It’s Never Too Late to Change Paths and Follow Your Passion with Martyna Brechelke

podcast
Written By Lucie Hautreux

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Are you navigating new environments or searching for fulfillment in your career and personal life? In this episode, I sit down with Martyna Brechelke, a talented illustrator and event artist known for her work in fashion, lifestyle, and beauty illustration, as she shares how she found a sense of home while living abroad. Martyna reflects on her journey from studying architecture in Poland to pursuing fashion design in Denmark, and how her frequent relocations helped her build routines, connections, and stability in new and unfamiliar places.

Join us to hear Martyna’s journey and her evolution as an entrepreneur in the creative industry, discussing the challenges of running her own business—from managing clients to handling social media and financial management. She also highlights the power of community and the importance of seeking help along the way. Tune in for inspiration on embracing change, cultivating creativity, and living authentically, no matter where you are in life.

Finding Home Amidst Change

For Martyna, home is all about comfort. Despite moving frequently—around eight times in the past five or six years—she’s learned to adapt to new environments, even though she admits that the process of finding and settling into a new place can be nerve-wracking.

Without a permanent base, Martyna has taught herself to find home wherever she is. For her, home is less about a specific location and more about the routines she creates. She shares how her morning and evening rituals help her find stability, especially as an entrepreneur when life can feel chaotic. By sticking to these routines, Martyna creates a sense of comfort and confidence no matter where she is.

She also mentions that people are her home as well. Though her friends are scattered across the globe, whenever she connects with them, they feel like home—even if they’re not necessarily in the same location.

The Essence of Feeling Home

Martyna explains what it feels like to feel at home.

For her, it’s a sense of being taken care of—a feeling she associates with her upbringing, where her parents and sister provided a strong foundation of support. However, she emphasizes that feeling at home doesn’t always rely on others; it’s also about how she takes care of herself.

Martyna finds comfort in knowing she can sustain herself and give herself the support she needs on a daily basis. This self-reliance builds her confidence, making her feel capable of handling whatever life throws her way. Whether it’s through journaling, which she does regularly, or bouncing ideas off loved ones, these practices help her realize that she can navigate any challenge.

Once she acknowledges what’s happening around her, she knows she’ll be okay.

Routines that Ground Us

Martyna shares how her daily routines help her feel grounded and at home, no matter where she is.

Her mornings and evenings are especially important, as they provide stability and comfort amidst life’s changes.

In the morning, Martyna starts with oil pulling using coconut oil, a practice inspired by Ayurvedic traditions, which helps her ease into the day quietly. After this, she goes through her hygiene routine and makes herself a caffeine-free coffee before sitting down at her desk to journal.

Her journaling is very structured, with her day divided into three categories: work, personal development, and general tasks. This helps her align her priorities and stay organized, setting a clear direction for the day. Depending on how her body feels, she might also incorporate a light stretch or yoga session to stay in tune with herself.

Her evening routine is simpler but just as important. After finishing her hygiene routine, Martyna winds down by reading for about half an hour, with a humidifier releasing calming aromas to create a peaceful atmosphere. This routine helps her transition into a restful night.

What’s key for Martyna is keeping her routines minimal and adaptable. Whether she’s at home or traveling, she finds grounding in these practices rather than relying on specific products. She might not always have her humidifier, but she’ll use a small bottle of aromatic oil to maintain that sense of comfort wherever she is. This simplicity allows her to feel at home in any environment.

Reflecting 10 Years Ago

Next, we take a moment to reflect on who she was 10 years ago and how much her life has changed.

In 2014, Martyna was a completely different person, just starting her architecture studies in Poland. At that time, she was deeply dedicated to the idea of becoming an architect, a goal she had set for herself since primary school. Living in Gdańsk, she was excited about the path ahead, though she admits she was still finding her way when it came to confidence.

While Martyna had a clear goal, she felt somewhat lost when it came to believing in her abilities. Surrounded by 300 other students with the same aspirations, she often questioned whether she could truly succeed and be among the best.

Despite her doubts, she was proud of making it into architecture school and was eager to see where the journey would take her. However, she describes herself as not yet fully confident in her skills or in navigating life independently. Having just moved out of her parent's home and into an apartment with her sister, she was still learning to adapt to the independence of adulthood.

The Journey to Self-Confidence

How did Martyna grow into the confident woman she is today?

