Conversations with Kristian Martinez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristian Martinez

Hi Kristian, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been pretty creative and social for sure, since I was a kid. I got my love and admiration for the beauty industry/world at a very young age with YouTube. I remember being elementary and middle school saying I’m going to be a YouTuber. The era of beauty gurus got bigger when I was in middle school and my mom was would really only let me wear mascara and liner. I would try to go so crazy with that liner, not a pretty picture. Then around 7th or 8th grade my aunt got me my first Sephora eyeshadow palette for Christmas and I realized my passion/ love for makeup. From then I continued to practice and grow my craft because trust me the looks at first were a little scary but we got better. Then my friend Ariel convinced me to start posting my content on Instagram like videos which I didn’t know how do because I was use to long form with YouTube. I eventually got started and learned. The first brand that took a chance on me as a small creator was IPSY. Then I got more opportunities like Murad, SmashBox, Milk Makeup, Rare Beauty, Youth To The People, and others because they get to see me even though I’m small but my voice and passion for what I do make the difference. I live my life by that everyday that no matter what happens brands will see that I’m passionate in what I do and interested in constantly learning about the brand now just the hype and trend.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road there has been plenty of struggles from me constantly living with anxiety and having to learn to cope with it which hasn’t been easy (panic attacks, random hit of social anxiety,& few triggers). To have struggles with my body image due to weight and body Dysmorphia so I cause a lot irregularity in my mental health and just health in general. This year I finally imploded with all my emotions on how I felt about others judging my body, talking about my weight, telling me how I should look instead and so much more. As a creator a struggle I faced this year is trying to reality check myself more because sometimes I catch myself being a bit ungrateful and lacking luster in my content which is not okay I have a lot to be blessed about even though it’s hard because engagement is roller coaster.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have 3 jobs.
That’s the Main thing that sets me apart.
If you add content creation that’s 4!
I like to keep busy due to anxiety. I work with behavioral Spanish only students which is a something I’m pretty proud of because my students are a little bit more work and not a lot of my colleagues speak Spanish either. Besides that I decide to use my passions for skincare, makeup, body contouring, and possibly growing more passions to continue to flourish my freelance mobile business again. Besides that I work as a prestige beauty advisor for almost 4 years now which has been a roller coaster but I like it because I get to network with so many different brands and companies, as a creative that’s really important for me but also as a growing freelancer trying to make it in the industry it helps me book more gigs because vendors help take a chance on me to better my portfolio.

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I feel like this word has changed a lot for me throughout the years. I also feel like for a long time my definition of success was driven over my career choice, college education, and how that made my mother feel. All three of these things were not easy so being successful in them was not but definitely attainable. I define success as being in the position to choose things in your favor/ interest to better yourself in everyway possible and to be genuinely happy with your most genuine life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kristianvalerie/id1522252496
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristianvalerie_
• Youtube: https:://www.youtube.com/@KristianValerieMartinez
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@kristianvalerie_