Meet Chepe Martinez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chepe Martinez.

Chepe, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
It all started when I received my first camera in my freshman year of high school. I was always interested in the idea of photography/videography as a career. When I was in junior high, in my hometown Chandler, Arizona, I used to make a lot of YouTube videos with my friends because I enjoyed the whole filming and editing process. When I got to high school, I decided to take film photography; I ended up failing the course because I liked filming my own projects with my own creative vision. The classes were very strict and didn’t have much room for creativity. The whole school thing, in general, was not my strong suit. I would describe myself as more of a creative person; my school did not allow me to express that side of myself, so I struggled a lot with my grades. I was very lost, and the only thing that seemed to make me happy was taking photos and creating my friends’ videos. I didn’t have a computer at that time, so I would stay after school to edit in my multimedia class. Even though I was struggling to find where I wanted to be in my life, I never gave up on myself because I knew that I would be successful one day, and I was born to do this.

My father was and still is a very influential person in my life. I thank him for where I am at now because he was the person who motivated me to keep going and never give up. He has stayed right by my side for this entire journey, and if it were not for him, I do not know where I would be at now.

I feel like I am finally finding the true purpose in my life, and all the friendships I have created the past couple of years have encouraged me to keep following my dreams. I am grateful to have had so many opportunities this year that have allowed me to grow not only as a creator but as a person and have changed my life forever. I took the steps I needed to achieve my goals. I have worked with significant influencers and photographers in LA, created content for huge brands, and so much more.

I write this story of my life and realize that learning and growing is an essential part of becoming successful. I hope that I have inspired you to transform your life and reach your highest potential. Keep on working hard and learn as much as you can from those around you. This is not only the first step to success but rather to your true happiness. Believe in yourself and do what makes you happy; I promise if you do just that, you will be more successful than you ever thought you could.

Has it been a smooth road?
I would be lying if I said that it was easy to get to where I am today; I have had many bumps along the road, but I am grateful for them because they have helped me grow as a person. Growing up in Arizona was challenging because it was difficult to find people willing to shoot with me. Many people thought I was in over my head and they did not take my work seriously at first. It was discouraging when I had everyone doubting me when I told them all the plans and dreams I had for my future. Despite all the negativity, I believed in myself, and that is all that mattered to me. I knew the best revenge anyone could get was being successful. At that moment, I realized that it would be best for me to get out of my hometown and move somewhere with more opportunities, and what better place to do that than in LA. I knew that there were many people with the same passions and dreams in LA; it is where everyone encourages each other’s work and shows love for one another.

I had some connections with some influencers in LA, and I had planned on moving to a content house. It was nerve-wracking because important people would be judging my work, and there was a lot of pressure for me to create my best content yet. The move to California was a step I was excited to make, but I also had to sacrifice many things. I would not be able to see my dad and friends as much, and I was in a relationship at the time that I knew that would hold me back. These were all sacrifices that I was willing to make for my career, and even though it was hard, it was all worth it because it paid off more than I could have dreamed of.

We’d love to hear more about your work.
I specialize in photography, videography, and editing. I am now based in LA and do some work in other states as well. I post most of my work on my Instagram, @chepe6ix, and feature photos and short video montages of models and influencers. I am most proud that I built this business up by myself and have worked with many influential people and brands. What sets me most apart from others is my determination to continually be improving my work and always working as hard as I can to keep learning and growing.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I love the hustle in LA. Everyone is constantly working on achieving their dreams. It is good energy to live in because everyone supports your goals and encourages you to keep working hard. There are infinite opportunities in LA, which not many other places have, and it has been incredibly useful for my business. I have created some of my best friendships in this city that I will have forever. Most importantly, it is the perfect place to create the best work I possibly can.

Contact Info:

• Email: chepe6ix@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chepe6ix/?hl=en

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