We recently had the chance to connect with Martina Sterman and have shared our conversation below.
Martina, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I’d say I’m walking a path, but i allow myself to wander from time to time. I like having a sense of direction and working towards goals, but i also believe that detours and unexpected turns are what make the journey meaningful. For me, it’s about balance: I stay focused, but I’m always open to learning, exploring, and adjusting along the way.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a 24-year-old woman from Argentina, pursuing a dream — even if I don’t know exactly what the final destination looks like yet. What I do know is that I want to build a good life, grow, and be proud of what I create. To begin this journey, I decided to buy a Pet Grooming business, simply because I love animals and it felt like the best way to step into the entrepreneurial world through something I genuinely enjoy. I see myself on a path of discovery, both personally and professionally, and I’m motivated by the idea of building with purpose and leaving a positive mark along the way.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
The moment I felt the most powerful was when the former owner left and I was finally able to take the reins of the business. Before that, I was very afraid: I wasn’t comfortable, I kept asking myself if I was on the right path, and I couldn’t see the bigger picture of what I was doing. That day was a turning point: I learned to accept things as they were and let go of the fear of what clients might think, how they would react, or having to stand on my own. It opened a new chapter in my professional life and gave me confidence in my ability to lead. But it also helped me grow a lot as a person: I used to be very introverted and was so used to my parents handling paperwork and responsibilities for me. Suddenly, I saw myself in the mirror as an adult — not as the child I still believed I was.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self not to be so afraid. Mistakes, changes, and even uncomfortable moments are all part of the journey. Not everything needs to be clear from the start, and even the hardest decisions can open new doors. Most of all, I would tell her to trust herself more, because she will discover that she’s far stronger and more capable than she could ever imagine.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I think my closest friends would say that what really matters to me is not material things. I’ve been given everything in life —love, support, and even material comfort— but I’ve learned that the true value of life isn’t money, or the biggest house, or the nicest car. For me, life is about living fully and sharing it with the people you love, because that’s what truly lasts.
I’ve always believed that we should never be 100% inside the social system, because it blinds us from the real vision of life. Society often makes us chase things that don’t really matter, like we’re living in a movie someone else created for us. But accidents happen, death exists, and life can change in an instant —and I don’t want to forget that.
What helps me stay grounded is connecting with animals and nature. Animals live in the present, they enjoy the simple things, and they remind me what life is truly about: being here, now, and cherishing it.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Have you ever gotten what you wanted, and found it did not satisfy you?
Yes, it happened to me with fashion school. For years, I dreamed of creating my own clothes, starting a brand, and building something of my own. I studied for four years in four different universities, graduated, and earned my diploma. I was good at what I did, but over time I realized that I didn’t truly identify with that path.
I’ll never forget a conversation with one of my professors. She told me that with the way I wanted to do things, I would never get anywhere. In fashion, they expected me to follow the industry’s rules and create collections in a traditional way, but my vision was always different: I wanted to create what I love, and if others connected with it, they were more than welcome to take it.
Her words reminded me of my mom, who always dreamed of making a living from art. Thanks to her passion, she made it happen and built a happy life doing what she loves. That inspired me to respond: “Just wait a few years and you’ll see.”
That’s how I’ve always lived. Every time I’ve inspired someone, brought joy, or even generated income, it came from doing what I genuinely love, not from following what others expect of me. So even though I achieved what I wanted —a degree in fashion— I realized it wasn’t what would truly satisfy me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://patspedigreeandpet.com/
- Instagram: @patspedigreefl
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