Daily Inspiration: Meet Victoria Martinez

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

Hi Victoria, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in San Diego and did my first play in 8th grade-Hamlet. From then on I was hooked. In high school I did theatre all four years and when it came time for college I knew I wanted follow that passion. I ended up at the University of San Francisco where I majored in Performing Arts and Social Justice with a minor in music. My time at USF was largely shaped by the on campus student run theatre company, the College Players. After college I moved back to San Diego and soon life took over- I got married, started working as a diamond grader, bought a home and unintentionally put acting to the side. After about 5 years I started to realize how deeply unhappy I was. My mental health suffered and overall I just wasn’t happy. I decided to apply for grad school in acting and was eventually accepted into the Stella Adler Studios 2 year professional conservatory and was offered the chance to be part of their inaugural class in LA. Stella Adler changed my life. All of a sudden I was thrust back into the world of acting and I couldn’t have been happier. Of course there were some bumps along the way, but I was finally doing what I loved. Since finishing my conservatory training, I’ve done three theatrical internships which earned me my Equity card and I was able to join SAG-AFTRA. It’s been an interesting journey these past 10+ years, but now that I’ve made acting my primary focus, I’m happier and healthier.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road for me. One of my biggest challenges has been my mental health. I started suffering from depression in high school and have been dealing with it since then. I hit a low point in 2009 and tried to end my life. With the help of several doctors and treatments over the years, I’m now in a healthy space and have better ways to manage my depression and anxiety.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My first love is theatre. I love the feedback of a live audience. That’s probably why I’ve also fallen in love with improv. Being funny and making people laugh has always come naturally to me. Comedy is my home. Being in LA has also opened up the world of on camera acting for me. One my proudest accomplishments was my first co-star role on an episode of Hulu’s Dollface. It’s been a slow process, but it’s something I keep pursuing because I know that ultimately, it’s what makes me happy.

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I think success is about how you feel at the end of each day. If you can look back and say “I’m doing what I love”, that’s a successful day and a successful life. I don’t think it’s about grand accomplishments and big sweeping wins. It’s about being able to be proud of each day and finding the joy in life even when things are not going as planned.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.victoriayvonne.com

Image Credits
Leah Huebner-Huebner Headshots