We recently connected with Rita Avellar and have shared our conversation below.
Rita, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
I believe my resilience comes from a deep-rooted sense of hope and faith that everything happens for a reason and can make me stronger. Throughout my life, I’ve faced various challenging situations, but battling breast cancer was undoubtedly one of the hardest. Despite the fear and uncertainty, I held onto the belief that there was a purpose behind every struggle, a lesson to be learned, and a strength to be gained. Therapy has also played an incredibly important role, helping me process these experiences, stay grounded, and tap into inner reserves of resilience. Together, hope, faith, and therapy have been my pillars, guiding me through life’s toughest moments and allowing me to move forward with a strengthened spirit.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Thank you for the opportunity to share my story! I’m Rita Avellar, a creative entrepreneur with a passion for storytelling in all its forms. Originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and now based in Indianapolis, I’ve spent over 20 years working in branding, marketing, and content creation, blending my professional experience with my love for storytelling, art, and culture. My work revolves around helping others connect with their authentic selves, whether through creating impactful narratives or supporting small businesses in establishing a unique digital presence.
Currently, my focus is split between three exciting ventures under Avellar LLC. First, there’s Site For Your Biz, an agency dedicated to designing websites with creativity and strategy, specifically tailored for small businesses. As a creative entrepreneur, I understand the importance of having an authentic, visually appealing online presence, and I love helping other small business owners bring their vision to life.
The second part of my journey is Avellar Productions, where I channel my passion for filmmaking and storytelling. I’m thrilled to be in the post-production phase of my first short film, *The Fat Lady – She Just Wanted to Be Called by Her Name.* This project is incredibly special to me as it’s based on a short story I wrote years ago while studying creative writing in San Diego. Turning it into a film has been a dream come true, despite the challenges I’ve faced along the way, including my breast cancer journey. I also have three TV series projects ready to be produced, each crafted to spark conversations, make people think, and ultimately impact society in a meaningful way.
Lastly, on *RitaAvellar.com,* I share my writings and offer resources specifically designed for creative entrepreneurs, especially women. This platform is about empowering others to embrace their authentic stories, pursue their passions, and overcome the obstacles that life throws their way. One of my upcoming projects is a summit designed to inspire and support female entrepreneurs in thriving both personally and professionally.
What excites me most about my work is the opportunity to make an impact. Whether it’s helping a small business owner build their digital presence, crafting a story that challenges perspectives, or supporting women in their entrepreneurial journeys, my mission is to create meaningful connections. I want my work to be a source of empowerment, inspiration, and growth for everyone I connect with.
Thank you for giving me the space to share a bit of my story, and I can’t wait to see where this journey leads next!
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?
Looking back on my journey, there are three qualities and skills that have been most impactful: resilience, adaptability, and a deep commitment to authentic storytelling. Each of these has shaped my path, particularly through the ups and downs of my personal and professional life, including my battle with breast cancer and the constant need to reinvent myself in new environments, especially as an immigrant.
Resilience: Life threw me many curveballs, from moving countries to facing breast cancer, but I always had a sense of hope and faith that everything happens for a reason and that each challenge would make me stronger. Resilience has been the core quality that’s allowed me to push forward and not give up, no matter how difficult things seemed. My advice for those early in their journey is to nurture resilience by embracing setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow. Therapy and self-care practices can be incredibly beneficial to build a strong emotional foundation. Remember, resilience is not about avoiding challenges but learning to navigate them with strength and grace.
Adaptability: My career has taken many twists and turns—from fashion design and journalism to content marketing, health coaching, and finally, filmmaking. Each step required me to adapt quickly, learn new skills, and embrace change. For anyone starting their journey, I recommend staying open to new experiences and being willing to pivot if something no longer aligns with your vision. Life doesn’t always go according to plan, so the ability to adjust course and adapt is essential. Invest in continuous learning and don’t be afraid to explore different fields—you never know what new direction might be waiting for you.
Authentic Storytelling: Whether I’m creating a website for a client, writing a film, or sharing my personal story of overcoming cancer, I always aim to communicate authentically. Authentic storytelling is about connecting with others on a deeper level, and it’s a powerful tool in any field. For those just starting, focus on finding your unique voice and staying true to it. Authenticity resonates, and people can sense when you’re genuine. Practice telling your story openly, don’t shy away from vulnerability, and remember that your unique experiences and perspective are what set you apart.
In essence, these three qualities—resilience, adaptability, and authenticity—have been the foundation of my journey, and they continue to drive my work and vision. For anyone beginning their path, remember to embrace challenges as learning opportunities, stay flexible, and always lead with your true self.
If you knew you only had a decade of life left, how would you spend that decade?
Yes, life has thrown me another unexpected challenge recently. Just as I was looking forward to completing my film and diving into a new year filled with exciting projects, my husband had a serious accident. While we were in Rio, Brazil, he was injured in the ocean and developed central cord syndrome, a condition that affects his spinal cord. This has turned our lives upside down.
He’s currently in rehab, and while I’m grateful he’s making progress, it’s a journey that requires a lot of strength, patience, and support. Managing his recovery has become a big part of my daily life. It’s been difficult to balance my creative work and caregiving, but I’ve learned that resilience is often tested in ways we can’t predict. Even though I had my year all planned out, this experience has reminded me once again that life doesn’t always follow our timelines. I’m doing my best to navigate this chapter, and it’s reaffirming my commitment to tell stories of strength, hope, and overcoming adversity.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ritaavellar.com, www.thefatladyfilm.com, www.avellar.co, www.siteforyourbiz.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ritaavellar
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rita.avellar/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rita-avellar/
Image Credits
Pictures by Marcio Monteiro
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