True resilience isn’t about avoiding hardship—it’s about transforming pain into purpose. Martie Smith, a proud veteran, bestselling author, resilience ambassador, and global speaker, embodies this philosophy. After overcoming countless personal hardships—including trauma, depression, and health battles—Martie turned her struggles into stepping stones for a global mission. With 14 published books, a thriving platform for children’s empowerment, and a series of international awards, Martie’s work proves that resilience can ignite change across generations. Humans of Fuzia proudly shares Martie’s incredible journey and unwavering dedication to building a more resilient world.
Martie, your story is remarkable. What sparked your journey as a coach, author, and resilience ambassador?
It began with pain. At just seven years old, my mother told me I was a mistake. That moment shaped my early belief system. I moved 49 times in my life, was born in Colombia, South America, learned English before Spanish, and faced countless identity struggles. Later, I served as an Air Force mechanic in the U.S., worked as a radiation therapist, and tried to piece my life together—always feeling like a “Jackie of all trades, mistress of none.”
The pandemic was a turning point. I had already battled depression, chronic pain, and mobility challenges that left me in a wheelchair. But during lockdown, I refused to let grief consume me again after losing my brother and father-in-law. I joined a free book-writing boot camp—and everything changed. By day three, I had my book title Resilience Nourishes the Soul, my outline, and I started writing.
God reminded me to focus on blessings, not past traumas. My bilingual, bicultural upbringing, adaptability, and survival story became the foundation of my mission: empowering others through resilience.
You’ve achieved so much in such a short time. Tell us about your proudest accomplishments.
It’s been a whirlwind! I published my first book in December 2022 and won an award by January 2023. From there, the recognition snowballed—global awards, my story featured in Women of Global Impact, and being honored at the New York Stock Exchange and Las Vegas. I’ve published 14 books, including a children’s series: Martie Sparks, Ignite Your Fire, and Unstoppable Sparks, designed for children from ages 5 to those differently challenged.
I’ve co-authored four international bestsellers in English and Spanish, started a podcast with baby avatars teaching resilience, and developed a “gratitude account” program for children to track achievements like making their bed or helping at home. It builds confidence, self-worth, and momentum. My long-term dream is to create a retreat center where wise elders mentor children alongside therapy animals like horses and golden retrievers—a place of joy, love, and resilience.
Are you a solopreneur or do you have a team supporting your mission?
I started solo, but now I have a dedicated team managing my website, projects, and children’s book illustrations. I work with them on a task basis, so I still drive the mission but have trusted people supporting me.
What’s your definition of success, both personally and professionally?
Success is doing what you love so deeply that it doesn’t feel like work—and leaving a legacy behind. For me, that’s nurturing resilience, inspiring others, and making a lasting impact. I believe when you pour care and purpose into your work, people feel that, and you become an inspiration by simply being authentic.
“Resilience is the bridge between pain and purpose. My mission is to help others build that bridge—and walk across it with hope.”
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