Deanna St Martin
Deanna St. Martin is a dynamic fempreneur, certified life coach, and accomplished artist based in Medford, Oregon. With a career spanning decades, she has combined her passion for wellness, creativity, and personal development to inspire and empower women through life transitions. Deanna recently authored a memoir focused on resilience and grit, reflecting her dedication to helping others navigate challenges with strength and grace.
As Director at Melaleuca: The Wellness Company, Deanna has spent over a decade guiding individuals toward financial freedom and healthier lifestyles. She is also the founder of St Martin Designs, where she expresses her artistry primarily through watercolor, showcasing her creativity in exhibitions and community events. Her professional journey includes nearly three decades as a Process Specialist at Qwest Communications, where she honed her skills in documentation, organizational development, and presentations.
Deanna’s commitment to service extends beyond her professional work. She has served on boards such as the Treatment Alternative to Street Crime and played a leadership role as Convention Chair for the Watercolor Society of Oregon, organizing major events for over 500 members. A lifelong learner and advocate for personal growth, Deanna continues to inspire others through coaching, artistry, and her proactive approach to life.
• Certified Life Coach
• Certified Art Therapy
• Southern Oregon University - B.P.Ed.
• Marylhurst University-BFA
• WSO
• SOSA
• PEO
• Art Presence Art Center
• Rogue Gallery
• Treatment Alternative to Street Crime
• Art Presence Art Center
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of creativity, dedication, and a commitment to helping others through art. As a professional artist and certified art therapist, I balance my time between creating and exhibiting original artwork, teaching children through school and after-school art programs, and supporting women through therapeutic and creative practices. My expertise lies in abstract watercolor on Yupo paper, expressive arts for healing, and leveraging creativity as a tool for emotional resilience. I specialize in trauma-informed creative guidance, helping individuals connect with their personal stories through visual expression. One of my proudest accomplishments is publishing my book, I Am Resilience, which shares my journey of overcoming trauma. I am also proud of developing a unique watercolor technique on Yupo paper and being recognized in galleries and juried exhibitions, including those organized by the Watercolor Society of Oregon. Through my work, I strive to empower others to explore their creativity, find healing, and build emotional strength—while continuing to grow and innovate in my own artistic practice.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Find your passion, that’s where creativity and happiness lie.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to stay authentic in your voice and never compromise who you are to fit a trend. Surround yourself with people who share your values, protect your energy, and honor your story. Give yourself permission to grow and evolve, both as a woman and as an artist, knowing that your unique perspective is your greatest strength.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest turning points in my field—and in my life—was undergoing open-heart surgery in 2022. That experience required me to step back, reevaluate my priorities, and rebuild both my life and my creative practice. It has since deepened my art and clarified my purpose. Today, I focus on work that aligns with healing, meaning, and sustainable energy, rather than overextending myself, and I see this approach as both a challenge and an opportunity to create more intentional, impactful work.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both my work and personal life are resilience, authenticity, and transformation. I am inspired by my own journey and by the resilience of other women, and I am deeply drawn to stories of survival, growth, and emotional truth. Nature, movement, and symbolism frequently appear in my art because I believe that healing is both an internal and organic process, and that creativity can be a powerful pathway toward it.