Today we’d like to introduce you to Martina Motley.
Hi Martina, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Growing up I’ve always had a passion for the arts. I started dancing around the age of 13 just learning what I could from YouTube and putting it all together myself. As I got older, I got into church and started praise dancing and being a part of skits and cheer and anything, I could to stay into the arts and learn as much as I could.
By the time I was a sophomore in high school I was attending Garden City High School. I was dancing on the dance team, sang in the choir, and in the plays. I eventually worked my way up to captain of the dance team. I was coming up with routines and mixing our music, even making our costumes if necessary. It wasn’t easy either, we were considered a club so we had no funding so it all fell on us as a team, but we made it happen and put on a great show every chance we got.
I went to Wayne State University for Theater and ended up with a scholarship in Dance for African Dance and danced for a hip-hop group called Syncz Crew my whole college career. During that time, I did my first few short films and small premieres and knew this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
Since graduating back in 2017 I featured in a few films such as Dear Future Husband, Devin the Movie, The Awakening, and Ear to Ear and I’ve danced on stages across America. I’ve performed in states such as California, Arizona, Illinois, New York, and of course my home state Michigan. I dance under the Tiffany Mitchell Mentorship Program and I’m currently working on a few projects as well as co-owning Nova Dior Boutique.
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?
It definitely has not been the easiest road. Along the way, I suffered from not feeling good enough. I constantly wondered if this is what I’m supposed to do with my life. I even fought through the stigma that I won’t get booked because I’m considered darker-skinned. I’ve struggled with dating as an artist, especially because marriage is such a big goal for me. But every time I’ve tried to walk away God has pulled me back into dancing and acting and I want to be a role model to all my young chocolate girls and boys that we deserve to be seen and heard and loved. Plus, if I wasn’t meant to be here, I wouldn’t be here. Still haven’t worked on the dating or marriage thing but I’ve got time (lol).
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a dancer, choreographer, and actress straight out of the small city of Inkster, MI. What sets me apart from others is the energy I bring when I step into a room. I’m always ready to work and learn and rise to any challenge given to me. Most people would say I have this bubbly personality and I’m here for it. I feel like work is play when you’re doing what you love and it should be enjoyable. I like being known for going for it. Even if I don’t make the cut, I still shoot for it and learn everything I can in any experience.
What do you think about happiness?
What makes me happy trying something new and reaching a new goal. Growing up I would use the word scared a lot. So being more fearless now is a big thing for me. I also love inspiring others. One of my biggest motivators is people saying I’ve inspired them to do something that they never thought they would do.
Contact Info:
- Email: martinamotley.mm@gmail.com
- Website: Beacons.ai/martina.motley
- Instagram: Martina.Motley_
