Ana - virgo, creative, and Antonio's mom
Heritage: Brazilian – Born in Brazil, coming from Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish families.
Resides: Austin, TX - USA
I’m originally from the countryside of São Paulo, Brazil — a place small enough to keep its rural charm, yet big enough to hold great stories. I grew up barefoot by the Rio Grande River, surrounded by tropical fauna and flora, swimming, tanning, exploring local flavors, dancing to traditional music, and celebrating Brazil in every way — especially through churrasco, feijoada, and football.
When I was 18, I moved to São Paulo city to pursue a degree in Advertising. What I thought would be a few years turned into a decade filled with unforgettable experiences, incredible people, new perspectives, and lots of hard work.
In 2019, I moved to the United States for a Master’s in International Marketing — a journey that reached its peak the same month I became a mother for the first time. That Brazilian-Bostonian boy transformed my life. Motherhood gave me clarity, depth, and a powerful sense of purpose — one I believe all women can access, whether or not they become mothers.
After three inspiring years in Boston — a city rich in culture, elegance, and European charm — I now call Austin, Texas home. The Live Music Capital of the World, Austin brings me closer to my roots, with its cowboy hats, country music, vibrant energy, and strong Latin influence.
Today, I work as a brand strategist and content creator, focusing on my newsletter and purpose-driven projects that spark inspiration and make me excited to show up and create.
What is your cultural or ethnic heritage, and how has it influenced your identity and values?
I’m Brazilian, born and raised in the countryside of São Paulo, in a town where community, tradition, and nature are part of daily life. My cultural heritage is deeply rooted in warmth, celebration, affection, resilience, and connection — values I carry with me wherever I go. Today, my identity is a blend of both worlds: the soulful warmth of my small-town upbringing and the bold energy of city life. That mix defines how I approach life and work — always looking to connect on a human level, celebrate culture, and create meaningful experiences. Becoming a mother abroad only deepened that connection and gave me a more global sense of self, without ever letting go of where I came from.
Do you have a favourite tradition or cultural practice from your roots/upbringing that you cherish and celebrate?
Although I’ve been living in the U.S. for over five years, I carry my Brazilian warmth and
spontaneity with me wherever I go. That shows up in how I connect with people, my love for socialization, and my deep appreciation for the rituals around food. I never miss a chance to host a proper Brazilian-style barbecue — always with good Brazilian music, great friends, and long, lively conversations around the table.
Self-care practices are often deeply influenced by our cultural backgrounds. Are there any specific self-care rituals, traditions, or practices from your culture or upbringing that you embrace to nurture yourself?
-
Sunscreen — In Brazil, every day feels like summer.
-
“Café com fofoca” — Literally “coffee and gossip,” it’s our way of saying that
sharing a cup of coffee (and some snacks) with friends can be the best therapy — full of laughter, comfort, and connection.
What is something you dream of achieving in your lifetime?
I try not to focus on the finish line, but on the little moments that shape each day. It’s a
constant pursuit of health, meaningful connections, mindfulness, and small sparks of joy to brighten the routine. I’m always seeking ways to appreciate the every day — that’s what I strive for, day after day. Everything I achieve beyond that, both professionally and personally, is simply a reflection of the way I choose to live: one intentional moment at a time.
Can you recommend a book, film, recipe, song or any other aspect of your cultural background that you think others should explore?
I could name countless books, films, songs, and recipes from Brazil — a country so rich in
culture, yet still so underappreciated by the world. Sometimes I feel sorry for those who
haven’t had the privilege of experiencing what we know so deeply. But to keep it simple, I’d give you this:
To watch: Senna – a Brazilian television miniseries based on the life of the best racing
driver of all time, the Brazilian Ayrton Senna.
To hear: Nao quero dinheiro (so quero amar) – Tim Maia
To know: Turma da Mônica (Monica's Gang) is one of Brazil’s most beloved comic book
series and cultural icons, created by cartoonist Mauricio de Sousa in the 1960s. It's a group of kids who live in a fictional neighborhood called Bairro do Limoeiro, and the stories are filled with humor, friendship, and everyday childhood adventures.
