Meet Malia Martinez

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

Hi Malia, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Honestly before starting my business I never really took risks I had too much going on in my life and had been through too much at such a young I never wanted to risk what I had, but I wasn’t happy where I was at in life and with work. Which I know sounds hard to believe me being so young, so taking a risk played a large part in my life starting this business and starting this career !

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art every day is an expression of me and I love having every one of my clients walk out of my studio feeling better physically or mentally because if you look good you feel good! What sets me apart is you don’t seem to see the type of artwork I do on nails such as the hand drawn characters or sculpted pieces painted on the nails. I just love creating something different. But on a different spectrum I also am certified in advanced pedicures offering help to people with medical issues with their feet like diabetes, or other issues such as damaged nails. So I can actually rebuild someone’s toenail that has been damaged or make someone with a medical condition feel safer in my hands taking care of them. That makes me feel amazing having someone walk out feeling beautiful and that they don’t have to feel self conscious about their nails! Those are some of the things that make me proud to do what I do.
I would have to say I got to where I am today professionally with the help from my family, my boyfriend’s family, and just perseverance. Constantly reminding myself that this too shall pass.
No it wasn’t easy, life never is! You constantly doubt yourself, your work, comparing yourself to others in the industry etc. it’s hard truly. Especially this industry when there is never anything guaranteed!
To overcome the challenges it’s easier said than done but you just take it day by day because in the end it will all be okay! If it’s not okay , it’s not the end! That’s how I try to see it.
Some lessons I have learned along the way are don’t be too hard on yourself you NEVER stop learning. Trust your gut and don’t be afraid to speak your mind. And just keep going !
What I want the world to know about my brand, my story, is that I have worked at this, at life in general. I started with a full time job since I was 14, I grew up with my mom having cancer it was hard. And my dad always worked. I have hustled and struggled, there was a point in time where I was sleeping in a car or a motel in high school, helping trying to pay bills or afford food. I finally am doing something for me! so I just want to create my art and spread it with everyone! This is a reflection of who I am and I truly love what I do, this is my passion, It excites me! Thank you to everyone who stands behind me!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oh lord a week long! Well, are we on a budget ? Ha Ha ! We would have to do all the things I probably did as a kid so walk the trinity river, hit a couple skate parks, and go to the movies. I love me some central market for food but my favorite spot to eat is tokyo cafe best place ever absolutely don’t get it too busy please though! We could probably go to the historic stockyards during the day then maybe a concert at billy bobs at night. Another day my boyfriend is obsessed with buffalo bros so maybe lunch there get some wings and beer then we can try to go rock wall climbing! They have a horse riding tour at sunset through the stockyards we could do then maybe dinner downtown at a nice restaurant. Show them sundance square maybe there is some live music. The next day Dos Molina is a good little mexican spot or La banquenta near southside is an authentic hole in the wall taco spot great places to eat! They are probably coming in to town for me to do their nails and toes so that’s in there somewhere. My other absolute favorite place is the fort worth zoo I love going there so I am definitely taking them there! We should also definitely do brunch at quince riverside and then check out the art museums such as the modern or kimbell we used to go there when I was younger for hours on end !I am a very indecisive person so it’s hard for me to decide what to do the other person would definitely have to help!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
All the thanks goes to my family! They are my entire support without them I am nothing and would not be where I am! This includes my parents, and siblings, and grandparents as well as my boyfriend’s family who have contributed just as much effort and love! Words can’t express my appreciation!

Website: https://theatelier13.glossgenius.com/

Instagram: the_atelier13

Facebook: the.atelier.thirteen