Today we’d like to introduce you to Carmen Martinez.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Originally, I was born in Nicaragua and raised in Louisiana. I moved to Houston In 2000. I attended North Harris College before graduating from U of H in Business Management where I met my Best Friend Latrece Bell. Over the years, we created a strong bond. In April 2011, she committed suicide. It took me years to finally come to terms of this incident and of what actually happened. I questioned myself how could this happen and really did not understand when she was diagnosed with Bipolar disorder and what that actually meant.
After her passing, I became involved in the community and volunteered for NAMi (National Alliance of Mental Illness) and became a mental health educator. I also co-founded Live Beautiful now, a non-profit 501c 3 that brought awareness on Bipolar disorder for the African American and Latino communities. At the same time, I also started to participate in the annual AFSP (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention) and realize there is so much more than many are not aware of and just the stigma behind it.
I have many friends that saw me as a voice for these taboo topics and reached out to for help as I guided them through my experience and shared my story. A few years after her passing, I came across an activity that helped me cope with her not being with me any longer- bodybuilding.
I had been modeling since I was 18 years old, so competing in Bodybuilding competitions helped me cope and made me motivated to also help others out on the importance of a healthy lifestyle. During that time, I was the healthiest and smaller in a size I ever been and felt amazing. But I also started to get body shame in the fashion industry that my “look” was not “modelesque.” Fast forward to now and I have created my first fashion show focusing on fashion, fitness, and swimwear on June 22, 2019.
The main objective of our fashion show is to showcase that beauty comes in all shapes. Although the fashion and fitness industry can lead many individuals to self-doubt, we want this evening to bring inspiration, make self-care a priority in one’s life, and encourage a joyful state of mind in regard for one’s own well-being and happiness.
Multicultural incredible men & women who are influencers in their field from the local Houston area focusing on fitness, fashion and swim kicking off the summer season in this incredible event. It will bring you diversity on the runway showcasing top cultural fashion trends, athletic leisure wear and swim attire.
Our influencers will walk the runway sporting garments created by local, international designers and boutiques. In the spirit of this event, we rounded up some of the best influencers in these industries for their uplifting and motivating personalities, they are inspirational and lead by example encouraging others to feel passion for life.
Has it been a smooth road?
My passion has always been the runway. Being on stage has always been fun and inspirational for me. It was my own getaway to feel energetic and just felt alive when I would do fashion shows. My challenge was how I was also body judged when I started my healthy journey and that also brought self-doubt and in the pursuit for the that ” perfect body” I also realized that my path was to continue advocating on self-care, bring awareness on mental health and “talk” about suicide prevention and how there is help and support in the community. I have a niece she is 25 and I have realized that there are many young women out there that are lost. meaning they are being challenged by social media and beauty standards and are becoming more challenge in recognizing the standard in these industries. My advice has always been feeling confident, modeling did that for me. Know your self and ultimately do what makes you happy and what gives you passion.
We’d love to hear more about Fashion Fitness Swim.
Ha, this is funny to me because I am involved in so many things and my friends always call me ” hustler.” I work full time for a marketing/ad agency where I focus on experiential marketing creating a memorable brand experience for a top spirits company. But above all, I have always to work around people and enhance their life experiments. I am good at public speaking and I am honestly just known to get things done. I like to motivate others and just be myself. One thing I have learned over the years is the importance of communication in your work life, and your personal life. I think we have many individuals that are walking around not feeling comfortable to speak on what they are feeling and afraid of judgment. When I co-founded Live Beautiful Now in memory of my best friend, it opened my eyes to the need to bring awareness on many topics dealing with mental health. It also encourages me to continue on this journey.
Above all, I am known to always be there when I can for those asking for help. Throughout the lost of my best friend, I am most proud of writing a book called Another Day with her that was published. It helped me write my thoughts and shared my loss with others. It helps me healed in the process and helped others by giving them hope that you can overcome a tragic loss.
Do you feel like there was something about the experiences you had growing up that played an outsized role in setting you up for success later in life?
I was the youngest of three, so for me, I was always up for a challenge. I was always the awkward kid when I came to this country as an immigrant. I always felt I never fit in, I was bullied when I was younger because I did not have the right clothes or fit in. I was always so skinny so I was always self-conscious of body image. But I was always a competitor at heart and always got along with many. So, my personality always helped. I think these experiences and the harsh words of people can definitely play a role in how you feel. At a young age, this can affect you later in life. I see it now with so many young women trying to fit in and have not found their voice.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 2814511054
- Email: carmenpmartinez@me.com
- Instagram: carmsacharm
- Facebook: carmenpmartinez03
- Twitter: lovinica
Image Credit:
Tommy Chung Photography & Jason Fitzgerald Photography
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