Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Fontes.
Hi Maria, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Hello! Thank you for the opportunity! It’s a pleasure to share a little bit about my story. Born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil, I embarked on a unique journey when I moved to the United States at 15. Since then, I have had the opportunity to call various places home, including Chappaqua, NY; Los Angeles; New York City, Atlanta; and Savannah, where I recently completed my studies in Social Strategy and Management at the Savannah College of Art and Design.
My life has taken an unconventional path compared to most young adults. The diverse range of experiences I have encountered has matured me and fostered a sense of independence uncommon for someone my age. Living in big cities exposes you to realistic and sometimes dark hardships. Many of my friends had been immersed in drugs to find healing, and I learned from a third perspective what I needed to avoid to find the real meaning of long-term happiness and satisfaction. Seeing all the downfalls of loved ones caused by self-destruction at a young has influenced my choices as a 23-year-old, on a constant devotion to wellness.
My high school education was also distinct from the norm; I attended a one-on-one school where my classes consisted solely of myself and a teacher. Within this unique educational environment, I had the opportunity to interact with a diverse group of individuals. It was as if all the various friend groups in traditional schools were condensed into one small, inclusive community. This personalized approach to learning provided me with valuable life skills that have facilitated meaningful interactions and contributed to a clearer understanding of myself.
The teaching style of my early studies and life exposure profoundly impacted my direction. As I progressed along this path, I came to recognize the immense importance of mindfulness and the pursuit of a present and authentic existence, leading me toward a healthier and more fulfilling life. In our fast-paced and highly distracting modern world, I hope to leverage my expertise in digital marketing for an impactful cause. I am determined to utilize my skills learned through life, college, and work experience so far to create compelling content for various platforms, each carrying a distinct “social for good” approach. My ultimate objective is to inspire others to embark on a personal journey of self-discovery and wholeheartedly embrace their unique purpose within the realm of wellness.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
For as long as I can remember, I have been in a constant limbo of changes and new beginnings. I had to say goodbye to friends and family numerous times, move into new homes and cities regularly, and so on. Nonetheless, obstacles remind us that letting go of our comfort zones is the only way to grow into new versions of ourselves. This has equipped me with the vital skill of adaptation and comfort through new challenges and spaces.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I grew up around art and creatives my whole life. My entire family is emerged in this world, from musicians to actors, cooks, book publishers, film, and beyond; this has shaped my subconscious understanding of aesthetics and second-nature admiration of art.
Within this open-minded world I was born into, I have had the space to understand my values and passions with freedom and life-learning lessons. I’d like to believe that I can embrace different creative industries through my work in digital marketing as I had the opportunity to live through some and study in a school that offers the most. But, once again, my passion does lie in the Wellness Industry.
Everything begins with us and the mindset that we are in, and no matter what industry you are in, health will always come first to continue producing and evolving. I want to inspire and participate in one’s journey to reaching a higher version of themselves.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
An app that changed my life: – Headspace, a meditation application that proves 10 minutes of focused breathing a day can transform one’s outlook.
A book that I’d recommend for anyone who is interested in adapting positive adaptions into one’s life: – 52 Small Changes for the Mind.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mariafontes.com
- Instagram: @ma.fontez
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariavmfontes/
Image Credits
1) Oliver Capp 2) Raeya Ponugoti 3) Sophia Lee 4) Oliver Capp 4) Madelyn Damazo 5) Haley Loehfelm 6) Francesca Ramenzoni 7) Jade Russi
