We had the good fortune of connecting with Zuzana “Sju” Martinkova and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Zuzana “Sju”, do you disagree with some advice that is more or less universally accepted?
This might be controversial, and not everyone will agree with me, but I don’t fully believe in the idea of saving every penny for the future. I’ve been around people who saved everything they earned, and while having some savings is good for emergencies, many people who save too much miss out on really living. They’re too scared to spend on things that bring joy, never treating themselves or having fun.

People often fear money. They’re afraid of losing it, not having enough, or any number of other worries. It’s important to understand money, learn how to invest, and try different ways to grow it. Life is about experiencing things. If I lose some money, it sucks, but it’s not the end of the world. Money has always been around and always will be. Don’t let others’ opinions about saving dictate your views. Make your own path. If I had listened to all the advice and opinions people gave me, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I hope I am good example. (laugh)

  

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Introducing myself is always a challenge because I’m a woman of many talents (laughs). I’m a Producer and Editor in the film industry, right in the heart of Hollywood. My journey started in Europe, and since arriving here in the middle of the pandemic in 2020, I’ve been on a mission to be the best version of myself. One of my biggest achievements so far is my short film, ‘How I Sound,’ which had its world premiere on May 1st at the Beverly Hills Film Festival, where it was nominated for Best Short Film. Getting this recognition on a low budget felt like a huge win, especially with other films in competition that could easily cost up to $30k. I’m proud of how we highlighted a story about disability since these stories often get overlooked.

The road hasn’t been smooth, though. Originally from Slovakia, living and studying in the U.S. itself is a major accomplishment. At 27, I’ve already co-produced three feature films. When it comes to challenges,I tackle them one by one, step by step, knowing that ‘if it would be easy, everyone would do it.’ It’s the tough times that make success all the sweeter. One of my favorite sayings is, ‘Comparing takes the joy away,’ and it’s true. We often waste time comparing ourselves to others instead of enjoying our own journeys. There’s beauty even in the most stressful moments.

Hm. What I want the world to know. Maybe that this is just the beginning. I’ve got big dreams and I’m excited for what’s next, but I’m not one to spill all the beans just yet. You will definitely hear about it when it happens.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My best friend actually visited, and we had a blast! I believe it’s important to know how and where to enjoy life. When they want to travel, we visit classic spots like Las Vegas, San Francisco, the Grand Canyon, or closer places like Big Bear, Palm Springs, and Laguna Beach. In LA, I love visiting Malibu, playing card games, having a drink, and enjoying the sun or sunset. I always stop at Café on 27 for the amazing food and vibe, and of course, the stunning views.

Beyond the typical tourist attractions, I love visiting cool cafes like Urth Caffé or grabbing breakfast at Eggslut. For fun, we head to Six Flags, Universal, or hit the club scene at Bar Lis—it’s one of my favorite spots. I also enjoy long walks, often uphill. People in LA call it hiking, but if you grew up near the mountains, you know it’s not a real hike unless you can’t wear sneakers!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Oh wow, that’s a great question, and I think I’ve got a bit of everything to thank for where I am today. I couldn’t have made it here alone. I’ve met amazing people who supported me, recommended me, called me, and reached out to help. I always try to stay on top of my game. I study, educate myself, and learn. I have a few favorite books, and one of them is ‘Things No One Else Can Teach Us’ by Humble the Poet. It’s a very honest read with no sugarcoating or fairy tales, and I absolutely love it.

A shoutout also goes to my parents, who raised me to be the person I am today. I humbly believe they did a great job. I hope to raise my kids the same way someday. I work hard because I want to make them proud. Even though my dad has been watching from above for the past few years, I hope he’s pleased with what he sees, even if he can’t tell me anymore.

Website: sjumartinkova.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sjuziem/

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