Today we’d like to introduce you to Yasmeen Martinez

Hi Yasmeen, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?

I’ve always been creative and loved diy-ing anything. I have always had a passion to create something unique or custom to a person. Since I was a little girl, my Nina always went above and beyond to make my sister and I special. Though she lived miles and miles away, she never forgot a birthday or a holiday to express her love for us. I like to think I learned this from her. I admired that we’re all different and all love different things. Gift giving quickly became my love language. As some time went on, I began to learn and see how the same went for planning weddings. Each one being unique, yet so fitting for the couple. I’ve learned from so many role models that it is quiet better to give than to receive.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

By no means has this journey of life been smooth. There have been obstacles that seem to appear out of no where. I did grow up with some traumatic experiences that led me to view life from a lens of fear. I faced unhealthy thinking patterns, negative self talk and more. I began to realize that these coping mechanisms were my way of keeping myself “safe”. As I began a journey of deeper healing through Christ and therapy, I quickly began to see that these coping mechanisms were actually putting me in a prison. Unable to enjoy life, to make memories, to be present, and to actually give myself grace. The struggle now is unlearning those reactions, and replacing them with healthy responses.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

I feel like I do almost anything, A jack of all trades! I would say that I do specialize in wedding planning and painting! I am fairly new to being a business owner. I enjoy learning new things the most! I have been commissioned a few times to paint graduation caps, logos for a business, paintings for the local church I attend and a few others! I am most proud of the work that I was gifted to do. I enjoy the behind the scenes of these projects. I love customizing pieces and weddings to fit who its meant for! I think being intentional with these pieces and with weddings is what sets me apart from others.

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?

I think my favorite childhood memory consists of the many sleep overs I had with cousins. We got to experience life outdoors, being goofy and being creative. We always played games, picked on one another, made jokes, and got to create lifelong memories. I always considered myself lucky in that I had cousins super close in age. Till this day we reminisce of those!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://graceandelegance.com
• Instagram: graceandelegancellc

Image Credits

@breanna.rhea.photography
@agapeash