Meet Desiree De Paula

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Desiree De Paula. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Desiree , really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

I’ve realized that my purpose has always been shaped by who I am at my core.
My creativity is my compass. I don’t just make designs I build worlds, characters, visuals, stories, things that make people feel something. Every time I create, I feel closer to who I’m supposed to be.

I’ve been building my brand for almost a decade, and that longevity says a lot. I don’t quit. I evolve, I reinvent, and I come back stronger. That drive to create something legacy-level is a huge part of my purpose.

My family, my roots — New York and São Paulo — and the people I love fuel everything. My personal life isn’t separate from my creative life. The milestones, the travels, the struggles, the love… it all gives meaning to my work and pushes me forward.

I’m resilient. I’m always finding solutions, always searching for what’s next whether it’s improving my business, learning new tools, fixing logistics, or leveling up my brand. That problem-solver mentality keeps me aligned with what I’m here to do.

At heart, I’m an entrepreneur. I think like one, move like one, and build like one. My purpose is tied to ownership, creation, and bringing my vision to life.

I also want to inspire. “Elevated Vibrations” isn’t just a slogan; it’s how I want people to feel when they wear UNI. That’s part of my purpose too uplifting people through what I create.

And honestly, I turn life into art. My experiences my engagement, my travels, my city, my memories — they all become visuals, stories, designs, content. That’s what makes my work special and meaningful.

My vision is always bigger than the moment. A mascot becomes a story. A skyline becomes a cinematic reveal. A brand becomes a movement. That big-picture mindset is who I am.

When I look at it all, my purpose comes from a mix of
creativity, resilience, and love.

That’s what guided me before, and that’s what keeps me going now.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Professionally, I’m in a really creative chapter right now. I’ve been working on getting connected with a new manufacturer, which has opened up more room for the type of designs I’ve always wanted to make — the out-the-box, detailed, elevated pieces that actually reflect the ideas in my head. It feels good to finally be working with people who understand my vision and can bring it to life the right way.

What makes this phase even more meaningful is that I’m building a new concept with my wife. We’ve been putting our ideas together, mixing our styles, and creating something that feels personal to both of us. It’s special because it’s not just about clothing — it’s about building something as a team, combining our creativity, and turning it into a real direction for the brand. It’s been a mix of late-night conversations, sketches, planning, and dreaming out loud, and it’s brought so much inspiration into what I’m working on.

Right now, the most exciting part of my work is the freedom to explore new ideas without limiting myself. I’m pushing my designs further, experimenting with structure, storytelling, and details that feel fresh. And with the help of a manufacturer who can actually match that level of creativity, I feel like I’m finally stepping into the type of work I’ve always wanted to do.

This next chapter is all about expanding my creativity, leveling up the quality of my pieces, and building a concept with my wife that represents who we are and what we love. It feels like the start of something new — something we’re creating together from the ground up.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Patience taught me that not everything happens on my timeline. There were moments where I wanted things to move faster — production, designs, growth — but learning to stay steady and keep working even when results weren’t immediate made all the difference. Patience builds confidence because it forces you to trust your process.

Adaptability was huge for me. Nothing in business goes exactly as planned, and there were countless times I had to switch manufacturers, rethink designs, learn new tools, or completely change direction. Being flexible and open to trying something new kept me moving instead of getting stuck. Every pivot taught me something important.

And the biggest one for me has always been vision — knowing what I want my brand to stand for, the feeling I want people to get from it, and the kind of quality I expect from myself. That vision helped me make decisions, choose partners, and stay aligned even when things felt chaotic. Vision gives your work purpose.

For anyone early in their journey:

1. Slow down and trust your timeline.
Don’t compare your progress to anyone else’s. Your foundation will be stronger if you take your time and actually learn your craft.

2. Be willing to pivot.
If something isn’t working — a supplier, a design, a strategy — don’t be afraid to change it. The people who grow are the ones who adapt the quickest.

3. Protect your vision.
Know why you’re doing what you’re doing. Know the feeling you want people to have when they interact with your work. When you’re clear on your vision, the right ideas, opportunities, and people align with it.

Those three qualities carried me through the toughest times and helped me build something I’m proud of — and they’re the same ones I’d pass on to anyone just getting started.

We’ve all got limited resources, time, energy, focus etc – so if you had to choose between going all in on your strengths or working on areas where you aren’t as strong, what would you choose?

I think it’s better to be well rounded first, because most people don’t really know what they want to go all in on right away. I’m a perfect example of that. When I was younger, I actually thought I wanted to be a chef. I worked in a bakery, learned the craft, and even helped someone open their own spot. It was a great experience, but eventually I realized it wasn’t my passion. That’s when I pivoted.

Trying different things gave me clarity. It helped me understand what I enjoyed, what I didn’t, and what I was naturally drawn to. Being well rounded didn’t just teach me skills — it showed me what I didn’t want, which was just as important. Once I had that perspective, it became much easier to know where I wanted to go all in.

So my advice is: don’t be afraid to explore. The more you try, the clearer your real path becomes.

Contact Info:

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