The Art of Martha | The Art of Her Project

Today we step into the world of Martha, a vibrant and passionate soul that I have been so blessed to get to know in the last few years. During her story, Martha takes us on a journey through her life, including some heartbreaking experiences that bring her to where she is today. Mixed in are both triumphs and challenges, her determination, and the beautiful power of connection and kindness.

Whether discussing her non-linear career path, her deep commitment to family and community, or her adventures as a self-proclaimed "disnerd" --which for those of us unfamiliar with this term references her obsession with all things Disney! -- Martha's infectious spirit and unyielding optimism shine through. If you have ever sat down for coffee with her, you know what I mean. If you haven't, I highly suggest you do.

This is the Art of Martha.

This is the Art of Her.

Interview with Martha Chinnock

Jessica: Tell us about you, The woman.

Martha: My Facebook bio says I’m a wife, momma, friend, connector of people, lover of life, disnerd, & maven.

I consider myself from Ohio as I was born there, went to high school and college there, and I met my husband and got married there. But I haven’t lived there since 1999.

I’ve had a blessed life and a non-linear career, both leading me to currently supporting businesses through referral marketing using an organization called BNI and working with several nonprofits.

Jessica: Tells us about Your Story.

Martha: I was fortunate enough to meet my Prince Charming when I was 18. We were both enrolled in Air Force ROTC at Bowling Green State University in Ohio, both of us planning on military service. I was medically discharged soon after signing my commitment contract, but still was able to serve my country supporting my husband through his 22 years of military service.

Getting married right after college and then having our two children soon after led for our family to make decisions that felt different than many of our peers. We were fortunate that financially, I was able to be the primary caretaker for our babies. It was with joy that I was able to be with them 24/7, but I also needed something for me. I found direct sales when my oldest was tiny, and loved building my business while still being (mostly) home.

We moved with the military right before my youngest went to school and I struggled a lot with that move. I had a hard time moving my business, and for the first time in seven years, no one needed me full time at home. I had a village of friends at my old location, and I felt isolated at the new location. It was at this time, I learned I’m better as a team player than my own boss, and that community for me is key.

Jessica: Tell me about a specific experience as it surrounds your story? 

Martha: I have been fortunate to work in several jobs in several fields. However, I have often felt “less than” because I saw people my same age climbing corporate ladders, having successful businesses, and truly leaning into their skills. I have learned a lot about business, people and myself through the years though and now know that true joy and empowerment for me is getting to work in my flame while serving others.

Jessica: What surprised you about yourself?

Martha: I’ve always struggled with “keeping up with the Jones” or comparing your highlight reel to my blooper reel. Coming to know that my thoughts and actions are choices and that I’m actually in control of them has become very empowering.

Jessica: What would you say you learned about yourself since your experiences?

Martha: I have found it’s really important to surround myself with people who don’t always think and act just like me. It’s how I grow.

Jessica: How would you describe the difference in you?

Martha: Being able to really process that the choices I have made for my career, my family, and my mental & physical health are my own and for my and my family’s benefit. Learning to chart my own course and run my own race has been a blessing. Not that I don’t still get stuck sometimes, but I can get unstuck so much quicker because I can remember it’s my own choice.

Jessica: What is the one piece of advice would you give your younger self?

Martha: Learn the platinum rule - treat others as they want to be treated!!!

Not everyone wants to be treated like I want to be treated, and in reverse, if someone else isn’t aware of that rule, they might know to ask how I want to be treated.

Jessica: What would you say has helped you along your healing journey?

Martha: Remembering that for the most part, we are all trying our best, and most of us aren’t out to get others.

Jessica: What is your story of now?

Martha: I am just the luckiest and most blessed. I’m married to my best friend who I like still. We moved to Michigan in the summer of 2023 after living in Tucson for eight years to be closer to his job and our extended families. Our kids are out of high school and they are awesome and I love when we four can just be together when we aren’t traveling or at school or working. I have found a really amazing opportunity to use so many of my skills to be helpful to business owners looking to expand their businesses through referrals and I get to work with some bad ass people. I get to use my time, talent, and treasure for two non-profits I’m passionate about. And I have a solid group of friends, family, and people on team Martha.

The story of now is marvelous.

Jessica: How would you like people to describe you or see you? Why?

Martha: I want to help and serve people by being able to give people what they need. If someone needs a connection, advice on which Disney Park is best, needs me to pick up groceries, or just needs me to be present for them; what I want to be seen as - the person who can help them. I want to help, and be seen as that.

Jessica: What is the ongoing challenge you face?

Martha: I am very attracted to shiny things, so not only am I distracted easily, I also like new things, and I like to get new things often, even if I don’t “need” them. I love instant gratification.

Jessica: It would be really interesting to hear about any ambitions you have for the future.

Martha: My husband and I talk about starting a giving circle in our new area based off the models of 100+ Women Who Care Tucson (and 100+ Guys Who Give Tucson) that would be for any individual over 18. 100+ Philanthropic People of Milan, Michigan just doesn’t have a great ring to it, but we will get that going soon.

I’m working on my plan to get to all seven continents and sitting down soon with a friend to schedule when I am (we are) getting to the last Disney Park I haven’t been to.

Jessica: What do you wish other women or young girls knew about themselves?

Martha: There is no right or wrong way to be a woman. (Or a person). You do you. Lean into your loves, passions, and learn from people who are where you want to be. There is a such a spectrum of joy, satisfaction, love and peace to have in yourself. You can find it.

Creative Credits:

Photography by Jessica Korff Studios

Makeup by: Renee Lanz | Radiate with ReneeJ

Dress Draping: Dresses draped and created by: Jessica Korff