Martina Robledo’s Stories, Lessons & Insights

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Martina Robledo. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Martina, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: When was the last time you felt true joy?
I stepped out into the rain to grab something from my car, not realizing how dark and stormy it had gotten. It was a deep gray kind of afternoon, the kind where it looked like someone had dimmed the day light. I didn’t end up finding what I was looking for, but I sat in my car for a minute anyway—just listening to the rain hit the roof and windows.
And honestly, that tiny moment meant so much. It felt like being a kid again… just present, calm, and alive. That’s the last time I really felt pure joy.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’ am a beauty content creator, journalist, philanthropist, actor, singer, and model. Most notably I was the first transgender Grammy Award Presenter in history! Since then I have worked with major beauty brands in the likes of Makeupbymario, and Patrick Ta beauty. I’ve built my brand around authenticity, creativity, and representation—showing the world what it means to be unapologetically yourself. As a strong transgender woman of color, my story is about resilience, visibility, and breaking barriers in industries that often overlook people like me. Being visible representation in this industry is absolutely important. I take pride in being a working model and content creator which allows me the exposure a lot of people don’t get access to. To be along side other industry legends is surreal and it brings me peace that someone like me can also stand out strong in this industry.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I believe we all remember how easy it felt to be a child. We carried an innocent curiosity about the world and felt almost invincible. When I was young, I felt truly free. I felt powerful, fully present in the moment, curious without worry, and capable of anything I set my mind to. Kids can make-believe so effortlessly, imagining faraway lands like Narnia. As we grow older, it becomes much harder to tap into that childlike curiosity. I think that’s the secret to manifesting—or the new-age idea of positive thinking. When you let go of cares and expectations, that’s when the magic happens. You’re just in the moment, fully alive.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I had the chance to speak to my younger self, I would first give myself a big hug and tell myself that everything will be okay. Growing up, my family wasn’t very affectionate, and sharing emotions often felt awkward. It’s all I ever knew, and I appreciate my family for what they gave me—but I wish we had shared more moments of tenderness. So to that sweet little kid, I would hold them as long as I could. I would also tell them that, in time, things will start to make a lot more sense. You’re going to be a rising star—a model, a singer, an actor—and you’ll inspire so many people along the way. Billboards will carry your name, your face will be in every Sephora beauty store. You will be celebrated not only for who you are but for everything you have accomplished. So keep going. No matter how hard it gets, it will all be alright.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
Being in the modeling and entertainment industry has its perks and setbacks. Especially in a highly competitive field like modeling or content creation, so many people are striving for the same opportunities. After working in this game for some time, it can be hard not to let it get to me when I see other girls like me hitting different or bigger milestones.
You can look at this from two perspectives: either the industry lies to itself, saying only Eurocentric looks get you in the door, or it lies, claiming anyone can make it with hard, hard work. I am a testament that with hard work and a good team by your side, you can make it.
There was a long time when I didn’t know if I wanted to continue working as a model, actor, or content creator because the only trans girls I saw booking the bigger jobs were all the same type—blonde hair and blue-eyed beauties. It wasn’t until I started getting noticed by major beauty brands like MakeupByMario and Patrick Ta that my career began unfolding effortlessly. From there, other campaigns started rolling in with brands like ALO, Vuori, SKIMS, and CoverGirl.
There is still a lot of work to be done for companies—or the old-school executives who write the checks—to truly see the momentum that trans girls of color can bring to the table. I’m grateful to all the trailblazers who came before me. Isis King, Dominique Jackson, Indya Moore, Quei Tann, Laverne Cox, Francis García, Zion Moreno, and Michaela Jaé Rodriguez have all made their mark on the industry and continue to inspire me to be better.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
When I’m no longer here, I want people to remember my resilience and my good heart. I always strive to be the best version of myself and inspire others to do the same. As a strong transgender woman of color, I’ve faced my fair share of discrimination, yet I have remained poised and strong. My story is meant to inspire because of the hardships I’ve overcome—mental, physical, and spiritual abuse from those I thought had my best interests at heart. I want all the creative work I’ve done—photoshoots in magazines, billboards, acting in indie films—to inspire a little Mexican boy or girl who may be questioning their worth in today’s world, to show them that they too can have a piece of the pie. With hard work, courage, and a beautiful smile, anything is possible.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.martinarobledo.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsmartinarobledo/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@itsmartinarobledo