Meet Martine’s Dream!
Imagination unlocks the secret of life’s hidden joys + dreams flourish as long as you fuel them! Debbie Martine has brought her creativity to life and continued to sprinkle her spirit + artistry into her blossoming boutique, Martine’s Dream!
Originally from Jamaica, Debbie gathered her colorful daydreams and spirit of women who shaped her to launch her boutique in Brooklyn, NY!
Living her light in creating flavorful prints + stunning silhouettes allows her to not chase trends but instead follow her fearless free spirit. Her amazing pieces encourage women to step into their authenticity and boldness of their beauty. Each piece is a collage of her global experiences that create wearable masterpieces!
How has Jamaica and Brooklyn influenced your style?
Jamaica and Brooklyn has influenced me by allowing me to express myself and be adventurous. I live by this poem:
” I was born on an island the sun is within me.I reside in Brooklyn but the world is my oyster.
I am Martine. A sun woman, a traveler, a dreamer.
I am …”
This poem really captures who I am, as a person who is from Jamaica. And as a child who would tie up her dress to climb mango trees with her friends. I never stayed in a box. I would always venture out and find myself anyway I could. I am truly a child of the sun.
Can you describe yourself in 3 words or less? What are 3 colors that’s represent you as a person?
“Lover of Life!”
Blue, Yellow, and White! The colors change with season. I have always loved color even at a young age. As a child I saw a picture of India and became obsessed with colors. I made a promise to myself to go there when I grew up. I didn’t know if I would leave Jamaica, but as soon as I saw the picture I knew I would go there one day. At a young age I didn’t understand my love of color but, as I grew up I became more fascinated with color. I remind myself everyday “with Martine’s Dream I say live, love, dream in color.”
Do you feel that the neighborhood you are located in now represents Martine’s Dream?
Yes, Martine’s Dream represents the neighborhood and brings true joy to me. This is reminded through my friends + neighbors who are apart of the neighborhood.
Even though, the neighborhood has changed due to gentrification and the rise in property rent, my clients still travel to see me. Also, new relationships are built through new faces in the area. These are my people.
I knew this shop was for me through the signs that were presented to me. From my friend who find the location to the circle in front of the shop. (Ms. Debbie shares the ink art/tattoo displayed on the center of her back of a circle). This was fate.
What became a struggle for you starting your own business?
Finding a balance between personal life and work because I worked where I slept.
Who would you say was there for you at your hardest times while you were building your boutique?
My friends and family have always been there for me since day one and always wished me the best especially my mother.
Who do you look up to now that you run your own boutique?
I look up to my mother, my grandmother that passed but she was always there to push me. I also look up to Maya Angelou.
What are a few quotes you live by?
- “Dreams are never realized alone.”
- “You never accomplish anything alone.”
- “The one person who supports your dream is a huge blessing”
Follow more of Ms. Debbie of Matine’s Dream here!
IG: @martinesdream
Website: www.martinesdream.com
Interview by Mariam Sikiru, Melanie Santiago, Naomi Aubin, Taffia Evelyn
