Today we’d like to introduce you to Maressa Kowalski
Hi Maressa, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
When I arrived in Atlanta in 2017, I carried with me the dreams and uncertainties of a new beginning. I moved here from Brazil with my husband, Anderson Braga, who had been invited to serve as a music director at a local church. At the time, I didn’t speak a word of English, but Atlanta, with its vibrant multicultural community, embraced me with open arms. That welcoming spirit became the foundation for what would later blossom into a transformative journey of service, empowerment, and entrepreneurship.
My journey in Atlanta began with small steps. As I started learning basic English, I felt a deep desire to connect with others, especially mothers who, like me, were navigating the complexities of life in a new country. I noticed that many of them struggled with emotional and spiritual challenges, often feeling isolated and overwhelmed. I wanted to create a safe space where women could come together to share their experiences and find support.
So, I opened my home and began hosting small gatherings. These weren’t formal church services but intimate meetings where mothers could pray, share their stories, and strengthen one another. My goal was to create an environment where women felt seen, heard, and valued. What started as a modest gathering in my living room soon grew into a monthly event, attracting more and more mothers seeking connection and guidance.
As the gatherings grew, so did my vision. I realized that many mothers struggled with a loss of identity and purpose after becoming parents. While raising children is a noble and fulfilling role, I saw that many women felt lost when their children grew older and left home. They often asked themselves, “What now? What is my purpose?” This realization hit close to home for me, and I knew I had to do something to help.
I began focusing on helping mothers rediscover their identity beyond motherhood. I wanted them to see themselves as strong women, capable, and full of purpose. Through our gatherings, we worked on rebuilding confidence and reminding each other that our worth goes far beyond our roles as mothers.
In 2023, we took a huge step forward. What started in my living room had grown into something much bigger, and we hosted our first conference at Modex Studio in Buckhead. It was an incredible experience, the room was filled with God’s presence, love, and a shared sense of purpose. Mothers from all walks of life came together to share their struggles, celebrate their victories, and support one another.
The success of that conference opened new doors for me. I was invited to bring this message of empowerment to other cities, as we did in New York, Boston, and even abroad in São Paulo and Porto Alegre – Brazil. We’ve received invitations to go to Portugal and Spain this Fall and Australia next year. It’s been amazing to see how this vision has grown and become global, touching the lives of mothers in small communities and helping them navigate emotional struggles.
Today, my mission is clear: to help mothers rediscover their identity and purpose. I want every woman to know that she is more than just a mother—she has unique gifts, dreams, and a calling that God has given and extends far beyond raising children. Through our gatherings, conferences, and one-on-one connections, we’re working to rebuild confidence and reignite the fire within every woman.
Atlanta has been more than just a home to me; it’s been the place where I found my purpose. What started as a small step in a new country has turned into a movement that’s changing lives, one mother at a time. And I believe this is just the beginning.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The language barrier was one of my biggest challenges. I didn’t speak any English, and even simple tasks like going to the grocery store or scheduling a doctor’s appointment felt overwhelming. There were moments when I felt isolated and frustrated, wondering if I’d ever be able to connect with the people around me fully. But I was determined to learn, and little by little, I began to find my voice. Learning English wasn’t just about communication—it was about building bridges and creating a sense of belonging in my new home.
Another struggle was the distance from my home country, Brazil. But over time, I realized that Atlanta’s multicultural community offered a unique opportunity to create a new kind of home—one that blended the best of both worlds.
One of the hardest parts of this journey was not having my family nearby to help with my children. In Brazil, family networks are a huge support system. When you’re far from home, you realize that family isn’t just about blood—it’s about the people you choose to surround yourself with. The friends who show up when you need them, the neighbors who offer a helping hand, and the community that embraces you as one of their own—they become your family. This realization has been one of the most beautiful parts of my journey. It’s a reminder that no matter where you are in the world, love and connection can create a sense of home. And for that, I’ll always be grateful.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
In addition to my work empowering mothers, I’ve also stepped into the world of digital influencing, collaborating with various brands and creating content that resonates with my audience. What started as a way to share my journey and connect with others has grown into a platform where I can inspire and uplift people while partnering with companies that align with my values.
One of the most exciting moments in my journey as a digital influencer came recently when I was featured in a huge commercial for a well-known bowling company. The ad was shown across all states, and it was an incredible opportunity to reach a wider audience and share my story on a national scale. Being part of such a high-profile campaign was not only a professional milestone but also a reminder of how far I’ve come since those early days in Atlanta. It was a chance to show that with perseverance, faith, and a willingness to embrace new opportunities, anything is possible.
As a digital influencer, my goal has always been to stay true to myself and my mission. Whether I’m sharing self-care tips, promoting a brand I believe in, or simply offering words of encouragement, I want my content to reflect the values that guide me—authenticity, empowerment, and community. This journey has been full of surprises and blessings, and I’m excited to see where it takes me next. Through it all, I hope to continue inspiring others to chase their dreams and find their own unique voice in the world, as I found mine in God.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.instagram.com/mamaehumoreamor/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maressakowalski/
