I created this website to show up as my authentic self while sharing my work and journey with others! I am neurodivergent which encompasses a lot of unique ideas that are full of creativity. I am an ambivert which means I am essentially a pro of code switching (socially and linguistically). I’m also extremely empathetic which is a pro and a con (easily empathizing with others but increased passion for my work which can lead to burnout).
ABOUT ME
ABOUT ME
I am the youngest of four sisters (yes, the youngest sibling lore is true). Being around my mom, older sisters, and my grandparents means I was and still am, surrounded by love and wisdom.
I have the blessing of growing up with strong women who have overcome and accomplished so much in their lifetimes and never fail to amaze me. Having big sisters is the coolest thing in the world.
When I was 13 I created a YouTube channel to post hair and makeup content, my papa bought me a camera to film my videos. When I started high school my papa bought me my first laptop. He stated “you’re going into high school, there’s no way that you don’t have a laptop”. When I was 15, I started learning how to play the piano, my papa bought me a keyboard. During the pandemic I started my first business that sold sustainable, pre-loved vintage clothing, my papa gifted me a printer to create my shipping labels.
To sum it up, not a day goes by that I don’t feel loved and supported by my papa. He reminds me of why I started this journey.
“We’re a nucleus, we’re always there for each other”
- Lourice Martin Jr. (Papa)
I juggle a few titles, but the most important one to me is TT Mari
I have a 6 year old nephew who in many ways is similar to me. He loves Nightmare Before Christmas, Hot Cheetos, and most importantly chocolate.
He is incredibly smart, my family thinks that he might grow up to pursue a career involving numbers. Personally, I think he’s a child genius. Currently he is teaching me how to play Pokémon.
Nalaa the Mini Australian Shepard
Other names include: Nana, Nani, Nalaa Bear, Nawa, Wawa, and Mama Bear. It depends on the occasion.
My sisters and I got Nalaa for our grandparents on Christmas of 2022 and she is the sassiest of girls. Nalaa plays a special role in my life. On days that I don’t feel like leaving the house, I look at her and we somehow end up playing tag at the nearby park.
“No distance or person can take away what we have or who we are, because you are my sister always.”
These ladies are my best friends and my Sorors! A few are missing in this photo, but no matter where life takes us they will always have a special place in my heart.
Amari (uh-mar-ee)
I grew up in the south end of Tacoma, Washington in which I experienced enough life to fulfill three lifetimes. Additionally, I have ADHD, combined type which went undiagnosed until this year. When I failed five out of six classes in my freshman year of high school, I was told “you do so well when you apply yourself” which was true and I knew it. Absorbing information with ADHD felt almost impossible. I joke about it now because I use humor as a coping mechanism, but I had the running idea that I was dumb or at least not as smart as the other kids.
ADHD is my superpower. I know that when I pursue something, it’s genuine and I am guaranteed to give it my all. This serves as reassurance as I am continuously pursuing a career of psychology. Along with my ADHD, I have a passion deeply rooted in my cultural history. This passion leads my curiosities and is the inspiration for pursuing a career in mental health. I have chosen to dedicate my life and career to shining light on youth from marginalized backgrounds who face struggles with their mental health.
I find that I give attention to my creative freedom during times where I don’t feel free. I love to create during times of crisis in my life. Creating is my true love whether that be in the form of literature, art, or and business development. I paint when words aren’t enough to describe my thoughts and I write poetry when there isn’t a specific way to describe where my heart is at that time. I plan to showcase these various mediums through this website and display the connection that I make to psychology.
I find humility in sharing my hardships with others. I hope that my experiences reach those who would benefit from hearing it most.