Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin - Jessica Y Martin is an American actress, model, dancer & voice over talent known for her role in the Amazon Prime series, "Candid," and appearances in, "Run Coyote Run," & "Scrutiny." As a part of her dancing career she has also had the unique opportunities to perform as an Arizona Cardinals Cheerleader and Phoenix Coyotes Pack Dancer. Via www.imdb.com

(SISS) Hi Jessica, where are you from and where are you currently spending your time? (Jessica) I was born in Mexico City, Mexico but my family moved to Arizona soon after and I have lived here my whole life. Even when I think about moving elsewhere it’s hard to picture because I love my state. (SISS) What was one of the hardest things that you had to go through? What advice would you give someone going through the same struggle? (Jessica) Two years ago, I went through a complete life transformation. I changed my career goals and decided to go for something I knew most people wouldn’t understand. It’s scary to actively reach for your dreams because it places them into a reality you have to fight for every day with everything you have and even then, you can still fail. The advice I would give someone going for a “dream” is to do it with all of your heart. Be smart about how you go about it, set goals and surround yourself with people who keep you focused, grounded and encouraged. Know it’s not a matter of if you fail but when you will and be prepared to stand up and continue. (SISS) What are you most grateful for? (Jessica) My family and friends. The support of my husband has been extremely crucial and special to me during these big transitions. (SISS) Why are you so dedicated to fitness? What is your fitness goal? (Jessica) It’s always played a part in my life. I love the way I feel being healthy and active. I love pushing my body to its limits and watching how amazing it is at adapting to what I throw at it. It also plays a big role in my success as an actress. (SISS) What’s your favorite quote? (Jessica) “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” – Peter Ducker (SISS) Actress, Former NFL Cheerleader and NHL Dancer wow, which teams did you cheerlead for and what was the best and hardest part from those times? (Jessica) I danced for the Phoenix Coyotes in 2007-2008. That was an incredible experience because we were the first NHL dance team to dance directly on the ice. The best part of course was getting to dance as much as I did. Hockey seasons are long with many games, so I learned a lot of fun choreography that year. The hardest part of that experience was how cold it was especially in the winter. We wore half tops and would greet the fans prior to the game starting so we’d be getting the cold from outside & cold from the ice all at once. I cheered for the Arizona Cardinals 2009-2010. My favorite part was the intro to every game. Standing in the tunnel with the players, feeling the excitement of the crowd. The feeling is something hard to put into words. It was like electricity running through you & giving life to every performance! Also, the women I met on that team were all incredible. The hardest part of that experience was the summer practices outside prepping for the upcoming season. If you know Arizona, you know how hot our summers can get but it pushed us all to our very best. (SISS) At Smart is so sexy we love to see women who are thriving in their career or business. What are you most passionate about? (Jessica) I have always wanted to be an actress for as long as I can remember. The first film I memorized every line to and would act out was The Wizard of Oz. I would dress up as Dorothy and do the entire film then I would rewind it and do it again. My poor mother. I have been fortunate enough to act in independent films, commercials, industrials, a series that is available to stream on Amazon Prime called, “Candid” & a show on the ID Network. I still have a long way to reach the goals I have dreamt for myself but it’s a process I look forward to every day. (SISS) Who was the most influential person in your life? (Jessica) Currently, my husband. He makes me want to be a better version of myself every day. He keeps me grounded, level-headed and never lets me give up. We have been together for almost 15 years (high school sweethearts) and I know I wouldn’t have been able to achieve all that I have without him. (SISS) Where were you five years ago? What advice would you tell your five years younger self? (Jessica) I was working in a hospital as a patient scheduler, on the waitlist to start a nursing program and married for two years. I would tell myself to not assume you know everything, not to judge peoples struggles as you can find yourself in their shoes at any given time, to be brave and be sure to guard the piece of life you’ve been given because it’s precious and short. (SISS) Can you take us through a typical day? From Waking up to going to bed, Can you give us a play by play of a typical day for you? (Jessica) I wake up, say good morning to my husband, say my daily prayer, make breakfast, feed and walk our dog (Kai), workout, shower. Depending on the day I will either go to an audition/callback, film a self-taped audition, be prepping for auditions, be on set or working on my scene for class (Tuesdays). When I find down time, I will check out all my acting websites to submit to more projects, look into agencies/managers out of state I can submit to for representation to expand my acting opportunities, eat lunch, catch up with family/friends via call/text message, stretch, update my resume, goals and to-do lists, sometimes nap lol, make dinner, reconnect with my husband and then we usually will watch a movie together or binge watch a show. We just finished Game of Thrones a second time. (SISS) What are you most proud of? (Jessica) I am proud of my work ethic and preparedness in my career. I have received many compliments from casting directors/directors I have worked with about how well prepared I am and I always make sure to treat everyone around me with kindness and respect. I think that is incredibly important to do no matter what you’re doing in life. (SISS) What is your favorite Food? What is your favorite book? When do you feel the sexiest? (Jessica) I mean, I love me some Mexican food all day every day but if I could forego food and live off of baked goods, specifically chocolate chip cookies, I would in a heartbeat! My favorite book would probably have to be, “The Shack” by William P. Young. It touched my heart and had me thinking about it long after I finished reading it. Honestly, after I have crushed a fitness goal, sweaty & all. I feel sexy and empowered. (SISS) A social media question, Facebook, twitter, instagram or snapchat? Which one do you use the most to best market yourself or brand? (Jessica) I use Instagram the most. I think it’s such a great platform as it can quickly catch people’s attention because we are visually stimulated and are drawn to aesthetically pleasing images. It’s like taking small glimpses of others’ accomplishments and experiences through a small window. (SISS) Is there someone on social media that inspires you and is a great follow? (Jessica) Bella Hibbs is someone I follow and look up to. She is a local casting director, a fitness guru/competitor and just a wonderful person. She shares great insight for aspiring actors and also films great fitness videos on her YouTube channel. (SISS) What does Smart is so Sexy mean to you?  (Jessica) To me it means harnessing the greatness within. Being mentally, spiritually and intellectually beautiful overall. Making a difference in people’s lives no matter how big or small a platform you’ve been given and encouraging others to do the same. (SISS) Thank you so much Jessica, please visit Jessica’s Instagram @JessicaYmartin_ and follow her everyday journey. Keep Going