are will take you far with belief in self, trust in self and devotion to continue. Your challenges build your character, reminding yourself your life experience is unique and gave you an opportunity to learn and share your story. Your perspective, your knowledge and wisdom can help in any room you grace.

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?

Hi, I’m Miq. I am a two-spirit individual from Kansas City, MO. I lead a life based in spiritual integrity, love, creation and truth. I care deeply about the liberation and freedom for all. I embrace the beauty that is abundant in the world and surrounds us everyday. In the land, in the sky, in the beautiful moon, the cosmos and within us all. Entwined with the natural beauty of it all lies the truth of unconditional love, the light. I take my life’s challenges, pain, darkness and experience and alchemize them into light. This has led me to uplift myself and those around me. To remind people of the uniqueness of their light and not be afraid to shine in their own, to be who they inherently are. It’s incredibly important to live your truth as there is truly only one of you. My work is based in creative energy and capturing all of this essence. I am a photographer, I write and storytell, I help create beautiful experiences in the music industry and the many other creative endeavors I pursue. My work has expanded and changed over the years. As chapters close, new beginnings emerge with new challenges and opportunities to create and build connection. My work basis is in love, compassion and vulnerability that at root is to build strong foundations of community. Working in the community of music and where it has taken me has been a beautiful journey of dream/wish fulfillment, meeting like minded kin and expanding what previously thought was out there. Capturing the energy of various different artist styles and their fans has been an eye opening experience. It’s incredible at heart for me to see people create and share their work with the world and the people they draw together to celebrate the work of art in concerts, events, etc. It has been an honor to capture the passion, spirit, joy and energy of the artists, dancers, spaces and venues I’ve graced. I hope my creative career continues to expand in the ways that best honors myself and all who I work with. Love drives my creations, and this medium is abundant in many forms. Especially in art. It’s one of the best ways of living this life for me. Much of my work does not feel like work, it’s such a deep passion that brings joy and light, it does not always feel like a responsibility. It’s a gift I wish to not take for granted. I am grateful for where it has taken me this far. I look forward to what is to come and all who I work with.

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 on my journey fills me with deep gratitude, joy and peace for the process that has led to the current path I walk. There are so many wonderful qualities, skills and knowledge that carries you through it all. As challenging as it is to select three that have helped me thus far, I would have to say having an open mind with curiosity, a growth mindset and a thirst for knowledge/to continue to always learn; devotion in its many forms and authenticity.
Having an open mind to learn will take you far, this includes doing your best not to have fixed expectations, limitations with the outcome/ideas and overcoming the challenges change can bring. Having a thirst for knowledge allows you to always be the student while also being a guide/teacher for others. Having a natural curiosity helps you expand your understanding, skills and knowledge than what was previous by having the willingness to learn another way. We will all continue to learn till our last moments on this planet if we allow. This not only applies to your work but in the reality of life itself. Learning from your challenges or perceived failures will take you far. Trying again and devoting to continue is not a failure, but an opportunity to learn from mistakes and trust the process.
Having devotion is an important quality. Devotion to self, to your vision, to your heart and it’s deepest desires and to your passions. Being devoted to what feels right to you from a place of integrity and authenticity will lead you to paths that are meant for you. Authenticity is valuable as it can not be imitated. It’s important to be the truth of you, again there is only one of you. You have inherent gifts that are meant to be shared with the world through creation and the means you deem appropriate. Listening to your heart and following those deep desires with all of this in mind has led me to the path I am today. This has led me to meet wonderful people, opportunities and experiences that have taught me so much and helped me expand in ways I could have never imagined possible before. Be devoted to not giving up on yourself and the vision, having an open mind with the unknown and the evolution of what is created in time of this natural process leading the journey and remember to be patient and authentically you.

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?

There are three books that have played an important role in my development of my creative career and life itself. All three are valuable tools that apply to the many layers of life and will take you far on the path less traveled, the life unique to you.
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz, the Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron and all about love by Bell Hooks.
They all share themes of commitment to self and living a life that honors you. That your love is powerful and it is important to recognize the gift of you, your uniqueness and to share this.
In ‘The Four Agreements’, they list as:
‘Be Impeccable with your word, Don’t take anything personally, Don’t make assumptions and Always do your best.’ This book helps broaden your perspective and consciousness. This guide helps you gain compassion for others and the world around you. The tools given help you remain centred, grounded within and to not focus on how your light is received by others. I have left with much courage and confidence being reminded of the abilities we develop by knowing one’s self and sharing this light with the world.
The Artist’s Way is a great tool of coming back to yourself, getting in touch with your inner creative to help implement habits that are healthy to you, change and helps break creative blocks. This books basis is in creativity and encouragement and is a commitment of 12 weeks to help expand and get in touch with your inner creative light. It’s absolutely life changing and takes vulnerability, compassion and honesty.
All about love navigates you back to heart and centre. To balance your emotions, mind and spirit. To help you have a willingness and courage to lead a path that overcomes fear and lead with authenticity all rooted in love. It is powerful to have your heart and life rooted in love as it opens a safe space for others to do so too and collectively uplift and support community.

(Another honorable mention is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. The wisdom in this book helps you realize that it’s important to appreciate the moment of now and the process that leads your journey to the end goal. When the end arrives at times we realize we are back at the beginning. As life is full of cycles. Trust where you are lead.)

These tools have significantly changed my life and have helped me in my creative endeavors and life itself. I recommend these books to all.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Miqdelmar Photography, I Love KC Music, Kimmy DeVries

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