Meet Martina Lindo, a writer, podcaster and the founder of Full Bloom. I had the pleasure to chat with Martina about five ways a business can grow, the pros and cons of being an influencer, and what success means to her.
What inspired you to start Full Bloom podcast?
ML: “I was inspired to start Full Bloom after I gave birth to my son Nation. I’ve been blogging for several years and never getting where I knew I could be as blogger. I spent a lot time doubting myself honestly. I never quite felt good enough. I blame most of it on a lack of confidence. And because I spent so much time on social media, I often times began comparing myself, my journey, my achievements or lack of to everyone on my timeline and I would just stop trying. And this led to inconsistency and so nothing seemed to be growing. But after I had Nation, I felt this resurgence or epiphany, where I realized this new little person was depending on me to be my best whole and complete self. Someone who was fulfilling their purpose in life so he could reach his. So, I went into a deep state of self-reflection, really trying to hone in on who and I was and what and who I wanted to be. At the end, I had some realizations that have literally changed my life and how I view it. So, finally, I started thinking about other people in my life, my generation and wondered if everyone else was wondering about their purpose and what it meant to live it out the same way I was. Spring had just begun and I had some flowers that were blooming and long story short I was inspired by their growth and BAM! (There some other moments that I talk about on the first episode, if you’re interested)Full Bloom was conceived as a space for millennials on a journey to understanding and finding purpose. It’s a space for us to connect across and share at a pivotal point in our life where we have to make all these decisions that we often don’t always feel prepared for. But our goal is to become our best self and that’s where you get the idea of Full Bloom.”
At what point in your life did you know you wanted to be a writer?
ML: “I know this sounds cliché, but I think I’ve always known. I’ve always been a storyteller. I’ve always had a diary or a journal. Writing just came so naturally to me that for a long time I didn’t think I could make a career out of it because it almost didn’t feel like something special. I know, that sounds crazy. The moment that I remember clearly deciding I wanted to pursue writing full-time was when I made the choice not to go to law school. I realized I would rather not have any money doing what I love than spending the rest of my life doing something that wouldn’t bring me any joy or real fulfillment.”
What are your favorite and least favorite about being an influencer and writer?
ML: “Well, first I’ve never actually considered myself to be an influencer lol, so thank you. But I do think my favorite part of being influential is that effect it has on people. I think every person is important but more importantly, the story they have to share. I think that’s what I love most about writing is hearing a story that about a person and bringing it to life in a new way. It really brings me so much joy. On the flip side, with influence comes an immense of amount of responsibility to always be on. People are embracing transparency and vulnerability much more, however, sometimes it almost feels like you can’t be because people are depending on you to be inspiring. I’ve come to realize that’s a mindset and way of looking at it, not reality. And my least favorite part of writing is editing loll_ I wish I could just write a perfect first draft every time, but that’s not a thing.”
What is success to you? Has a mistake ever led you to success?
Success is being completely and totally surrendered to your purpose, no matter what. I wouldn’t call it a mistake, because there was nothing I could do, but I had to have a C-section when giving birth. That for me felt like failure and I was devastated. For the first month of my son’s life, I was depressed because I felt like I failed by not being able to give birth naturally. But during that period of reflection, that “failure” led me to understanding my purpose and my strength so clearly, thus for me resulting in success.”
What five major life/ business gems that helped you and your organization to grow?
ML: “The lessons I’ve learned aren’t profound but they have produced results. And for me that’s what matters Here they are:
Be consistent.
Be authentic.
Be professional.
Be kind.
Be clear with your why and make it happen.
What’s the best advice you have for someone who hasn’t discovered their purpose yet?
ML: “Be open to anything. But trust that your natural interest are leading you down the right path. Purpose isn’t hard to find if you know yourself and are true to yourself. That’s what’s hard. We have so many influences from the outside that keep trying to tell us who we are. So you have to shut those other voices out, get to know yourself, and pursue things that make you happy. Then purpose will come.”
What are some traits that you’re proud of?
ML: “I’m extremely intuitive. My gut is normally 99.9% right and it’s taken me far. I’m not sure if this is a trait, but my faith in God and my relationship with Christ. It’s something I’m proud of because I’ve worked hard to not let it be riddled by the influence of religion but rather being a genuine relationship. And finally, my persistence. I do not give up, ever. Even when I should. But it’s forced me to work hard and focus on being a problem solver in every aspect of my life.”
What’s your biggest goal this year?
ML: “To hone in on my career aspirations so I can be prepared to crush them in 2020. I feel like I’ve planted A LOT of seeds this year. My goal is to keep pursuing my purpose fully and I can say that with all the confidence that I have!”
What’s the best advice you received when you first starting out?
ML: “Always be yourself. It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks.
What’s your personal motto or a quote that you live by?
ML: “I have everything I need to get where I need to go, I am my greatest asset.” I think it’s so important to affirm yourself in every way. This mantra really keeps me focused when I feel like I’m not enough.”
About Martina Lindo
Martina Lindo is a writer, marketing consultant, blogger, and podcast host of Full Bloom, and multifaceted entrepreneur. In her work as a creative, she focuses on the journey into adulthood as millennial and tackles the challenges of finding purpose in a busy world.
Website: www.thefullbloomblog.com
Email: info@thefullbloomblog.com
Instagram: _fullblooom
Twitter: _fullblooom
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