We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Renato Fernandes. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Renato below.
Hi Renato, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.
Optimism isn’t something you’re born with; it’s something you build, piece by piece, especially when life challenges you to keep moving forward against all odds. For me, optimism is a practice, forged through my experiences as a father, an artist, and a dreamer who refused to give up on the impossible.
It began with my daughters, Vanessa and Katalina. They’ve been my greatest source of joy, but also my biggest motivation to keep believing in brighter days, even when the odds were stacked against me. This year, I missed their 8th birthday because of a family emergency that took me to Argentina. During our tearful phone call, I promised them it would be the last birthday I’d miss—unless they someday didn’t want me there. I felt their pain, but also their love, and it gave me the strength to keep going.
In 2018, I founded Mestre Trapeze Academy in Las Vegas to create the world’s first flying trapeze certification program, but my vision didn’t stop there. I dreamed of celebrating the circus arts in a way that would also give back to the community that supported me. That’s how the 1st International Circus Festival of Las Vegas was born. It’s not just an event; it’s a labor of love for my daughters, my family, and my city.
Optimism was the only fuel I had when challenges arose. I’ve been a one-man show in this effort, financing the festival with my fiancée and facing countless obstacles—from securing sponsors and permits to balancing community expectations. But each challenge taught me to adapt and to persevere. When my trapeze rig was removed, the overwhelming support from my neighbors reminded me of the power of connection. One neighbor, Abigail McBride, sent a letter of encouragement that lifted my spirits, proving that optimism can thrive when people believe in you.
Even the smallest victories—a letter of support, a successful flying session with my daughters, a new sponsor for the festival—add to my belief that no dream is too big. Optimism comes from the people who lift us, from the lessons we learn through struggle, and from the faith that, with enough effort, we can create something extraordinary.
Through it all, I’ve learned that optimism isn’t just a state of mind; it’s a way of life. It’s showing up every day, even when it feels impossible, and building something that others can believe in too. And for me, it always circles back to the two little girls who inspire me to keep flying—Vanessa and Katalina.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
My name is Renato Fernandes, and I’m passionate about bringing people together through the artistry, wonder, and magic of the circus. As the founder of the 1st International Circus Festival of Las Vegas, my focus is on celebrating the vibrant world of circus arts while positively impacting the local community. This festival is not just an event; it’s a dream brought to life—a labor of love for my family, my city, and the global circus community.
Professionally, my journey has been shaped by a deep commitment to the circus arts. In 2018, I founded the Mestre Trapeze Academy in Las Vegas to create the world’s first flying trapeze certification program. I wanted to establish a space where performers could safely train and master their craft, but also a community hub where people of all ages could experience the joy and confidence that comes from flying.
The International Circus Festival builds on that vision. It’s a platform to showcase world-class talent while fostering community engagement. What makes it special is the diversity of performers and disciplines represented—an international celebration of culture, art, and skill. From acrobats and aerialists to live orchestras and lighting designers, every detail is designed to create a once-in-a-lifetime experience for both artists and audiences.
During the festival, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey hosted auditions under our big top, offering an incredible opportunity for performers to connect with one of the most iconic circus brands in the world. We also featured acts from renowned companies like Cirque Du Soleil and Taconhy Entertainment.
Beyond the performances, the festival is rooted in community outreach. Programs like Fly to Feed and toy donations to local hospitals reflect my belief that circus arts can be a vehicle for giving back. I hope to expand these initiatives in the future and create a permanent big top in Las Vegas to serve as a year-round hub for workshops, training, and future festivals.
Ultimately, my work is about inspiring wonder, celebrating artistry, and building bridges between people. Whether through a breathtaking flying trapeze act or a heartfelt community program, I aim to remind everyone that we are all capable of soaring higher than we ever thought possible.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back on my journey, three qualities have been essential in shaping who I am and the work I do: resilience, vision, and community-building. Each of these has played a critical role in overcoming challenges, turning dreams into reality, and creating something meaningful.
1. Resilience
Resilience has been the foundation of everything I’ve achieved. From balancing the demands of building the 1st International Circus Festival of Las Vegas to facing setbacks like the removal of my flying trapeze rig, resilience kept me moving forward. Challenges will always come, but the ability to adapt, learn, and keep striving is what makes progress possible.
Advice: Develop resilience by embracing challenges as opportunities to grow. Focus on solutions rather than dwelling on problems, and remind yourself that setbacks are temporary. The key is to keep moving forward, no matter how small the steps may seem.
2. Vision
Having a clear vision has been my compass. Whether it was founding Mestre Trapeze Academy to pioneer the world’s first trapeze certification program or creating a global circus festival in Las Vegas, I’ve always been driven by the “why” behind my work. A strong vision not only guides you but also inspires others to join you on your journey.
Advice: Spend time reflecting on your goals and what you truly want to achieve. Once you have a vision, write it down, make a plan, and take consistent action. Remember, a vision grows stronger when shared—don’t be afraid to bring others into your dream.
3. Community-Building
I’ve learned that no dream is too big when you have the support of others. From my neighbors rallying behind my efforts to the sponsors, performers, and collaborators who make the festival possible, building a community has been invaluable. It’s about creating connections, listening, and giving back.
Advice: Start by building authentic relationships. Show appreciation, communicate openly, and look for ways to contribute to others’ success. Building trust and mutual respect will create a strong foundation for collaboration and support when you need it most.
To anyone just beginning their journey, my advice is simple: embrace challenges, dream boldly, and always prioritize the people around you. The combination of resilience, vision, and a strong community can turn even the most impossible dream into a reality.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, I remind myself of one simple truth: you can’t pour from an empty cup. As someone juggling a passion project like the International Circus Festival of Las Vegas, alongside being a single father and a community advocate, it’s easy to feel like there’s never enough time in the day. But I’ve learned that stepping back, taking a breath, and taking care of myself is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.
When the pressure builds, I prioritize slowing down and reconnecting with myself. Sometimes that means stepping outside for fresh air, taking a moment to reflect on my “why,” or even spending quiet time with my daughters, who remind me of what truly matters. Other times, it’s as simple as getting a good night’s sleep, exercising, or carving out time for something I love—like flying on the trapeze.
My biggest strategy for managing overwhelm is breaking things down. Instead of trying to solve everything at once, I focus on one small step at a time. Tackling one task, no matter how small, helps build momentum and makes the bigger picture feel less daunting.
Another key is asking for help. During the festival planning process, I’ve leaned on collaborators, friends, and even my neighbors when things felt unmanageable. Reaching out doesn’t make you weak; it makes you human.
Advice:
Take Time for Yourself: Schedule moments to recharge, even if it’s just 15 minutes. When you’re rested and centered, you’ll handle challenges with greater clarity.
Be Kind to Yourself: It’s okay to not have all the answers or feel like you’re falling behind. Progress, not perfection, is the goal.
Find Your Support System: Share your feelings with people you trust. Sometimes, simply talking things out can ease the weight you’re carrying.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lasvegascircusfestival.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renatofernandes/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/renatofernandesofficial
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renato-fernandes-74663a194/
- Other: https://www.mestretrapeze.com/
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
