Today we’d like to introduce you to Gina Martirano.
Hi Gina, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
There has always been a fire inside of me that wanted to open my own shop (since I was a little girl). I went to college to pursue Fashion Business & Management, and later went on to pursue a Master’s Degree in Retail Management.
I have a history of working for family owned businesses and have seen firsthand the sweat equity that goes into operating your own business. It wasn’t until 2016 that I took a deeper dive into the wellness world by completing my 200 hour yoga certification. Yoga was really my first introduction into the world of wellness, self-care and mental health. It also opened my eyes to sustainability, taking care of the planet, social causes, and social injustice.
It wasn’t until the pandemic that I, like many others, was forced to dive deep within and think about what it is that I truly want for myself. I kept coming back to this idea of having my own shop. For so long I thought of reasons why it wouldn’t work out and why I shouldn’t take a chance. It look a lot of mental work (and therapy) to feel confident enough in myself and my skills to take a leap of faith and follow my dreams! This is where I combined my love for wellness, business, and supporting small businesses, and came up with Shop Empathic.
Shop Empathic prides itself on carrying wellness products to make you feel good. Almost all of our products are from family owned brands! We even have some brands that partner with charities and organizations to give back to the community. Each product is hand selected so if you see something in our shop, it’s because we love it too!
Today, I run Shop Empathic online while also working as a Director in Communications. Shop Empathic truly fills my cup and makes me feel fulfilled as a creative, business owner, and as a fellow empath who cares about the planet and others!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I have had my own personal battles with mental health. Shortly after I started Shop Empathic 3 years ago, I was in a very dark place. It has truly taken a village of support from friends and family that have helped me get through and supported me. Without them, Shop Empathic wouldn’t be what it is today.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Aside from owning Shop Empathic, I work as a Director of Communication. I have worked in Marketing for 8 years now and find that it truly is a job that is always requiring you to learn, change, and grow. Trends in every industry are always changing and as exhausting as it may feel, you have to stay on top of them!
I would say I am the most proud of my creative work. I am a very creative individual and thrive in environments where creativity is embraced.
I truly believe what sets me apart from others is that I do each and every task with my whole heart. I care so deeply about the work I produce that I put my heart and love into it.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up I always felt more creative, which didn’t align with traditional school. I was always friendly and outgoing but gravitated more towards creative activities rather than reading and writing.
I have always been energetic and sassy, which still hasn’t changed – if anything I am more sassy now!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shopempathic.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shop.empathic
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Shop.Empathic/
Image Credits
All taken by gina (owner of empathic)