I remember when I was 4 or 5 years old, my godmother Silva was visiting my mother, which is her sister. My mother did not really use many beauty products, but my godmother "had the goods". I quietly snuck into the bathroom, found the bluest eyeshadow. I smeared it all over my eyelids and, possibly also lips. I was very proud of my work!

Filled with pride, I entered the kitchen where my mother and godmother were sitting and showed off my creation. Much to my surprise, they burst into uncontrollable laughter. My pride was hurt. I turned my heels back and declared that "there is nothing to laugh about!"

Little by little I continued to learn about beauty and makeup - from professionals in different fields: makeup artists, brow stylists, fashion designers, photographers, nutritional experts, personal trainers, estheticians, product developers for world's biggest beauty brands. Every facet of beauty fascinated me.

Beauty can change how I feel and how I perceive myself. I love playing with different characters. It was as if I could fit multiple lives into this one I was given!

Some days I don't feel like wearing makeup at all and thanks to my clean eating and lifestyle habits I am very happy with my skin. Sometimes I feel an urge to dress up and step into an aspirational persona and inspire people around me in a different way. Whatever I do, self-love permeates through. I do it for me and I do it for my sisters. To lift us up, to empower us. Because alone we are strong. Together we are unstoppable!