We recently connected with Martine Fortune and have shared our conversation below.

Martine, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

There is nothing more comforting than knowing you can slip without falling. That’s what my parents did right. My parents came to America and busted their asses so that their kids would never fear homelessness, poverty…. lack overall. That in itself is a blessing I will never take for granted. I went to school and got a good education, but I can take my time and follow my dreams without the fear that I’ll end up on the street. As I navigate my 20s, I realize that getting my life together isn’t a linear process……sometimes I’m doing great, sometimes I’m a mess. I think the best part of all of this is that I don’t have a fear of messing up so badly that I won’t survive. I always know where I could run to if I need to. And not having that fear allows me to take risks that they wouldn’t have dreamed of. This is the best gift my parents could’ve given me.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Martine. I’m a lot of things, but always me. I’m 27, I’m a Haitian-American. I’m from New York. I’m a friend, sister and auntie (the lit auntie). I’m a humble brat, the nice one. The introvert that loves a party. I finished my masters in the middle of the pandemic. I was recruited to work in Miami. So I just left. Moving to Miami has opened up my mind in a lot of ways, and I’ve gotten introduced to the TV & film industry. I think the best has yet to come. I’ve grown up a lot since I left NY. I wish I could tell you how I got to where I am. The reality is God just puts things in me and in front of me and He’s guiding me as I go.

My biggest challenge to date has been avoiding putting myself in a box, and definitely avoiding overthinking. I used to be sooo concerned about being productive, accomplishing things for the sake of saying “I did ____” because of what people would think, say etc. I thought I had to order my steps perfectly.

Now, I’m just me. That’s always more than enough. I impress myself every year so that’s what counts. I’ll wear many hats in my life, but I’ll always be Martine, and I’ll never be afraid to step forward as Martine. A lot of people love me for that, and if they don’t, that’s on them cause they’re gonna see me regardless!

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

ITS NEVER TOO LATE!

I’m somehow starting a new path in the media in my mid 20s, newly single, and without traditional experience. I did not go to school for this at all…and yet, I feel so comfortable in the fact that this is God’s timing! What else can I say when everything works out so strangely, so perfectly? Who else can I credit?

Always know that as long as you are praying, trusting and listening…. nothing is out of sync.

How did you build your audience on social media?

This is hard, but I’m learning. I think I gain a good amount of followers every time I do something new, unique or unexpected. I’d say always be authentic and always add value. Think “would I want to follow me?” Show people things that they don’t always see or know about. Know the trends, finger on pulse….but always make it YOU. Study the art of engagement and connecting to your crowd. Know your niche. (I’m working on this because I’m not sure what mine is yet lol)

Engagement I’d say is the 2nd most important part. The most important part is garnering an audience. So doing research to expand your audience, being interesting, knowing your niche and engaging with your people are the keys.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Instagram.com/marmaid___
• Twitter: twitter.com/tuaime_Martine