Today we’d like to introduce you to Marlen Martinez.
Marlen, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I truly believe that I am here today because of my desire to choose a career that I loved doing. I have always shown so much interest in a variety of things, everything from style & beauty, to writing, to even modeling and photo editing. When I was 15, I had a monthly subscription to Cosmo Girl and Seventeen Magazines.
With every new issue, I’d create my own “how to” guides and clothing wish lists in my journal and private blog. I just wanted to be like Lauren Conrad from The Hills, but… I also wanted to be the makeup artist and one of the editorial models. Growing up I was always all over the place when it came to my hobbies and I couldn’t just pick one.
Fast forward eight years later, with social media booming and already having around seven thousand followers, I realized the small but powerful influence I held among my peers. I would post a simple video of my makeup on my Instagram story and within hours I would have 10-20 direct messages asking me where I bought my eyelashes from. I’d take the time to respond to each of these direct messages, only to feel like I was missing out on giving them thorough reviews or suggestions. Similar scenarios kept happening over and over until I was convinced to start a public blog to go more in-depth with my opinions, reviews, advice, or other lifestyle options. I genuinely enjoyed buying the latest makeup and clothes, trying the popular diets or fitness fads, etc., and sharing it with my friends on social media. This had become a persona of mine, I was Marlenahhh- someone who was trusted and always had a lot to talk about. I was already dedicating so much of my free time looking for new trends to keep up with, having mini “OOTD” photoshoots, editing pictures and videos, I thought why not? I was still creating these “how to” guides in my private blog and journal, so I decided I’d start sharing them with the public. All signs pointed straight to a new blog with a new domain and a cute theme, I wanted to give fun, quality, informational content, something that you needed a whole website for and not just a single Instagram post.
In late March of 2018, I began writing posts about new clothing hauls, to new makeup releases, to even common relationship problems and how to save money. The topics ranged in genres, however, I later found a common theme… Everything I write about or create content for is directed towards women in their early to mid-twenties. I stuck with this audience and have just been shocked at how engaged they have been with not only my blog but also with my social media. I have really connected and have been able to relate to a lot with everyone I meet and chat with online. The support I receive from these women (and some men) is such a blessing.
I am really happy with where I am and where I see myself going. It amazes me that somehow I ended up doing something that incorporates all of my favorite hobbies and interests.
Has it been a smooth road?
I struggle a lot with the all the technical stuff, I had no idea how to do simple coding for my site, let alone what camera and lens would be best for me. I had to re-watched a ton of step by step youtube tutorials and reviews on equipment and programs. I also had a moment where I was a little too hard on myself. I would catch myself editing videos and just end up deleting the whole thing. I felt like I wasn’t entertaining enough or I simply just could not stand the sound of my voice. Sometimes you just have to ignore these negative thoughts that you have about yourself and just keep it moving.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Marlenahhh – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I made it a rule to myself to not become a walking Ad. I schedule my content calendar to include posts that aren’t always about products or services, but also about relatable or fun topics. It is not hard to find something to chat about with my social media friends. I feel like we are all in this awkward transitioning phase, some are partying in college and some are getting married and having children. This gives me a very large range of lifestyle ideas to v/blog about for them.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love the diversity in our city. You can always learn something from others in different backgrounds that will make you a better person.
I dislike the traffic, I sincerely believe we are an overcrowded city with terrible drivers! lol
Contact Info:
- Website: www.marlenahhh.com
- Email: marlenahhh@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marlenahhh
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/marlenahhh
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
