I was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil during a time when young people were fighting for their freedom of expression and ending the military dictatorship. “Peace Love and Flowers” were everywhere. “Make love, not war.” It was a time of Bossa Nova, protest, and energy. Rio was the place to be and a trending destination for tourists and celebrities all over the world.

This is where I learned to tell stories and appreciate music and the arts. As the daughter of an artist, I circulated among the creative crowd at a very young age. By the time I was 4-years-old I was enjoying the Brazilian bohemian bars, selling my mom's art at the street fairs, enjoying the tropical food that mixed African and Portuguese flavors, and bopping my head to the rhythm of the saints. 

I became a journalist and entrepreneur and moved to New York City in 2000 where I graduated in Hospitality Industries at NYU and opened an event planning company. Like most Brazilians I love parties, so my business felt like home. Meeting new people, integrating decorations with music and food, bringing soul to the party — I was helping people build memories and celebrate their most intimate moments which was very exciting for me.

But all parties have to end sometime.

During the pandemic and global lockdown, the event industry froze for a while and was transported to a virtual world. 

With more time on my hands (and going nuts with the whole family locked down in our NYC apartment), my creative roots erupted and suddenly I found myself composing songs on my bass guitar. I started to learn after I found my daughter’s bass guitar collecting dust in my office a couple of months before the pandemic. And yes, I started playing at the age of 50. 

I felt my words come to life as well. I started writing a blog to support women's entrepreneurship and also telling my stories as a mother, an immigrant, and a warrior. 

When I’m not working, I dedicate time to philanthropic organizations. I believe change starts with the small actions we take every single day.

We are all a work in progress!