MOVERS AND SHAKERS: Jainmy Martinez, Actress

Talented Jainmy Isabel Martinez was born June 6th, 1977, in Santo Domingo, The Dominican Republic. She grew up in the historic capital city under the guiding hands of her mother, grandmother and two aunts, in a traditional Catholic home that emphasized morality, family values and kindness toward all people. The loving environment of her youth has served Jainmy well, remaining the foundation of her adult life - as a strong, Christian woman and proud mother of a ten year-old daughter.

At a young age, Jainmy’s thoughts were focused on becoming an entertainer as she watched the American stars of movies and television. As a teenager, Ms. Martinez attended the country’s highly-regarded acting and modeling schools, graduating with several honors. She was also a student at Catholic University of Santo Domingo (Universidad Catolica de Santo Domingo). She studied dance, chiefly jazz, at the prestigious Ritmos Espacio de Danza, ultimately mastering several styles, including salsa and merengue.

Jainmy experienced success at an early age, landing runway and print modeling assignments, in addition to television commercial work. Along with modeling in national magazines like OH! and Isabella, and representing one of the nation’s largest department stores, she won co-starring roles in two Dominican mini-series, "Al Filo de la Vida" and "Las Mil Caras del Engano." She was well on her way to becoming a household name in her Caribbean homeland.

Most models and actresses would have been satisfied with the many accomplishments Jainmy could claim at a very young age, but not her. She took the daring, but calculated, step of advancing her career, and relocated to the United States. As soon as she arrived in America, her future grew even brighter. With her modeling and acting successes on her already impressive resume, she began finding full-time work as an agency model in New York City, representing diverse array of clients. Since arriving in the U.S., she has also modeled for Latina Magazine and All You Magazine. This in-demand beauty stayed busy not only working, but also as a student at the famed New York Film Academy.

Combining her television and modeling experience, and knowledge gained as an astute NYFA student, Jainmy Martinez developed that special on-screen mix few actresses do - sexy and smart. New York City was proving to be just the place for her as she began appearing in films and television, including A&E’s Watching The Detectives and Oxygen’s Cinematherapy.

Drawing on contemporary inspirations Charlize Theron and Hilary Swank, Jainmy’s primary focus is acting, though she is still busy managing commercial print-modeling requests. She was a recent guest on The Tyra Banks Show, and in 2008 was chosen as one of the finalists on VH1’s Viva Hollywood (where she filmed the now infamous "death scene").

Through sacrifice, ambition and faith, attractive Jainmy Martinez - actress, model and dancer - has become one of New York’s - and Hollywood’s - rising stars. Her website can be seen at www.jainmy.com. Peachy Deegan chatted with this rising star!

Peachy Deegan: What do you like most about being an actress/model/dancer?
Jainmy Martinez: It's very hard to explain. I love everything about it. Being able to show my talents, having fans supporting me all the time. When I'm in front of the camera is looking at my dreams coming true... I'm sure that anyone who has big dreams in life can relate.

Of the three if you could be only one which would it be and why?
Actress. It's what I have the biggest passion for. My personality comes out in the characters I play and people can see it's not only physical atributes.

How has being Catholic affected your career?
I grew up in a Catholic home but I'm Christian. It hasn't affected it in a bad way at all, if anything has been a big blessing. God knows perfectly what He's doing and if at any moment I thought that something unfair happened to me, was because He wanted to use it for my own good.

Did you give up anything for lent (Peachy went to a fashion event wearing her ashes on Ash Wednesday)?
No.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Always putting God first. Perfectly healthy, with a beautiful and healthy family. I see myself being one of the most phenomenal Hollywood actresses with 2 Academy Awards for best lead actress in a film. On the covers of many magazines, in the biggest print advertisement campaigns, enjoying life to the fullest... last but not least, being the motivation and inspiration to millions of people in the world.

What is your favorite place to be in NYC?
Anywhere in midtown.

What is your favorite shop?
ummm... Bebe.

What is your favorite drink?
Sangria

What is your favorite restaurant?
A restaurant in my country called Boca Marina so far... it's on the beach, feels like you're in another world.

What is your favorite NYC book?
Favorite book, period... Your best life now.

What is your favorite thing to do in NYC that you can do nowhere else?
Taking a walk in the city at night and enjoying the magic of it.

What else should Whom You Know readers know about you?
I'm a kind hearted woman... Attend church on Sundays or more if I can but when I'm in my country I go 3 days of the week... it's so much fun my church there and can't get enough of it. Love to laugh, love my career with my heart and soul, I'm a goal getter, very positive woman, very independent, great mother, love spending time with my family and closest friends, I'm a 100% loyal and true friend to the people who sincerely love me.

How would you like to be contacted by Whom You Know readers?
Through my contact page on my website www.jainmy.com