This Is Me with Marilyn Martinez

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Imposter syndrome doesn’t care how “successful” your event looks on Instagram. Marilyn sits down with Gina Marie Vega, an Amazon influencer, UGC creator, and founder of GMC Influence, to talk about the unfiltered reality behind content creation: the tears after a big win, the pressure to stay “on,” and the constant tug-of-war between building a brand and being present at home.

We get into how Gina went from nightlife promotion and the music scene to running a full digital marketing and influencer marketing agency. She breaks down what actually builds momentum in the creator economy, from learning videography and production during COVID to treating Instagram like the search engine it is today with smart Instagram SEO. We also talk money timing (net 30, net 60, net 90), why the cash flow gaps hit so hard early on, and how networking in the right rooms can change your business faster than a thousand DMs.

Then we go where most people won’t: gatekeeping, trust issues, and the contract lessons you only learn after getting burned. Gina shares why everything needs to be in writing, how to protect your time, and how to keep going when a Reel “flops.” We also dig into practical strategy like posting consistency, trial Reels, on-screen text, and using AI analytics tools like ChatGPT to turn performance data into real next steps.

If you’re building a personal brand, growing a UGC portfolio, or dreaming about a sustainable influencer career, this conversation is for you. Subscribe, share this with a creator friend, and leave a review with the biggest takeaway you’re applying next.

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Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Stay connected with me
https://marilynmartinezlife.com/

Send us Fan Mail

Two years away will either pull you apart or put you back together, and I’m choosing the rebuild. I’m back on “This Is Me With Marilyn” because I hit a point where I couldn’t stand the feeling of jogging in place. I was busy, I was showing up, but I wasn’t building with intention and I was draining myself trying to be everything for everyone. That stops here.

I get real about what changed and why it took time: fear, imposter syndrome, and avoiding the work that requires discipline. I talk through the hard questions I had to ask myself, like whether I’m moving like the woman I want to become, and what kind of example I’m setting as a mother. Because our kids don’t copy our speeches, they copy our patterns. If you’re working on intentional living, self-trust, and protecting your peace, you’ll feel seen.

Then I share what I’m doing differently right now: buying back my time, valuing my energy, raising my standards, and setting boundaries without apology. I’m done being available for what doesn’t align, and I’m done explaining myself. This reboot is bigger than motivation. I’m documenting what it really takes to build discipline, grow income, and protect peace while still being present for the life in front of you, including health, fitness, and the messy middle that social media never shows.

If you’re ready to grow with me, hit play, subscribe, share the show, and leave a review so more people can find this kind of honest reset. What boundary are you setting next?

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Turning 40 has been a profound milestone for me, one that prompted a two-month hiatus from the podcast as I navigated the emotional landscape leading up to this significant birthday. Have you ever wondered how a simple birthday can transform your perspective on life? Join me as I recount the serene celebration that deepened my appreciation for life's simple joys and underscored the importance of genuine connections. From the happy moments with authentic people around me to the small blessings that make life beautiful, this episode is a heartfelt reflection on what truly brings happiness.

Alongside these personal revelations, I also open up about the emotionally taxing custody battle with my ex-husband and how it has been a setback in my healing journey. This challenging chapter has impacted the planning of my upcoming Women's Empowerment event, yet it has also fueled my determination to live my best life. Inspired by Jennifer Lopez's documentary, I discuss the importance of expressing emotions and not masking pain, sharing my renewed understanding of life's meaning at 40. I express my deepest gratitude for the unwavering support from my listeners, family, and friends, and look forward to continuing our journey of healing and self-love together. Be blessed, productive, and great!

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Spring has sprung, and so have the tales from my life as a single mom, salsa enthusiast, and all-around chaos coordinator. Imagine juggling soccer balls, Easter eggs, and court dates—all while rocking out to Latin beats just a stone's throw from home. In this episode, I'm peeling back the curtain to share how I navigate the whirlwind of full-time parenting, the sweet solace of dance, and the small victories that come with both. Plus, I'll whisper a heartfelt thank you to you, my listeners, for being the wind beneath my wings, especially when self-doubt tries to take the lead in our dance of life.

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Escaping the clutches of narcissistic abuse is a journey—a path I've walked and now share with you, piece by piece. It's a tale of transformation, gratitude, and steadfast faith. From the ashes of that turmoil, I've discovered the foundations of financial independence, the trials of health battles like H. pylori, and the delicate dance of co-parenting after a divorce. This isn't just my story; it’s a beacon for anyone who's felt the chill of a shared past, showing that with the right self-healing tools and a cautious heart, life can bloom once more.

I invite you to find strength in my reflections on mental fortitude. Consider this episode a testament to the power of journaling, affirmations, and spiritual practice—your armor in the face of co-parenting challenges and the pursuit of personal growth. We're not here to suffer; we're here to thrive, to spread light, and to stand as living proof that faith, resilience, and self-care are the cornerstones of transcending our deepest trials. Join me on this journey, and let's embrace the promise of a brighter tomorrow, together.

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Ever walked into a room and felt like you're being seen for all the wrong reasons? As I sat down to record this episode on a day that's all about love, I couldn't help but think about the less amorous and more troublesome aspects of being a woman in the business world. The Is Me podcast takes a raw, no-holds-barred look at the objectification and unspoken hurdles women face in professional settings—those moments when the line between business and personal interest blurs, and the battle to be respected for our minds and talents overshadows our work. 

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Hey beautiful souls, it's Marilyn, your guiding light on the journey to joy and fulfillment, and guess what? I've stepped out of my bustling schedule with some incredible news to share! Have you ever wondered if those late nights, the grind, and the faith you've poured into your dreams could manifest into something tangible? Well, my latest podcast episode is living proof that they can, as I celebrate a significant milestone in my user-generated content adventure. It's a story of persistence and passion coming to full fruition, a testament to the power of belief and the grace of God.

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Have you ever felt the weight of the world lift off your shoulders? That's the sensation I explore in the latest heartfelt episode from the driver's seat of my car, where I take you through the transformative journey of my entrepreneurial spirit. With every mile I cover, I share the exuberance of finding a niche that doesn't just fit but belongs to me, igniting a passion that turns work into a labor of love. As I navigate the unexpected twists and turns, I reveal how focus, courage, and a little bit of faith in oneself are the true companions on this ride towards professional and personal bliss.

The episode isn't just about triumphs; it's about the gritty reality of an entrepreneurial life. I open up about the times self-doubt crept in and how setting boundaries became my armor against the chaos of the outside world. Through the ritual of anointing my space with oil, I discovered an overwhelming calm, a practice I dive into with the hope that it might resonate with you too. So buckle up and join me on this journey of introspection, resilience, and joy. Remember to embrace the happiness that lies in intentional living, and as always, I'm thrilled for your company on this adventure.

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Embarking on a journey of self-discovery can be a tumultuous ride, especially when the roadmap is etched with the scars of a childhood overshadowed by narcissistic parenting. It's Marilyn here, and in sharing my own story, I reveal how the echoes of a father's harsh words and a mother's misplaced priorities propelled me on a quest for self-empowerment. This episode is not just a narrative of my struggles; it's an invitation to explore the profound questions about the relationships we attract, the challenges in setting boundaries, and the significance of confronting our painful past to embrace a healthier future.

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https://marilynmartinezlife.com/