She credits one of the biggest steps in her life: moving to Denmark.

After completing her Bachelor of Architecture, Martyna made the decision not to pursue a master's degree—a choice that felt monumental at the time, especially given Poland's conservative approach to education and career paths. Her decision to step away from architecture was shocking to her parents, but Martyna felt inspired by a close friend who also decided to choose a different path.

With support from her friend and a desire to follow her passion, Martyna decided to study fashion design in Denmark.

This was a big leap for her, as it was less about practicality and more about pursuing something she genuinely loved. She viewed it as a chance to break free from the expectations in Poland and explore a new direction, even if it meant taking a risk. Moving to a foreign country where she didn’t speak the language well, navigating a new culture, and starting over in a small, unfamiliar town was challenging, but also empowering.

Denmark was a turning point for Martyna. Surrounded by supportive friends and family who, though they didn’t always understand her choices, were willing to question and explore them with her, she found the strength to embrace change. This leap into the unknown helped her develop resilience and, ultimately, the confidence to trust her instincts and build a life driven by passion.

Embracing Change in Denmark

Now she would say that the biggest change happened when she actually moved.

She brought everything with her, having worked hard to save enough money to sustain herself for a while and cover her initial expenses. However, the early days were tough—she felt incredibly lonely.

But instead of letting that loneliness overwhelm her, Martyna used it as fuel for her own personal growth. She realized that since she had decided to move, she needed to take full responsibility and make it work. This mindset pushed her to take ownership of her situation, become accountable for her choices, and work on herself with determination.

To cope and grow, Martyna immersed herself in self-improvement. She started reading psychology books, listening to podcasts about mental health, and learning how to better understand her own mind. Over time, this gradual process of self-reflection and exposure to new ideas shaped the person she is today.

From Architecture to Illustration

Today, Martyna is an illustrator and event artist, and while her career may seem far removed from her original path in architecture and fashion design, she believes all her previous experiences have come together perfectly.

She explains that although her education was in architecture and fashion design, the skills she gained along the way form the foundation of what she does now. That’s why she emphasizes the importance of trusting the process—even when the destination is unclear. Martyna advises, "As long as you're doing something aligned with your values, keep going. It will make sense eventually." She stresses that if something drains your energy, it's a sign to pivot. Life is too short not to pursue what lights you up.

Currently, Martyna works primarily as an illustrator in the fashion and lifestyle industries. She takes on commissions where clients approach her with ideas for campaigns or social media projects, and she brings their visions to life.

Fashion remains her biggest passion, but her work also extends to lifestyle and product illustration. Anything that excites and inspires her becomes part of her creative journey.

One of the most thrilling aspects of her job, however, is event art. This is where she gets to create live, quick portraits for guests attending various events. It's a dynamic shift from working remotely and communicating with clients online, to being on-site, interacting with people in real time. Martyna explains that event art is not only fast-paced and challenging but also deeply fulfilling. Seeing people’s reactions to her work, and knowing she’s sparking joy or inspiration, is immensely rewarding.

In fact, this is how we met—she was illustrating at a wedding.

Event art can take place at private events, like weddings, or at brand activations in stores. Martyna absolutely loves this side of her work, as it allows her to connect with people face-to-face and even inspire their interest in art. She often hears attendees say things like, "I haven't drawn since I was a child," or "I love art, but I can’t draw." Her response is always the same—it’s not about creating a perfect image, but about the creative release and the meditative process that drawing brings.

For Martyna, this is the heart of her work—showing people the joy and relief that comes from creating, no matter what the result looks like. Whether she’s sketching live at events or working from home, her goal is to inspire others to pick up a pencil and let their creativity flow. And while she enjoys all aspects of illustration, it’s the event art that brings her the most excitement and fulfillment.

Navigating Entrepreneurship

Martyna has stepped into the role of entrepreneur, becoming her own boss, and shares her experience of navigating this path.

She admits that being an entrepreneur is challenging, something many people can relate to. While she’s good at self-discipline and structuring her tasks, the sheer volume of responsibilities can feel overwhelming.

One of the biggest challenges for Martyna is balancing the creative side of her work with the business demands.

As an illustrator, she needs to practice her craft daily to keep her skills sharp, but that’s just one part of her job. She also has to find clients, especially since event art, her niche, is not very popular in Denmark. This means she not only has to create but also market and explain her services to potential clients.

