Meet Nancy Martinez

We recently connected with Nancy Martinez and have shared our conversation below.

Nancy, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

Being the only one in the room that looks like me has taught me that I deserve to be in those spaces. Knowing that you were selected because of your knowledge or expertise helps to be in these spaces. I am a big believer of teamwork, I believe that in order to be successful one must work with others. We cannot be an island of knowing everything. I try to keep that in the front of my mind as I am in these rooms.

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?

I am the founder and owner of Nide Jardin, a self care boutique through nature. Most people call the boutique a plant shop but for me the plants and everything they give us is part of our self care. I am excited to share this philosophy with others and to teach them to care for nature as we are part of it. I am not alone when it comes to being excited about nature as I collaborate with over 15 BIPOC, women owned, LGBTQ+ brands that are focused on nature or their products are natural.

We recently have partnered with Dapper Brews to have their first brick and mortar cafe within the boutique. This is another form of honoring nature as coffee is made from a plant. We believe that this partnership will give our community a new refreshing concept that is centered on nature and people.

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?

Determination has helped me in continuing when I hear nos or things do not pan out as I had planned them to be. I become more determined as obstacles come between me and my goal. I stay true to my vision and mission until it is either proof of concept or a failure. For me it is about seeing it through to the end.

Patience…this one is a quality that I am continuing to attune but this one has to be the most important and difficult. I say this because we live in a society where instant gratification is what we constantly crave. As they say “Rome wasn’t built in a day” and this is something that we have to keep in mind when things may not go our way or when there are times where things do not seem to be happening fast. Stop and remember where you were a few weeks, months, or a year ago. You will see how far you have come just by being patient.

Empathy is another quality that is teaching me new skills. The younger generations have seen what we have done and they are learning from our mistakes. As a business person, we are taught that business is about making the most and being the best. Opening up a business post covid taught me that people are people. No matter what position they are in they are human. Humans sometimes make mistakes, need clarification, need more time, or just simply need to be heard. I know that when they walk in the door they are there by choice and I try to make sure they feel seen or heard.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

There are two books that have played an important role in my development, “The Zahir” and “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coehlo. I have read both of these books throughout my life staring in high school and eery time I read them I come out with new perspectives.

The Alchemist taught me that no matter how much you look for happiness elsewhere, everything you need to be happy is within me. The treasure we all are looking for is within us. The book was the first book that I read that put is in the same context as nature but only if we listen and become part of it.

The Zahir taught me to appreciate those who we love because time is fleeting. We think we have everything one day but then someone or something goes missing and you realize that no matter what you had, love was what made you rich.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.NideJardin.com
• Instagram: @NideJardinAurora
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NideJardinAurora