Krystal Martos
DJ, Comedian, Small Biz Owner, and Portland Powerhouse
If you’ve been out in Portland lately—whether at Doc Marie’s, a yoga class, or a local comedy night—you’ve probably crossed paths with Krystal Martos. DJ, stand-up comic, small business owner, and self-described night owl (thanks to a sugar-free Red Bull habit), Krystal is one of those rare Portlanders whose creativity touches nearly every corner of the city.
Originally from San Diego, Krystal’s path has zigzagged through LA, New York, Miami, and San Francisco before settling here. Though her family moved north for affordability—not aspiration—she now proudly claims Portland as home.
"I've lived here the longest. Oregon is home," she says, though she recalls her Gresham high school days during the peak opioid crisis as “far from cool.”
Modeling, but make it socks.
Before music took center stage, Krystal spent over two decades modeling (and still does). “It’s humbling now. I get booked for socks,” she jokes. Her longtime agency, Q6, signed her at 14. "It’s second nature at this point," she says, though creatively, it’s no longer her main muse.
Laughter is medicinal.
That title goes to comedy. Krystal performs stand-up weekly at open mics and has been part of a BIPOC improv troupe at Kickstand Comedy for over two years. Her material leans into sex, relationships, and taboo topics, but always with a relatable, cheeky edge.
"I like to normalize things people find uncomfortable," she says. One example? Her bit about being 90 days clean—"from chlamydia." She says these jokes land because they’re real and universal. “Laughter connects people. It’s my medicine.”
Where are the meetups, the cookouts, the safe casual hangs? You go out here and people stick to their friend groups. I want more connection.
DJ By Night, Inclusive Spa Owner By Day
When she’s not making crowds laugh or dance, Krystal is running The Sugar Mama, her inclusive skincare studio with two Portland locations. Known for its gender-neutral pricing and safe space vibe, the business has weathered 11 years—including the pandemic—and is still thriving. “Everyone is welcome. You don’t have to explain yourself here,” she says proudly.
Creative Multi-Hyphenate
Despite juggling DJing, comedy, modeling, running a business, and raising two black dogs with pastel-painted nails ("I'm that bitch," she says laughing), Krystal thrives on staying busy. "It’s just what I love."
Music remains her anchor. "The world feels heavy sometimes. Music gives me hope and lets me escape," she says. Her personal mixes move from tastemaker house to soulful beats to nostalgic alt rock. "There's always a new favorite part when I listen."
On Building Queer Community in Portland
Krystal is outspoken about wanting more spaces for Portland’s queer community—beyond bars. "Where are the meetups, the cookouts, the safe casual hangs?" she asks. "You go out here and people stick to their friend groups. I want more connection."
She dreams of creating those spaces herself. In fact, her next project aims to do just that. She and a collaborator are piloting a new variety show concept called A Little Bit of This, A Little Bit of That. Mixing comedy, music, crowd work, and female/queer talent, they’re aiming to debut—stay tuned for more details.
The world feels heavy sometimes. Music gives me hope and lets me escape.
Where to Find Her
Krystal DJs monthly at Doc Marie’s (2nd Saturdays), at Below by Botanist, and often at events like Punch Bowl Social and Nike parties. "I’ve built such a great network over the years, and I’m always down to mentor younger DJs," she says. "It’s important to share the tools."
When asked what’s next, she pauses thoughtfully, but with a smile. "I have to make room for the trip to Mexico," she laughs, referencing her upcoming girls trip to San Pancho and Puerto Vallarta. "But otherwise? Just doing what I do: creating, connecting, and keeping it moving."
Get in Touch with Krystal
