We recently connected with Elaine Mascarenhas and have shared our conversation below.
Elaine, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
I believe my confidence and self-esteem are also influenced by my roots. I am from Brazil, a country known for its vibrant and happy people, beautiful and confident women. I’ve naturally absorbed that energy for life. Also, it makes me feel confident when l engaged in activities that I am passionate about. And most importantly, I embrace who I am and I practice lots of self-love, and self-nurturing.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am Elaine Mascarenhas, the founder and creator of the Deusa do Amor Collection, this brand which translates to goddess of love. It is a one-of-a-kind collection crafted from 100% upcycled silk, carefully hand-sorted in small batches by our artisans, and curated design by me. I am proud to offer a truly unique and sustainable brand launched four years ago. Since then, my brand has been a labor of love and passion, dedicated to empowering women and helping them embrace their inner goddess. I think the most rewarding aspect of building this brand is the ability to uplift and inspire women, making them feel confident and divine. I was beyond excited when Alicia keys visited my last Pop-up in Little Italy and shopped my collection.
When you pour your heart and soul into your work that aligns with your authentic self, you are not only showcasing your creativity but also inviting others who resonate with your energy. You need both love and passion to create what you truly cherish. Everything else will naturally fall into place.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Fashion has been a lifelong passion for me. When I was a little girl, I was captivated by the world of paper dolls. I never played with barbies. I spent countless hours sketching paper dolls and designing vibrant outfits for them. My creativity flourished as I crafted unique looks for each doll. Who knew I was paving the way for what would become my signature brand. This journey has always been fueled by Passion, inspiration, and creativity. The three essential elements you need to create a business you truly love.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
I love “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho. His book inspires people to pursue their dreams, and trust their intuition.
This novel has a powerful lesson, “when someone genuinely wants something, the whole universe conspires to help them achieve it.” One of my favorite quote from Paulo Coelho.
This book has had a profound positive impact on my life. I recommend it to anyone who is seeking inspiration.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://deusadoamor.etsy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deusadoamor.collection/

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