On top of that, there’s the need to produce engaging social media content, build an audience, and foster a community around her work. While attracting clients is one goal, it’s also about connecting with people who share her passion and sparking conversations around her art.

Managing the financial side of her business is another hurdle. Martyna didn’t study business or economics, so dealing with budgeting and accounting is the area she feels least confident in. However, until she finds someone to help with this aspect, she has to handle it herself. It’s a task that drains a lot of her energy, but she knows it’s a necessary part of being an entrepreneur.

The biggest challenge, she says, is that the list of tasks keeps growing, leaving her with only a small percentage of her time to actually focus on her art—the part she loves most. She finds herself juggling so many responsibilities that it’s hard to devote enough time to developing her skills. Time management becomes crucial, and being strategic with her schedule is key to avoiding burnout.

Martyna has learned most of what she knows about running a business from friends who are entrepreneurs and from seeking advice online. She frequently turns to blogs, podcasts, and articles, and reaches out to people she trusts for guidance. She’s also looked into how other illustrators handle their businesses and taken courses specific to her field. She feels fortunate to have access to such a wealth of knowledge through the internet, which has made things a bit easier, though the process is ongoing.

Ultimately, she believes that learning how to manage a business is a lifelong journey. You have to stay dedicated to what you’re doing and continually seek knowledge to make sure the work doesn’t burn you out.

The Importance of Asking for Help

Martyna explains the value of reaching out for help and not isolating yourself.

She believes that asking for help is not a sign of failure, but rather a normal part of life. "You can’t know everything," she says. Reflecting on her younger self, she remembers a time when she was reluctant to seek assistance, feeling that her independence meant she should do everything on her own.

But over time, she realized that this mindset only made things harder.

She now sees that asking for help doesn’t diminish independence or strength. "There’s no prize for doing it all alone," Martyna shares. It makes life unnecessarily more difficult. She’s always been willing to share her own experiences and advice with others, so why shouldn’t she seek the same from people around her? She’s never encountered anyone who refused to help or was dismissive. "It’s all in our heads," she says. Many of us fear that asking for help makes us look weak, but it doesn’t. It’s just a question, neither good nor bad, and it can bring immense relief.

One of the most reassuring things Martyna has discovered is that asking for help often reveals that others have faced similar struggles. Hearing someone say, “Oh, I went through that too,” brings comfort and validation. It shows that the challenges she’s facing aren’t a reflection of her capabilities—they’re just part of the journey that others have walked before.

It’s not just about getting answers; it’s also about knowing you’re not alone.

Martyna also points out that when you ask for advice, you may actually brighten the other person’s day. Often, we focus on our own insecurities, wondering if we seem unprofessional or if we’re bothering someone. But from the other person’s perspective, it can be exciting to give advice. It shows that they’re valued, that someone sees them as knowledgeable and experienced. Many times, they’ve gone through the same insecurities and now feel confident enough to offer guidance. Helping others reminds them of their own progress and gives them a sense of accomplishment.

In the end, she believes that asking for help is often a win-win situation. It benefits both the person seeking advice and the one giving it, creating a mutual exchange of support and validation. So, she encourages everyone to push past their hesitations and reach out for help when they need it.

Defining Home Today

When asked whether she sees herself returning to her home country or if Denmark feels like home now, Martyna reflects on the complexity of the concept. "When you say home, I’m like— which one?" she says.

She feels fortunate to have multiple places she can call home. Her family home, where her parents still live in Poland, is one of those places. While she visits them often and considers it a special place, she doesn’t necessarily see herself living there permanently.

Her career plays an important role in defining where she lives, and she’s put a lot of energy into making things work in Denmark. She acknowledges that Poland, particularly the northern part near Gdańsk where she's from, may not be the ideal market for the type of events and experiences she creates. Although she finds Poland to be a beautiful country, especially with its stunning seaside—something she feels deeply connected to—it's not the right fit for her work at the moment.

She sees that perhaps later in life, once she’s more established and has greater flexibility, she might consider returning to Poland. For now, though, Denmark offers a perfect balance. "It’s a very comfortable place to live," she says, appreciating the security and organization of the country. She plans to stay in Copenhagen for the next few years, but she’s open to change. "Nothing stops me," she notes.

