We recently connected with Jerry Martinez and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jerry , thanks for joining us today. The first dollar you earn in a new endeavor is always special. We’d love to hear about how you got your first client that wasn’t a friend or family.

I was working as a server in a restaurant when a table of three came in. They’d been described as “difficult,” but they weren’t at all—she simply knew what she wanted, and her daughters had food allergies. She was kind, patient, and thoughtful.
During their visit, I mentioned that I was a fashion designer working hard on a new collection. She ended up becoming a regular, bringing her girls in every week. Meanwhile, I was sewing and designing 40+ hours a week to prove I was serious and capable of creating well-tailored, intentional pieces.
That same year, I showed my first collection for Austin Fashion Week’s Photo Challenge. I collaborated with a graffiti artist I met at the iconic HOPE Outdoor Gallery, creating canvas skirts and a hoodie. She purchased the very first archived piece from J. Marz Designs.
Since then, Simone has collected several pieces, attended my shows every year, and become more than a supporter—she’s become a friend and family. She’s someone who inspired me and recognized my talent long before I fully believed in it myself.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I got into the industry after watching about 45 episodes of Project Runway that I had DVR’d. I had gone through a really tough loss and was living in my small hometown, Port Lavaca, on the Texas coast. I always had dreams of something bigger. I’d been visiting Austin since I was a child, and being there made me realize I loved fashion and music production — especially stage production, wardrobe, and costuming.
I eventually landed an internship with a Project Runway contestant who opened my eyes and gave me several opportunities to shine and show my talent. I also worked on wardrobe for the movie Ripped, which was filmed and later released on Netflix.
I love Austin — the city I’m still in today. It has allowed me to work with some of the most talented people I’ve ever met, and I’m constantly impressed. Nothing surprises me anymore when it comes to design because there is so much talent out there.
When I first wanted to “do something,” I actually dreamed of being a backup dancer for Janet Jackson. That didn’t happen, but in 2019 I landed my first gig in Las Vegas working wardrobe for Janet Jackson’s Metamorphosis opening night — so it came full circle.
Today, I offer costuming, tailoring, sewing, and fashion/costume design. I work on collections throughout the year, and all of my samples are available for purchase. I do have plans at returning to Vegas to continue to work in the future!

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

(Family support and philosophy)
My parents have always supported my creative journey. My mother gave me my first sewing machine, which I still have 10 years later. I’ve had it serviced several times because I refuse to get rid of it. She always told me, “Machines are good if you take care of them.”
I remember buying canvas fabric at Joann’s — not thinking about making money, just hoping I could at least make back what I spent. Fabric isn’t cheap, and neither is the time and effort that goes into designing and constructing garments. Fashion has always been a huge learning experience for me, and that’s what I love most about it. There are countless ways to approach one technique, so it never gets boring.
After I sold my first sample to Simone, I was able to cover the entire cost of materials and break even — which had been my only goal. My philosophy has always been that I’ll work a 40+ hour-a-week job to pay the bills, and my fashion design income is my “extra money.” That extra money makes me proud, because it’s something I earned through my talent, which I was able to learn something new. Anything I make from my designs and clothing goes straight back into my business — new equipment, better fabrics, and better tools.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I believe my reputation has been built on having a strong artistic eye and the ability to see the bigger picture behind every project. I love collaborating with other creatives because it allows the work to become part of a larger story—whether it’s fashion, production, or design, there is always a narrative to bring to life.
I’m also extremely detail-oriented and organized. When I’m on set or working a show, I make sure everything is prepared, seamless, and ready for the next look. My goal is always to help the team—especially photographers and production—work as efficiently as possible. The smoother the process, the more looks we can capture, and the stronger the final product becomes.
That combination of artistic vision, collaboration, and professionalism is what has helped me build my reputation in my market.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jmarzdesigns.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjmarzdesigns
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jerry.martinez.773

Image Credits

Pictures (1-4)
Model:
Tatum Forbis
@Tatumbrooke_
Photographer:
Raphael Umscheid
@soyuz11

Pictures (5-8)

Model:
Asia Cereola
@hiitasiaa
Photographer:
Raphael Umscheid
@soyuz11

Picture 9:
Model:
Tamara Brown
@tam_brown
Photographer:
James Slade
@jslade.photo

Picture 10:
Model:
Kenny Suazo
@kendawl1212
Photographer:
James Slade
@jslade.photo

Picture 11:
Model:
Jules Faust-McKinney
@im_thriving22
Photographer:
James Slade
@jslade.photo

Picture 12:
Model:
Edward Rucker
@eddienyko
Photographer:
James Slade
@jslade.photo

Picture 13:
Model:
Michaela Hartnett
@its.michael.with.an.
Wig Designer/Stylist:
Jacob James Vivial
@hairby.jacobj
Photographer:
James Slade
@jslade.photo

Picture 14:
Model: Julia Miller
@___jewels
Wig Designer/Stylist:
Jacob James Vivial
@hairby.jacobj
Photographer:
James Slade
@jslade.photo

Picture 15:
Model:
Britney Taryn
@britneytaryn_modeling
Photographer:
James Slade
@jslade.photo

Picture 16:
Model:
Tatum Forbis
@tatumbrooke_
Photographer:
James Slade
@jslade.photo

Picture 17:
Model:
Misha Pahl
@misha_pahl
Wig Designer/Stylist:
Jacob James Vivial
@hairby.jacobj
Photographer:
James Slade
@jslade.photo