Self-Made In Manhattan
Raised in Carlow, Ireland, Martha moved to New York City to pursue a career as a fashion designer and entrepreneur.
Beachy Business
In 2022, Martha founded East x East, a fashion brand comprised of sunglasses, swimwear and resort wear made from sustainable materials.
Something for Everyone
As for the inspiration behind East x East, Martha previously explained that it was based on a universal mindset.
"Our tagline is 'Built in the city, made for the sun,'" she said in a video on her TikTok page in April 2024. "I think it resonates with so many people on so many levels because at some point, everyone in their lives is grinding, but everyone's destined for the sun."
Steady Growth
Just weeks before her death, Martha celebrated a major milestone for her business as she opened an East x East pop-up shop in The Hamptons in July 2025. Alongside a TikTok video of the brand activation, she wrote, "Goals achieved."
Hometown Pride
While Martha described herself as a "small town girl" with "big dreams," she never lost her connection to her Irish roots.
"I still have all my Carlow friends," she told the Irish Independent in February 2024. "They are still my crew."
Gone Too Soon
Sadly, tragedy struck on Aug. 5, 2025, when Martha was found dead on a yacht docked in Montauk, N.Y., according to a press release from the Suffolk County Police Department, whose homicide squad is investigating the incident. She was 33.