Today we’d like to introduce you to Giselle Marte.
Hi Giselle, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m a multifaceted creative traditional Artist, 3D artist, animator, and entrepreneur. Alongside my creative work, I’m also a social media manager for an incredible women’s wellness company something I truly love doing.
I started out on a more traditional path, going to college and following the plan my family expected—get a degree, land a high-paying job, and build a stable career. But deep down, I knew I wanted more. I had bigger dreams, bigger visions. So, I made a bold decision: I packed my things, left New Jersey, and moved to California to chase the creative life I always wanted.
Even before that, I had already started carving out my own lane online. I realized I could use the internet to make money, inspire, and connect with other women—especially in the natural hair community. That’s when my love for content creation was born. Women were engaging with my posts, telling me they felt seen, helped, and motivated. That energy pushed me forward.
At one point, I even started selling homemade flaxseed gels—a small but exciting venture that sparked my entrepreneurial spirit. Women were reaching out, wanting to try it, and I was shipping and delivering orders from my home. It was a wild experience, waking up to a flood of notifications, realizing that I was really building something on my own terms.
From there, I kept expanding. I started selling paintings, diving deeper into my creative passions, and eventually made the leap to California for a fresh start. Growing up in a tough neighborhood, I always knew I wanted out—not just physically, but mentally and creatively. I wanted an environment where I could truly thrive.
Now that I’m in California, I’ve been actively participating in art shows, painting murals, and even showcasing my work in film screenings alongside my partner, who’s also a 3D animator and so amazing to share this passion with. I love collaborating, creating, and pushing my artistic limits. Eventually, I want to dive into video game development, Potential Vr experiences bringing my surreal storytelling and animation skills into interactive experiences. Theres lots I want to do. But step by step i know I’ll get there.
But more than anything, I want to make a name for myself and build a loyal fanbase that connects with my work across all mediums. I love everything I do, and I want to keep thriving, evolving, and inspiring others along the way.
This is just the beginning.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey hasn’t been easy—it’s been full of sacrifices, self-doubt, and straight-up survival mode hustling. But every struggle has shaped me into the artist and entrepreneur I am today.
Money has been one of the biggest challenges. Being a creative in California means constantly grinding to make ends meet. It’s a different level of hustle—one that can easily consume your life. There’s no set path, no “secure” job waiting at the end of the road, just pure ambition and faith that you’ll make it work.
Leaving family and friends behind was another huge adjustment. Moving thousands of miles away from my community in New York/New Jersey was lonely at times. I miss the friendships I built back home, the energy, the familiarity. California is beautiful, but it’s taken time to find my place. Although i am getting closer.
What nobody tells you about moving away or even just reaching your mid-20s and beyond is that it forces you to start your healing journey. At least for me, it did. Suddenly, I wasn’t just chasing my dreams—I was also healing from past traumas, unpacking things I didn’t even realize I was carrying. And that’s a whole journey in itself.
Trying to accomplish your goals while dealing with life, emotions, and personal growth? It’s overwhelming. Sometimes, it makes you want to create more than ever. Other times, it halts your creativity completely because you realize you need self-care first. You need to step back, sit with yourself, reset—so you can come back even stronger.
I’ve dealt with so much burnout over the past few years as a creative. And I’ve pushed through, over and over. But I think I’m feeling it again. And I’m finally allowing myself to accept that breaks are needed. Rest is needed. Because the goal isn’t just to create—it’s to keep creating, sustainably.
I’ve also struggled with age and the pressure of wanting a family. I’m 31 now, and while I know there’s no “perfect timeline,” it’s hard not to think about it. I want kids one day, but right now, my art, my craft, my purpose—this is my baby. I want to be able to give my future children everything—not just financially, but emotionally. That means having a strong community, financial security, and the time to actually be present. And I’m still building that.
Then there’s the silent struggle of being online. Feeling unseen, unacknowledged. Watching people view your work but not engage. That weird millennial/gen Z experience where you feel like you’re screaming into the void. And of course, imposter syndrome creeps in.
But honestly? Nothing drained me more than working a soul-sucking 9-5. I spent two years at a call center, feeling my creativity slipping away. I barely had time or energy to make art. I was stuck in a cycle of exhaustion, in denial that I was on the verge of depression. Huge thank you to my partner who kept/keeps me sane and motivated!
Despite all of it, I kept pushing. Because I know I’m meant for more. My struggles don’t define me, but they have shaped me. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this, the grind is real, but so is the dream. You Got this. We got this!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a multimedia artist with a deep love for both physical art and digital creation, especially animation. My work is often influenced by the nostalgic colors and style of the Y2K era. There’s something incredibly comforting to me about revisiting that time through my art—it reminds me of when my mom was still alive. The vibrant colors, the fashion, and the energy of that era bring a sense of safety, a kind of emotional time travel, where I can hold on to memories that still feel close. It’s a bittersweet connection, though, because while those years were filled with joy, they were also tough times. But that contrast is what makes those memories so precious to me, and it’s something I carry into my work.
