Influential Woman · Arts, Entertainment & Music
Kay Martin
Performing Artist / Writer / Singer, Private Company
Aptos, CA 95003
Her Story
About Kay
Kay Martin is a performing artist, singer, writer, and writing consultant based in the San Francisco Bay Area and Santa Cruz region. Kay has built a diverse career spanning theater, music, writing, directing, and education. After working as a performer and director and teaching writing at the University of California, Santa Cruz, Kay transitioned to freelance work in 2000, focusing on singing, writing, editing, and consulting.
Kay holds a PhD and MA in Dramatic Art from the University of California, Berkeley, where her academic work included extensive writing, translating, directing, and acting. Her doctoral dissertation examined the work of French novelist, filmmaker, and dramatist Marguerite Duras, whose works Kay also translated and directed in Berkeley-area productions. She earned a BA in Aesthetic Studies from UC Santa Cruz and has maintained a strong connection to the performing arts throughout her academic and professional career.
As a singer, Kay specializes in Brazilian jazz and French songs, performing throughout the San Francisco and Monterey Bay areas. She has recorded multiple CDs and combines her musical career with freelance editing and writing coaching. Fluent in French, Portuguese, and Spanish, Kay brings a strong international and multicultural perspective to her artistic work, connecting storytelling, language, and performance throughout her creative career.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kay
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to great good fortune, along with the opportunities the universe has given me. I found my voice later in life, and I’m grateful for that journey. Most importantly, I’ve been willing to push through fear, take risks, and keep moving forward even when the path felt uncertain.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is that between security and risk, taking the risk is often the better choice. Growth comes from stepping outside of your comfort zone, embracing uncertainty, and having the courage to pursue opportunities that can lead to something greater.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry, especially freelancers and working artists, is to build multiple income streams and create financial independence. Keep the faith, trust your intuition, and stay committed to your vision, even when society may not always support women pursuing independence. Let your passion and your heart guide you, and have the courage to follow the path that feels right for you.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is the struggle for musicians to earn a sustainable living, especially as big tech continues to reshape the industry. I believe cultivating multiple income streams and professional activities is essential for maintaining financial stability while pursuing a career in music.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are integrity, truth, and knowing the difference between right and wrong. I also value breaking down boundaries between countries, cultures, ethnicities, races, and languages by finding common ground and connecting people.
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