To be part of: A Carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro – seriously, do it!
Brazillian
Ana - virgo, creative, and Antonio's mom
I’m originally from the countryside of São Paulo, Brazil — a place small enough to keep its rural charm, yet big enough to hold great stories. I grew up barefoot by the Rio Grande River, surrounded by tropical fauna and flora, swimming, tanning, exploring local flavors, dancing to traditional music, and celebrating Brazil in every way — especially through churrasco, feijoada, and football.
When I was 18, I moved to São Paulo city to pursue a degree in Advertising. What I thought would be a few years turned into a decade filled with unforgettable experiences, incredible people, new perspectives, and lots of hard work.
In 2019, I moved to the United States for a Master’s in International Marketing — a journey that reached its peak the same month I became a mother for the first time. That Brazilian-Bostonian boy transformed my life. Motherhood gave me clarity, depth, and a powerful sense of purpose — one I believe all women can access, whether or not they become mothers.
After three inspiring years in Boston — a city rich in culture, elegance, and European charm — I now call Austin, Texas home. The Live Music Capital of the World, Austin brings me closer to my roots, with its cowboy hats, country music, vibrant energy, and strong Latin influence.
Today, I work as a brand strategist and content creator, focusing on my newsletter and purpose-driven projects that spark inspiration and make me excited to show up and create.
What is your cultural or ethnic heritage, and how has it influenced your identity and values?
I’m Brazilian, born and raised in the countryside of São Paulo, in a town where community, tradition, and nature are part of daily life. My cultural heritage is deeply rooted in warmth, celebration, affection, resilience, and connection — values I carry with me wherever I go. Today, my identity is a blend of both worlds: the soulful warmth of my small-town upbringing and the bold energy of city life. That mix defines how I approach life and work — always looking to connect on a human level, celebrate culture, and create meaningful experiences. Becoming a mother abroad only deepened that connection and gave me a more global sense of self, without ever letting go of where I came from.
Do you have a favourite tradition or cultural practice from your roots/upbringing that you cherish and celebrate?
Although I’ve been living in the U.S. for over five years, I carry my Brazilian warmth and
spontaneity with me wherever I go. That shows up in how I connect with people, my love for socialization, and my deep appreciation for the rituals around food. I never miss a chance to host a proper Brazilian-style barbecue — always with good Brazilian music, great friends, and long, lively conversations around the table.
Self-care practices are often deeply influenced by our cultural backgrounds. Are there any specific self-care rituals, traditions, or practices from your culture or upbringing that you embrace to nurture yourself?
sharing a cup of coffee (and some snacks) with friends can be the best therapy — full of laughter, comfort, and connection.
What is something you dream of achieving in your lifetime?
I try not to focus on the finish line, but on the little moments that shape each day. It’s a
constant pursuit of health, meaningful connections, mindfulness, and small sparks of joy to brighten the routine. I’m always seeking ways to appreciate the every day — that’s what I strive for, day after day. Everything I achieve beyond that, both professionally and personally, is simply a reflection of the way I choose to live: one intentional moment at a time.
Can you recommend a book, film, recipe, song or any other aspect of your cultural background that you think others should explore?
I could name countless books, films, songs, and recipes from Brazil — a country so rich in
culture, yet still so underappreciated by the world. Sometimes I feel sorry for those who
haven’t had the privilege of experiencing what we know so deeply. But to keep it simple, I’d give you this:
To watch: Senna – a Brazilian television miniseries based on the life of the best racing
driver of all time, the Brazilian Ayrton Senna.
To hear: Nao quero dinheiro (so quero amar) – Tim Maia
To know: Turma da Mônica (Monica's Gang) is one of Brazil’s most beloved comic book
series and cultural icons, created by cartoonist Mauricio de Sousa in the 1960s. It's a group of kids who live in a fictional neighborhood called Bairro do Limoeiro, and the stories are filled with humor, friendship, and everyday childhood adventures.
To be part of: A Carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro – seriously, do it!