We had the good fortune of connecting with Carmen Martinez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carmen, how has your background shaped the person you are today?

I was originally born in Managua, Nicaragua, the youngest of three. My family moved to the United States when I was 8 years old and we were raised in Louisiana. I lived in California for a bit and then relocated to Houston. I would say now, I am a Houstonian having been here over 20 years. My upbringing definitely made a huge impact on me. As an immigrant you see the world differently and learn to appreciate the value of small things and how fulfilling it is to put everything you have into everything you do.

As latinos you are raised that hard work and dedication are the key to forge a better future, so I do not take things for granted. I loved growing up in Louisiana where I embraced my community and culture. Let’s not even talk about that Louisiana and Nicaraguan food! Delish! My culture has shaped me to be strong, positive-minded woman I am today.

Our culture is very welcoming, as my mom says, “we have never met a stranger,” I love to make others feel at home.
Respect, communication and collaboration are the guiding principles in my home. My hispanic heritage is the mold that shaped my upbringing and continues to influence my professional and personal life.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

During my college years I met a wonderful individual named Latrece bell. We instantly became besties. She was not only driven, but funny, classy and courageous. She supported me in all my modeling gigs and always encourage me to stay positive when I did not get an audition or a part.

In 2011 she died by suicide. My world was never the same after her loss. During my grief, my outlets became fashion and fitness activities. I started really getting into fitness and competed in various bodybuilding shows for about 5 years. I met wonderful individuals during that time that motivated me, pushed me and eventually I loved the transition my body was transforming into. I became healthy, strong and with a bit of lean muscle as I embraced my new shape. But for the modeling world, some did not accept my new shape specially on the runway. I remember one of the runway creative directors telling my agent ” Carmen’s does not fit the model look we want.” Those words really stung because I was the healthier I had ever been. Even my model friends congratulated me on how healthy I looked!

Three years later I became a mental health advocate, and continue advocating today on the importance of educating ourselves on mental health. I started by simply sharing my story to others. I started volunteering for organizations such as NAMI ( National Alliance on Mental Illness) and I am currently at AFSP (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention).

In 2019, I wanted to put my own runway show that was dedicated to bringing awareness on suicide prevention. (Remembering the negative words I heard from this director) but I wanted a show that highlighted real shapes and sizes in both men and women and embrace body positivity. I wanted to bring the community together to have an event and show that it was ok to talk about suicide. The show was really an honor to my friend and I named it “Fashion, Fitness, Swim.” Fashion from my modeling background, Fitness from the new journey I was on, and Swim because the summer was my bestie and I favorite season. We loved to travel during the summer! The event has now become an annual event and we will kick off our 4th Year in 2024!

Fashion Fitness Swim’s mission is to build a community of empowered individuals through promoting health and wellness. The main objective of the runway show is to showcase that beauty comes in all shapes with our multicultural and diverse models. We highlight summer fashion trends collaborating with local entrepreneurs and designers, speaking on the importance of summer for your mental health and the positive affects of staying active! Our event brings people together to generate awareness for the cause, along with raising funds for suicide prevention in our local community while fostering connection and generating important conversations.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

One thing I have learned over the years is how valuable it is to explore the world and travel! My bestie Latrece’s motto was “Live Beautiful Now.” I actually got a tattoo on my left wrist with the words ” Live Beautiful.” to remind myself that life is short so better enjoy it positively and learn from other cultures!

So now I have embraced the art of traveling wherever I can! If I had a week to show someone the best time ever locally I would definitely take them first to the city I grew up with NOLA and ensure they ate some gumbo, beignets, muffulettas and delicious King Cake! After we would come back to Houston and eat some great BBQ and traditional Mexican cuisine and wrapping it up in Austin relaxing in fun water activities like Barton Spring Pool . I love to explore the outdoors so anything that includes a good hiking and running trails which Texas has tons!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would have to say that genuine connections in friendships are key factors to feel loved and supported. I would like to give a special shout out to my special friend Marybeth Asenime for always supporting me. She is also a mental health advocate like myself and her dedication to her patients at her Chiropractor office is top notch! Stay tune as we plan to launch a very special tool that will help bring awareness to mental health and to kick start healing conversations among friends and family!

Website: www.fashionfitnessswim.com

Instagram: carmsacharm and fashionfitnessswim

Image Credits
Image Credit: Tommy Chung Photography, and Garyprophotoprime,

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