Today we’d like to introduce you to Aspen Martin.
Aspen, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
So first, let me give you the rundown: I am 24 years old, and I am a wife, world traveler, lover of the arts, content creator, and fitness enthusiast. I work as both an Assistant Brand Manager and professional dancer.
Now, how did I get to where I am today?
I was raised in a small town called Alabaster, Alabama by two amazing parents who instilled a work ethic in me like no other. I’ve been working since age 17 and cannot recall a time where I wasn’t working somewhere from then on. I’ve always enjoyed being independent and making my own money, even though I was blessed with a great support system there’s just nothing like providing for yourself. In working in a variety of jobs, I learned to wear many different hats which leads me to the somewhat out of the ordinary story of how I landed here.
My passion for dance stemmed from praise dance when I was only three years old. Once I was old enough to browse YouTube, I began watching amazing dancers like Janelle Ginestra, Willdabeast, LaurieAnn Gibson, and many more that made me throw myself into dance completely. I was, and still am, a shy person so it was exhilarating to be able to express how I felt while showcasing my personality without even having to speak. From dancing in church, I went on to dance for the next 20 years all the way through college. At Troy University, I had the opportunity to be a member of the Troy Dance Theatre and the University Dance team, two experiences that I will never forget. After graduation, I moved to the city of Atlanta to pursue both my dance and professional career and most recently made my first professional dance team. I get to work my dream job during the day and live out my professional dance dreams by night!
So, How did I end up with a dream job that I had no idea would be my dream job?
After graduating with a BS in Psychology in 2017, moving to Atlanta and doing tons of interviews, working in customer service, recruiting, insurance, fitness, and ultimately hopping around from place to place not knowing what I wanted to do for a living, I ended up in Dallas TX working for a Fortune 500 company as a Corporate Trainer and learned that it was NOT where I saw myself for the rest of my days. This for me, was a tragedy because I was nearing completion of my Masters in Management with a focus in Training & Development. Fortunately, God intervened, and I was laid off from that job and a month later found myself back in Atlanta working in the beauty industry in Brand/Event Management. If you had told me two years ago I’d be in the wonderful world of marketing, I wouldn’t have believed you! It has been the most amazing journey thus far though and has opened doors I couldn’t have imagined. I get to travel the world, meet/work with some dope individuals, while assisting with product development and planning some pretty cool events.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but each bump has taught me invaluable lessons so I wouldn’t trade my bumpy road for anything. I learned to be confident in my work, know my worth and not be afraid to let others know as well. After moving back to Atlanta and starting a new career in a totally different industry than what I was used to, there were a lot of obstacles and learning curves, but I’ve always been good with problem-solving and working with what I have. Quick fun fact: I had little knowledge of graphic design coming into this industry, but I was determined to complete my first project myself. My very first campaign was done by teaching myself how to navigate Photoshop via YouTube and turned out to be a success. It was from then on that I looked at every situation as an opportunity to learn instead of a barrier.
I think the biggest challenge I face now, and have for the past three years, is age. Like I mentioned earlier, I am 24 years old, and to some I “have no business being in some of the rooms I’ve been in.” Yep, I’ve literally been told that before. It used to really bother me, and for the longest I truly believed that maybe they were right, I didn’t belong. This is where I learned to have thicker skin, and once I made the decision to not let my age be a factor in whether or not I was qualified to be where I am, life in this industry became a tad easier.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
So currently, I have two careers with plans for the 3rd and 4th underway.
By day, I am in Brand Management so I assist with product development, coordinating launch activities for new product introductions, market research, trade show management, training of staff, you name it. I began almost a year ago, and so far have done six campaigns, two tours, and over 20 exhibitions. Marketing has allowed me to travel the world, and I love it.
By night, I dance professionally for The Atlanta Gladiators. We’ve got 36 games in a season and countless community events, and I am looking forward to being able to do what I am passionate about while also getting to know the community around me.
The third plan is in the works as I am Co-creator of “The Martins,” which is a YouTube channel/blog I created with my husband, Ben Martin, about a year ago where we discuss relationship topics from the perspective of a young married couple. A lot of people don’t see the work that goes into being a content creator and I now have a completely different view of those who do it for a living. We are in the process of building up our social media presence and our channel so that we are able to bring the best content to as many people as possible. When it comes to relationships, especially marriage, there aren’t a lot of positive outlets for those who choose to commit at an early age. We want to give young couples a place where they are able to see positive images of young marriage and get tips/advice when they need it so they know that they aren’t alone.
The fourth plan is a work in progress and I’m no fan of speaking too soon, but what I can say is that I am diligently working on my brand and entering the wonderful world of entrepreneurship. Both my parents are entrepreneurs so I am not surprised my experiences have led me to wanting to start a business of my own, but you’ll have to wait until 2020 to see what I’m up to!
I am most proud of the growth I’ve experienced over the past few years. If you had told me four years ago, I’d be looking to start my own business, I probably would’ve laughed at you. Just goes to show that no matter who you are, God’s vision for you is greater than anything you could ever imagine for yourself.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Whew, it takes an entire village! My supportive family who have been with me every step of the way, pushing me even when I didn’t want to be pushed, taught me everything I know. I am also forever grateful to my husband, who has watched me grow from an 18 year old college freshman with zero direction, to the young woman I am today. He has supported me to no end and been my biggest cheerleader. Outside of my husband and family, I’m thankful for amazing friends! Whether they’re in my corner telling me to pull it together or just making sure I find time to unwind and chill, there’s no way I could make it without them!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyPeZAOUXgRxeXxkC61xm2w
- Email: Chamblin.aspen.J@gmail.com
- Instagram: @_AspenJade @__TheMartins
Image Credit:
All Photo Credits: Joe Chea, IG: @Joe_Chea
Suggest a story: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