If an opportunity arises elsewhere, she wouldn’t hesitate to move again. "Once you’ve moved once, it removes that mental block—you know you can do it again."

Her experiences over the past decade have taught her that life is unpredictable. "I don’t know what’s going to happen, and I don’t want to know yet," she says with a sense of excitement about the future. She doesn’t plan more than a year ahead, and if asked where she sees herself in 10 years, she admits she’d have no answer. Life has shown her that it can lead to unexpected places, and she’s embracing uncertainty with curiosity and optimism.

Listening to Your Inner Self

This led me to ask Martyna a question: for those listening today who aspire to create a life they love even more than what they currently have, what advice would she give?

Martyna’s response might sound cliché, but she highlights the importance of truly listening to yourself and tuning into what your body is telling you. "You might not grasp everything immediately," she notes, "but if something feels off, sit with that feeling for a while."

She points out that the concept of finding stability, such as owning a home or starting a family, can often be misleading. Many people, including herself, have been raised in environments that pressure them into taking out loans for apartments, settling down, and following a traditional path. "But is that really you?" she asks.

Her key piece of advice is to continually question whether your current actions and choices align with your true self.

If something feels amiss, seek out the answers that may lead you in a new direction. In today’s world, with societal norms and internet culture constantly telling us how we should live, it’s easy to lose sight of who we really are.

Martyna reflects on her own experience of moving abroad and encountering different cultures with varying expectations. "Sometimes, you need to step outside your bubble and explore different possibilities," she suggests. This doesn’t necessarily mean relocating; it could be as simple as trying a new sport, watching different movies, or picking up a book that doesn’t align with your usual interests.

As you embark on this exploration, she encourages you to ask yourself: "Is this really me, or is it something I’ve outgrown?" For every question that comes up in your life, she believes it's important to assess whether it reflects your true self.

Understanding Money as a Tool

Often, people say, "I don’t have the money or the finances to make it happen." So, what’s Martyna’s relationship with money been like?

She has had to learn how to cultivate a healthier relationship with money over time. Initially, she found it challenging to navigate her expenses and understand her earnings. While studying in both Denmark and Poland, she always took on part-time jobs, driven by the desire to establish her own income.

For Martyna, as a woman, having her own source of income is non-negotiable. She recognizes that this may not have been the case for her mother or grandmother, but it has become essential for her. She describes the concept of a "security pillow" in Poland, which represents having a financial safety net.

However, she acknowledges that she initially struggled with money management, especially in Denmark, where the cost of living is high. As a student, it was often difficult to sustain herself, particularly since she didn't speak Danish and faced challenges finding part-time work. This situation kept her in a survival mode that made it hard to envision a more prosperous life.

Once she built her financial safety net, she felt a sense of relief and freedom to consider her relationship with money. "As soon as you step out of survival mode, you can begin to rethink your approach to finances," she says. Before that, there simply wasn’t enough mental space to do so.

As she became more stable, she started to explore how to improve her financial situation. This often meant reaching out to others for advice on pricing her commissions. "It’s challenging to know what to charge for your work," she admits. She encourages constantly questioning whether her pricing feels appropriate and what informs those feelings.

Martyna reflects on the cultural context she was raised in, where money is often viewed as a problem. She doesn’t want to see money as an issue. Instead, she views it as a tool. While having money certainly makes life easier, she emphasizes that it’s up to each individual to determine their feelings about it. "If you fear the tool, it won’t improve your life."

Changing her mindset has helped her work with money more effectively. Now, as she becomes more established in her business, pricing her services has become easier, even if questions occasionally arise. The commissions can vary so much, and it’s easy to second-guess herself.

Ultimately, Martyna believes that taking a more objective approach to finances can alleviate emotional attachments. Sometimes, there will be highs and lows. You just have to accept that and know you’ll find a way to make it work, no matter what. 

To hear the full conversation with Martyna Brechelke about how it’s never too late to change paths and follow your passion, tune in on your favorite podcast platform.

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Lucie Hautreux

Meet Lucie Hautreux, your trusted financial expert with 15+ years of experience. Passionate about holistic life management and work-life balance, Lucie empowers heart-centred entrepreneurs to thrive.

With her guidance, you'll simplify complexities, find balance, and achieve freedom. Elevate your business with Lucie's expertise and embrace a life of abundance and harmony.

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