Maresias, Brazil - August 2022

What inspired this photoshoot?

I was called to travel to Brazil in August 2022. I didn’t know why I would be going, I simply trusted the omens. I had asked the Universe earlier in the summer to show me where to go. I knew I wanted to go somewhere by water with lots of hiking and lush trees, and I knew I wanted to get out of the Texas summer heat. I began a blind search on Airbnb and kept seeing amazing luscious green trees overlooking crashing waves. “Where is this?” I asked. Brazil. Listing after listing, Brazil kept showing up. I would turn on a random show and a character from Brazil would be on, or there would be a mention of Brazil. I attended a large conference and one of the first speakers got up and said he spent 3 years living in Brazil. I opened my computer, saw the most stunning location, and asked, “Where in the world is that??” BRAZIL.

It was pretty clear. I was meant to go to Brazil.

I could feel the energy of Brazil before I even stepped foot there. As soon as I booked my plane ticket, I was receiving many insights and experiences bigger than me. Brazil was going to be a game-changer. I could feel it, sense it, and I still had no idea what was in store for me. This is what it is to trust the signs, omens, and messages you receive. If you’re ever unclear about which direction to take, ask. And then be open to what shows up.

I was going through a deep transformation when I booked my ticket to Brazil. I was two months into living a nomadic life again, the funds in my bank account were dwindling, and I wasn’t clear how I was going to pay my bills or pay for lodging in Brazil. It was a great act of surrender and deep trust. I followed the bread crumbs one crumble at a time.

When I arrived in Brazil, specifically at the beach, I knew it was the place for my next photoshoot location. I was seeing the photo I had seen on my computer in real life. It was so surreal. And as it always happens with my photoshoots, everything magically fell into place.

What is the location like?

Maresias is a beautiful surf town located in São Paulo state. The waters are blueish green with choppy waves. The rocks frame the ocean waters while the soft sand fills the spaces in between. Cliffs filled with lush green trees deep within the jungle surround the area as well as numerous trails that connect the neighboring beaches.

When I arrived in Maresias there was an immediate sense of home. I felt like I belonged here and possibly had been here before in a past life. The air felt so crisp and clear. The location spoke for itself. I found myself home among the rocks overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the green, green jungle.

There is a beautiful trail that connects Pauba beach to Maresias. It winds up and down and around the cliffs with so many 360-degree vantage points. It truly is one of the most stunning locations I’ve had the pleasure of modeling in.

How did you find your outfit?

Maresias is a small surf town with locally owned boutiques sprinkled throughout the area. I searched online to see what I could find. I found a little shop that had no website or social media. I marked it on my map to check out the next day. When I walked up to Mar & Lu, I immediately got a hit that this was the place I’d find my outfit.

I was greeted by Luis as soon as I walked in the door. He was sitting at his sewing machine working on a new design. He had a bright smile and was eager to help me. I do not speak Portuguese and he doesn’t speak English. We both knew a little Spanish and were able to communicate as best we could along with the help of Google Translate. I told Luis of my mission and he was so excited that I chose his shop to find a dress.

All of the dresses and items in Mar & Lu are made by Luis and his partner, Mar. They design and sew each garment individually. These are the shops I like to support for my photoshoot mission. Each piece is personal, has a story, and is one of a kind. As soon as he showed me the dress I wore, I knew this was it.

Photoshoot Credit

Photographer: Victor Zamboni

Just as the Universe dropped Brazil on my radar, I felt the same experience in connecting with my photographer, Victor. I typically will find photographers on Airbnb Experiences and for this photoshoot, I hadn’t even opened the app. I was on Instagram one night looking up locations in Maresias. I clicked on a beautiful photo taken by the local tourism company, Visite Maresias. In the description, I saw the photo tag for @vzamboni_. I followed the breadcrumbs. I clicked on his name only to discover that he is a photographer local to the area. I looked through his images and was immediately drawn in. I could feel his passion in each photo I looked at.

I sent a private message to Victor on Instagram and told him of my photoshoot mission and asked if he would be interested in working with me. He responded eagerly to assist. We both quickly learned that neither of us speaks the other’s language. So once again, Google Translate to the rescue! He sent me a proposal that included a background of his story and why he loves photography so much. He took the time to translate the entire guide for me so that I could read it. As I was reading it, I could feel his energy and heart for his work even more.

For Victor, photos are a way to capture the essence of the person by choosing words, clothing, and the best backdrops to complement his subject. This is exactly how I show up for each photoshoot. I choose words that capture the energy of want I to embody.

Victor is extremely talented. He takes great pride in his work and made me feel like I was a star. He finds locations that are unique and inspiring. He takes care in posing each shot. The finished product was even better than I imagined. The lighting was vibrant and created a halo effect.

If you find yourself in São Paulo state and around the beaches of Maresias, Pauba, or Boiçucanga hire Victor to capture your experience and take you out on an adventure!

You can learn more about Victor on his Instagram or Website.

Hair + Makeup:

For makeup, I hired a local makeup artist in Ilhabela, which is a beautiful island across from São Sebastio. I was staying in Ilhabela at the time and wanted to go back to Maresias for my photoshoot.

I had reached out to a local artist who paired me with Marcio Xavier. He is really talented and puts a great emphasis on your eyes and bringing out your best features.

Learn more about Marcio on his Instagram.

How did you feel during and after the photoshoot?

I woke up on the morning of my photoshoot not feeling my best. I had started my cycle early and was feeling bloated and heavy. This is part of the experience that I can’t always control. It is a reality that women face each month, and while it is part of life, it is not always ideal timing when it’s on the day of a photoshoot. The irony of this is that I wanted my photos to embrace my wild, warrior woman essence—so in many ways the timing of everything was divine.

I shook off what I was feeling as best as I could and chose to love myself through it and show up as me no matter what.

When I arrived at the meeting location and saw Victor walking towards me, I immediately felt at ease and excited. The purpose of my photoshoot mission is to support locals, so I knew it was bigger than me and whatever I was feeling. I chose to be in the experience and have fun! Because I truly love modeling and sharing these moments with others. I love wearing clothes that feel like me and fit perfectly.

The experience ended up being so much fun and one of my favorites. It combined so many of my values — play, adventure, beauty, vulnerability, and authenticity. It was such a memorable experience and one that I still feel the energy of.

After the photoshoot, I felt so grateful. Grateful for this place, grateful for the experience, and grateful to Victor and all of the incredible souls behind the scenes (Marcio, Mar & Lu, and my Airbnb host Roxane who supported me in making payment to everyone). This mission reminded me why I care so deeply about it and connected me with long-term friendships and connections. I believe the photos speak for themselves and hopefully, this gives you a little more context behind them.