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

Hi MARTINA, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind my success is perseverance. My art was born from some of the most difficult seasons of my life, including loss, grief, and personal challenges. Creating became a way for me to heal, reflect, and find beauty in broken places. There were many moments when giving up would have been easier, but I continued to create anyway. That consistency, combined with my willingness to be vulnerable through my work, has helped me connect with others in a meaningful way. My brand is not just about art or handmade products—it is about healing, growth, and reminding people that beauty can still exist after life’s hardest moments.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a mixed-media artist and artisan soap maker whose work is rooted in healing, resilience, creativity, and transformation. Whether I am creating a piece of artwork or handcrafting a bar of soap, my goal is the same: to create something meaningful that encourages people to slow down, reflect, and care for themselves.

What sets my work apart is that it is deeply personal. My mixed-media artwork incorporates paint, plaster, fabric, jewelry, paper clay, and found objects to tell stories of growth, self-discovery, loss, and hope. Many of my figures have closed eyes, symbolizing reflection, peace, healing, and the inward journey that often takes place before transformation.

My artisan soap line is an extension of that same philosophy. Each soap is handcrafted with care using thoughtfully selected ingredients and fragrances designed to promote self-care and wellness. I view soap making as another form of artistry—one that combines creativity, craftsmanship, and intentionality to create an experience rather than just a product.

One of the things I am most proud of is my upcoming first solo exhibit, Beyond The Canvas, taking place on July 4, 2026, in the Houston area. The exhibit will showcase my mixed-media artwork while also featuring my artisan soaps, bringing together two creative passions that have become important parts of my journey. Beyond The Canvas represents more than an art exhibit; it is a reflection of healing, perseverance, self-expression, and the courage to share my story with others.

My professional journey has not been easy. Like many creatives, I have faced personal loss, self-doubt, financial limitations, and the challenge of building something from the ground up. Much of what I have learned has come through trial and error, persistence, and a willingness to keep growing. I have learned that success is rarely about perfection. It is about consistency, faith, and continuing to move forward even when the path is uncertain.

One of the greatest lessons I have learned is that creativity can be a powerful tool for healing. Sometimes our most difficult experiences become the foundation for our most meaningful work. Those experiences have shaped not only my art and my business, but also the person I am today.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that everything I create comes from a place of authenticity and purpose. Whether someone connects with one of my artworks or one of my handcrafted soaps, I hope they feel encouraged, inspired, and reminded that beauty can emerge from even the most challenging seasons of life. My work is ultimately about connection, healing, and finding beauty beyond what is visible on the surface.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend came to Houston for a week, I would want them to experience the city through art, culture, food, and community.

We would definitely spend time in the Museum District, including the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, and the Houston Museum of Natural Science. As an artist, I love spaces that inspire creativity, curiosity, and conversation, and each of these museums offers a unique experience.

I would also take them to explore Houston’s public art, murals, and local creative spaces. Houston has an incredible community of artists, makers, and entrepreneurs, and I think some of the city’s hidden gems are found in the people behind the work.

Of course, no visit would be complete without great food. Houston’s diversity is one of its greatest strengths, so we’d spend the week enjoying everything from Southern comfort food to international cuisine. One of my favorite things about Houston is that you can experience cultures from around the world without ever leaving the city.

For some relaxation, we’d visit places like Hermann Park, enjoy the scenery, and simply take time to slow down and appreciate the moment.

The week would end with live music, good conversation, and time spent with family and friends. What makes Houston special to me isn’t just the attractions—it’s the creativity, resilience, diversity, and sense of community that make the city feel alive. Those are the experiences I would want my best friend to take home with them.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
If I had to dedicate a shoutout, I would first dedicate it to God. My faith has carried me through some of the most difficult seasons of my life and has given me the strength to keep moving forward when I didn’t always know what the next step would be.

I would also give credit to myself. That may sound unusual, but I believe it’s important to acknowledge the work, resilience, and determination it takes to keep going. Building a creative life while navigating loss, setbacks, and life’s challenges requires courage. There were many moments when quitting would have been easier, but I continued to create, learn, and grow.

My children Dominique, Jessica, Tyra, and grandchildren Wesley, Richard and Ishmael, also deserve recognition because they have been a significant part of my journey and motivation. In addition, I am grateful for the small circle of friends, family members, supporters, and mentors who have encouraged me along the way. Their belief in me, whether through a conversation, a kind word, attending an event, or supporting my work, has meant more than they probably realize.

One lesson I’ve learned is that success isn’t just about talent. It’s about faith, perseverance, and surrounding yourself with people who understand your journey and encourage you to keep going. None of us can control every obstacle we face, but we can control whether we continue moving forward. That’s a principle that has shaped both my life and my work.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/posh.creation?igsh=MWhmYmN5dXBlMXlwNQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martina-denkins-b68b39145?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@anitram010?_r=1&_t=ZT-971i6jdnrUj

Image Credits
Ferrell Phelps Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.