We had the good fortune of connecting with Aily & Zedrick Martin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aily & Zedrick, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
It has been a dream of mine for over 15 years to open a sober living home that was dignified, and safe, sober, a place where the client can grow & thrive. I started dating Zedrick Martin, & would share with him my ideas, after 2 years of telling him the dream he said lets go find a house. We started to look for a home that would be suitable to provide housing in a shared living space. Each and every property owner, property manager, would say “No, we can’t use this house for that,” No, this is my family home & they wouldn’t want those kinds of people living here.” Until we met Jim Plummer, an angel, he allowed us to rent his home in the College area (after some negations) which launched our first 10 male bed residence Oct 2020. Zedrick, was our first & only investor, pouring everything he had into our first residence. We were determined to go through the process of certification with the Recovery Residence Association. Which gives our housing component an extra layer of legitimacy. We won Operator of the Year for 2024 & was honnered at a luncheon.

What should our readers know about your business?
We are most proud that we provide, safe, dignified sober housing…. we offer additional support if a client needs a higher level or care. We utilize established community resources, for example; Alvarado Parkway Institute, we have often referred clients there for when needed, however I must acknowledge that what definitely sets us apart is Zedrick’s 20 years of experience as a San Diego County Deputy Probation Officer, now retired. & I must highlight my 13 years of behavioral health experience working as direct staff, admissions, outreach, anything behavioral health related- we’ve done it.

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.
If there is no Football Sunday (Go Niners!) Sunday brunch @ Tom Hams, then a nice walk along Shelter Island, Nap time, We cook Sunday dinner, so maybe we make homemade Meatloaf, mashed potatoes & buttered corn.
Monday walk at lake Murray or Chollas Lake, Lunch at The Brigantine
Tuesday walk at Seaport Village Lunch at Malibu Farms or Louisiana Charlie’s both have great food and great views of the bay #sosandiego (& two totally different delicious menus)
Wednesday visit the bakery Parisien Gourmandises in La Jolla, a MUST, then to the Hydration room for IV treatments
Thursday We have to go to Old Town for good ole Mexican food, Rockin” Baja Lobster is there too!
Friday We must go to the Spa at Sycuan Casino, called Sparitual (Corey for massages & Lily for facials) the casino is fun and safe and adult!
Saturday Breakfast at Rudford’s! Lunch sushi or Indian, Dinner at Limoncella in Downtown La Mesa
*We gotta make our way to inFlux cafe, to eat the made in house, Focaccia bread-preferably with eggs bacon and light mayo.. We have to eat PHO at Pho Cao Dao, we have to try the eggrolls at A Chau! Visiting the San Diego Zoo to see Yun Chuan & Xin Bao, the Pandas! We have to get to the museums at Balboa Park! Belmont Park- SO MUCH TO DO!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Zedrick Martin- My Husband, He made everything come true, literally…

Gracie-Linh Charlot- My Daughter She inspired me to want more & live like I deserve better.

Instagram: @freshstartsupportivehousing

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSoCal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.