Meet Genesis Martinez | Creative, Seamstress, Hair & Makeup Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Genesis Martinez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Genesis, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I spent about 10 years of my life working in the corporate sector for people I didn’t feel inspired by. I realized it was time to take a leap of faith and leave the security blanket of a 9-5 thankfully because I was surrounded by a bunch of creatives who encouraged me to hone in on my creativity and do something that brought the passion back into my life.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Prior to the Pandemic I spent about 10 years of my life working in the Corporate Sector and I could never quite figure out why I was always good at my job but I was never happy and the environment I was surrounded by wasn’t ever an environment I felt right in. I used to leave work so upset I would go home put my phone down pick up a paint brush brush and paint away the stress of the day. Prior to and after the pandemic started I was extremely blessed to be surrounded by friends who encouraged me to hone in on my creativity. When we went Into lockdown I was immediately let go from a job I hated and thankfully I was surrounded by people who told me to take it as a sign and go full force into my creative pursuits. The minute I started to work in Production I realized why I couldn’t find joy in my previous line of work because I wasn’t in the right community. Creatives are so different from people who work in the corporate sector. There is so much unity and everyone works to uplift one another everyone just wants to have the space to express themselves creatively.
I started out working as a Production Assistant and I met some of the most amazing people. Like my friend Gina Paredes who encouraged me to give Hair & Makeup a try. My first job as a Hair and Makeup artist was Creating prosthetics which I did without formal education or training, at that moment everything I had known was self taught.
Often I get asked how I am able to learn so many different things and be good at them and honestly I can only attribute that to my ADHD. I was diagnosed as a child and to be honest growing up I always felt like it was something that worked against me. My interest were always expansive and I never could figure out what exactly I wanted to do. My family made me feel like I needed to focus on just one thing but the older I’ve gotten I realize my ADHD is a strength and the reason who I am so multi faceted and able to accomplish so much more than the box society put me in.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Honestly, I’m a foodie! I love to cook and I really appreciate the art that goes into crafting the perfect dish. Stiltsville is one of my favorite restaurants it’s located in Miami Beach on Purdy ave. That’s more of a nice night out to dinner but if you want some really great local grub Florida Fresh Fisheries in South Miami is definitely my favorite spot to go their Minuta Sandwich is the best in Miami & their selection of fresh fish is top notch. Aside from food activities I would definitely recommend visiting the Museums Miami has to offer. Perez Art Museum has the most beautiful location and always has the best pieces of art on display. For some outdoor fun I would definitely recommend Fairchild Botanical Garden for some insanely rare tropical plants and a Butterfly experience you will never forget.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Two people. My boyfriend gave me the push and security I needed so I would feel safe leaving the corporate sector he had my back since the beginning and always pushed me to do what made me happy and always has encouraged my creativity. My close friend Elissa Nelson she is the first person who got me into real production work and always has believed in everything I have to offer. Without those two I’m not sure if I would have had the strength to leave the corporate sector behind.

Website: www.bygenreal.com

Instagram: Realgenreal

Image Credits
Alexa Plotkin, Gio Staiano & Luca Marie G