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

Zenaida, 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.

My gifts all come from my different family members. My grandfather was a gardener and a decon in the church. I watched him build greenhouses, and turn any backyard into a garden! I spent many hours with him learning about plants and herbs. Then my 2 grandmothers, Mimi and Nana, were very much influencers in my life. Mimi has been a hairdresser in her kitchen for 40+ years. Nana was an entrepreneur, a seamstress, and always in the kitchen making things from scratch. Last, but certainly not least, my mom who’s an artist, a nurse, a singer, and administrator…. But most importantly, a woman of God who has been helping lead people to Christ for years! So if you add up all of those talents, you get me! A Beautician, artist, caregiver, and a science and plant nerd who loves music and cooking! You’ll find me either in the kitchen or the yard on any given day.

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

I was exposed to many different kinds of art when I was young, but the beauty industry specifically grabbed me when I was a teenager. I got my cosmetology license in 2004, and that evolved into specializing in natural hair. As I was trying to build clientele, I was also going through a divorce, raising 3 kids (2 of them with special needs), and working 3 jobs… still barely getting by. I had the world on my shoulders and felt it! I had back spasms, migraines, hair loss, depression, you name it! I knew I needed a break, but didn’t have time or money to go to the spa. So I called my friend who was in a similar situation. We would get together and have pampering sessions at my house any moment we could manage to get away. Which was only about once every 3-6 months, but we sure did look forward to it! We would leave rested, refreshed, reconnected with God, and rejuvenated! So now I make products specifically for that. Cleansing and detoxing products that help you release so you can be rejuvenated and more full as you walk in your purpose. You can go to any store to buy your spa products, but LadieZee products are for those times of overwhelm, overstressed, hopelessness, or dealing with loss, trauma or compassion fatigue. But it doesn’t end there; They have also been used in good times as well, for new beginnings such as births, marriage, new careers, etc.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I am currently in the process of pivoting in my career. I have been a hairstylist for almost 30 years, and I am now moving into the products and retreats business. I started making products for myself…. with 3 kids and 3 jobs, going through a divorce, trying to find ME again. I felt spiritually, emotionally drained, and disconnected from God. I knew I was needing a renewal, and was just looking for the most cost effective way to start using better products on my body. I also didn’t trust everything that said “natural ” on the shelf, once I found out that our skin is our largest organ. Over the last 12 years, I have dedicated my life to natural beauty, studying the herbs and oils from the Bible, and how they used them in those days. Over time, I shared samples and updates on what I was learning with clients, friends and family. They ended up asking me if they can get a larger size, or how can they buy some, and I’ve watched people actually start to transform!

Then, I began to notice all the changes that came with reconnecting with God… My whole being changed! I had to come to love myself in a whole new way. I found my worth, a new beauty, and a new confidence! But please just know, it took a village… I didn’t do it alone. I came to understand, asking for help is not a sign a weakness, it’s a sign of maturity and faith.

Now I’m a life coach, with a new love in my life, and a thriving business that is not only a business, it’s also a transformational movement for other people! The main thing is, going natural is not just something that happens over night, it’s a physical, spiritual, and emotional process. Now I know, my purpose is to help others reconnect with God, and see themselves in a whole new way!

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

2 things, PERFECTIONISM/ FEAR!! Those have always been two of my biggest issues, and what was holding me back from even just trying to put myself out there. After being in several abusive and unhealthy relationships, I developed a strong relationship with perfection! I thought if I just never mess up again, that would make up for the mess my life had turned into. Then even after I heard God about giving up my hair and fashion career, and move into this movement He’s creating through me, I kept thinking in needed to have everything done and perfect before I could present my dream to the world.

Then one day, I realized if I didn’t move on this, I would be playing the “What If?” game for the rest of my life. So I joined my first business training group, and really started to put the time into learning what I needed to go from hobbyist, to entrepreneur. That changed everything for me! I found a mentor that truly took me under her wing to show me the way. I started to see the inifinte possibilities that are out there. Then I had to work out the fear of working my business by faith and not comparing myself to other businesses. What helped is when I really started looking for examples of what I’m doing, there really wasn’t anyone else doing it just like me! That’s when I started to embrace my uniqueness, and understanding that everything I thought I knew was just the beginning…. I’m not for everyone. I had to let God bring the right people at the right time, and He has! I know now, God’s perfection is the only one that matters! I’m now in the right circles of people that truly need me, and see the value of my gifts. I don’t have to be perfect, I don’t have to be like anyone else. I’m talking to the right people that want to connect with me. No sales schemes, very little social media, just God’s timing and an new “p” word… PATIIENCE!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://berestoredinthelight.com
• Instagram: @berestoredinthelight/ @imladiezee

Image Credits

Headshots by: DeDe Dessau photography