I have a strong desire to someday create an animation, VR experience or a video game dedicated to grief and loss, particularly from the perspective of losing a loved one at a young age or just something educational and fun. I want to make many different kinds of games. Its definitely my next step in this artistic journey. I have many other ideas just need to tackle them one at a time.
I started out as a traditional artist but quickly realized I wanted my work to come to life in a way that felt more immersive. That’s when I dove into 3D animation and began learning Blender. The beauty of the digital world is that it allows for limitless creation, and I find myself constantly experimenting with how new technology can amplify my creative expression. That’s why I also have an interest in AI and the ways it’s pushing boundaries in our field. I know it’s a controversial topic, but I believe with time, we’ll adapt and find ethical, responsible ways to use it, just as we have with any new technology. It’s about balance and knowing when it’s the right tool for the job. Im also interested in other innovative tools like Virtual Reality and 3d Printing. Many interests, I know but life is too good to not try it all!
I also have youtube channels Im currently growing but that takes time! Patience is key! Im really inspired by youtube because of its amazing community and have goals of thriving on there also.
In addition to my artistic work, I’m also a social media manager for a women’s wellness brand, which is incredibly meaningful to me. I’m fortunate to work alongside a CEO who is truly passionate about making a positive impact on women’s health. My mom passed away from cervical cancer, and being part of a company that’s dedicated to improving women’s health feels like a beautiful way to continue her legacy. It’s something I hold close to my heart, and it drives me to work even harder every day.
Another passion of mine lies within the natural hair community. As a woman with curly hair, I’ve found a space where I can embrace my culture, my roots, and my natural beauty. Content creation in this space allows me to connect with others who share similar experiences, and it’s a part of my journey to celebrate who I am and where I come from. Through my content, I want to inspire others to embrace their natural textures, break free from societal expectations, and celebrate their true selves. My cultural identity is deeply woven into everything I do, and the way I share it through both art and content creation is an important part of my journey.
As a creative, I love being multifaceted. I enjoy balancing different aspects of my life, from animation to social media management, and I find strength in that diversity. It’s a reminder that even when the road gets tough, there’s always room to grow, adapt, and keep creating.
I’m most proud of my resilience. I’ve been in California for seven years now, and through all the highs and lows, I’m still standing, still hustling. I’m doing it not just for myself, but for my family too. I want to make them proud, and I work hard every day to be able to give back to them in some way, to bring us all together more often.
What sets me apart is being a self taught Dominican woman in animation. It’s a field with a small but growing community of women, and I’m proud to be part of that movement and to have all the resources that I have available to me. I also try to bring my culture into my work because it’s an essential part of who I am. I want to amplify and celebrate that in everything I create, showing that our stories and experiences are worth sharing.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
When I reflect on the people who have truly shaped my journey, there’s one person who stands out tremendously and that’s, my boyfriend, Corey. From the very moment I moved to California, he was there, guiding me through the overwhelming adjustments, offering support, and showing me this amazing state of California. His belief in me and my dreams has been a constant source of strength.
We share this deep, mutual love for creativity that truly connects us, and it’s been amazing to see how much we’ve both grown through our shared passion. It’s such a gift to have someone by my side who not only understands the struggles but also celebrates the victories with me. It’s rare to find someone who aligns with you on a creative level, and I’m grateful that we get to do this journey together. He sees me for who I am, supports me through the highs and lows, and reminds me that the best part of this creative journey is the joy of doing it together.
His presence in my life has made all the difference, and I couldn’t have made it this far without him. It’s beyond just partnership—it’s a shared dream, one that we both nourish and build together. He’s not only my biggest cheerleader but also my co-creator, and I am so thankful for everything he’s done to help me get to where I am today.
Im Thankful for my bfs family who is also my family now too. They have supported with love and kindness and provided necessities for me when moving from apartment to apartment. That truly helped alot during those transitions.
I feel incredibly grateful for my family. They’ve supported me in their own unique ways, and without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today, thriving and pursuing my dreams even though it took them awhile to truly understand what I was doing. Their strength, resilience, and determination are the foundation I stand on.
I was raised by my aunt and uncle, who were immigrants in the U.S., and their story is a huge part of why I’m so driven. My uncle, who I consider a father figure, started with humble beginnings, mopping floors at a department store before working his way up to becoming a rental property owner and entrepreneur. His journey taught me the importance of hard work and perseverance. My aunt, who was like a second mother to me, was a stay-at-home mom but never lost that entrepreneurial spirit. She started her own jewelry business, and I watched her build something from the ground up, creating lasting relationships with her clients. It was inspiring to see her hustle even while raising a family.
I also want to thank my sister and brother for always being there with their love and support, They played a huge a roll in my life growing up and I’m thankful for them always.
My best friend Issy, who’s miles away but always knows how to listen when I need someone to talk to and love so dearly.
To the small amount of Friends I made along the way, Thank you!
To the Art, Film & Animation communities I’ve met along the way, Thank you!
To The CEO and Friend/Family Lisa who saved me from working a soul sucking 9-5 for 2 yrs, I thank you from the bottom of my heart and very grateful I can work for an amazing company. shoutout to Mavocare!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gisellemarte.tv/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/giselle.marte.1/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@gisellemarte
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@gisellemarte.tv
