Born in Brazil, I came to the US in 2003 with $30 to my name and not enough English to even order food at a restaurant. I was a student-athlete sent here on scholarship. I knew I wanted to do something to help people, but I always saw myself as physical therapist.

And I was!

I spent 10 incredible years as a physical therapist and speaker. But after marrying my husband and having our 2 beautiful girls, things started to shift for me. I was technically a successful physical therapist - booked out and busy. So, so busy! I was tired of having to say no to showing up to school functions. I hated being stuck inside all day where the only cap I was wearing was a cap on my time and income.

I was ready to take on something more creative. I knew I wanted to have more freedom to be flexible around my girls’ schedules and show them the world. I couldn’t do that while attending to my patients, running the physical therapy office, and building out their new scheduling system.

Cue the camera and photographer business coaching
Fast forward to now and I’ve hung up my scrubs for a life of traveling the world as a destination wedding photographer and photography educator. I’ve built multiple six-figure businesses from my small home office in Jacksonville, FL. And I’m most proud of the fact I’ve done all this - literally pivoted my career and lifestyle - while staying true to my original dream of helping people while doing something I’m passionate about.

The thing is…I’m not some super-genius or particularly lucky. I worked my ass off to be the badass my girls can look up to.

And if I can make it as a wedding photographer, so can you!

A bit more about me 

I never planned to be a wedding photographer.