Today we’d like to introduce you to Ana Martinez
Hi Ana, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I always knew I was different when I was growing up in El Paso and have always sought to express myself through art. Little me always wanted to be an artist and drew anything and everything that I could to master my craft. It wasn’t until college when I came out as bisexual that I found my voice as an artist. I started to expand from drawing to mix media and painting figuratively outside the lines of what was seen as classic drawing. I explored different materials such as rubber bands to discuss the elasticity of words and create raw imagery of my journey. I started to sculpt and use paper to create story lines of femininity and sexuality to express my queer authentic self and felt liberated. Once I graduated I found my voice but needed a fresh start. I moved to Austin at 24 and it was the best thing to have happened to me. I’m glad to have had the courage to make the move because I finally found a queer community where I felt support.
I took what I learned from college and it inspired me to create wearable accessories and art.What started as a quirky inside joke with friends ultimately lead me to create Kitty Titties as an outlet to express my art in a new way. I ultimately try to make art for my queer younger self that I wish I would have had the confidence to create and wear. This business has grown from solely offering reusable pasties to adding a variety of other wearable products, handmade purses, and my “lighter buddies”. My dream is to continue to promote self expression and body positivity with our sparkly products.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey with Kitty Titties had some bumps with covid shut down and losing my full time job in 2024 in a massive tech layoff. That won’t stop me though! Shout out to our amazing vendor and Queer community.We’ve learned reusable pasties are not everyone’s cup of tea but we’ve catered to a wider audience by expanding our products.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in handmade custom reusable pasties. Each of our item is hand sewn and rhinestoned to perfection in quirky wearable designs from illusion pasties to the more off beat clown designs. I am most proud of being apart of Mutiny Market Artisan Collective in ACL for 3 years to date. It has been such an incredible experience for Kitty Titties to expand into the festival market.
What’s next?
Im looking forward to expand into wholesale for artisan shops regionally as well as future artist collaborations. I’m super excited to continue my newest products of acrylic handbags in collaboration with Killer Queen Design. We have some super funky purses such as pickles, hot dogs and pizza designs coming soon that I can’t wait to share.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/KittyTittiesATX
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kitty_titties_atx
