Growing up in Portugal surround corn land, various fruit trees, growing our own herbs, I believed in the Power of Nature’s ingredients. My journey into beauty began out of necessity and from a young age, I watched my nan craft solutions for everything from soothing balms to nourishing creams for me. With such dehydrated dry skin, the treatments prescribed by dermatologists were simply too expensive for my humble parents. Undeterred, my grandmother took matters into her own hands, using natural ingredients such olive and caster oil, glycerine, limon and candle wax to create a cream that worked wonders on my skin. It was through her resourcefulness and creativity that my passion for making products was born.
But my love for beauty didn’t stop at skincare. Even as a child, I was fascinated by hairdressing. I would spend hours braiding and styling my younger cousins hair, experimenting products, creating different looks. During teens ages our house help became my friends and family personal stylist and make up artist.
I have a mix race family and we have such different hair texture from each other but only learned in 2022, when I updated my hairdresser qualifications. Those early experiments laid the foundation for what would become a lifelong passion.
When I moved to Cardiff in 2000, my world expanded. I immersed myself in learning, taking my first course in hair and skincare in 2002 at The College Ystrad Mynach. This was just the beginning. My curiosity and drive pushed me to explore every avenue of beauty therapy. By 2003, I had earned multiple certifications, including diplomas in ear piercing, hairdressing, and beauty therapy.
Despite my growing expertise, I realized that in Wales, there was a significant gap in education when it came to Afro hair. This realization fueled my desire to specialize further. In 2009, I earned my first formal hairdressing certificate, marking the start of a more focused journey into hair care. But it wasn’t until 2018, when I joined a Brazilian group, that I truly deepened my knowledge. In Brazil, I learned advanced techniques in hairstyling, coloring, cutting, and treatments—skills that were not widely taught in the UK, especially for Afro hair.
My passion for hairdressing had deep roots, but it was during this time that it blossomed into something greater. In 2021, I completed a course in haircutting in Brazil, followed by another specialized course in 2022. It was here that I discovered trichology, the science of scalp and hair health, which fascinated me. I continued my trichology studies, reaching my Introduction to Trichology and determined to complete level 4 which will help me combine what I learn regarding hair texture which is more extensive knowledge due to their mixed race population.
Learning their hair analysis texture made more sense to me and my family hair difference.
Over the past 24 years, I have relentlessly pursued my passion for beauty, holistic and hair care. I’ve earned certifications from Reiki healing to laser treatments, always striving to expand my expertise. In 2024, I completed a Level 4 certificate in laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) from VTCT, alongside a diploma in beauty brand management from Formula Botanica, diploma in organic formulation and working towards my Advance Science in Organic Formulation.
My education also includes certificates in natural cosmetics preservation, facial therapy, and cosmetic stability testing.
Throughout my journey, I’ve remained committed to a holistic approach for both, hair and beauty. I believe that beauty is not just about appearance; it’s about well-being. This philosophy has guided my work, whether I’m creating 100% natural, handmade beauty products or volunteering to help those struggling with mental health issues.
The idea for Afro Beauty Academy was born from a desire to fill the gap I noticed in the beauty industry, particularly for Afro hair.
At the present date, products at professional warehouse for Afro-hair type doesn't exist, the internet brands are full of parabens and other ingredients. I want to change that as its time for inclusion and natural organic compounds,
My vision is to create an academy that not only teaches people how to care for Afro hair but also empowers them to create their natural products. This is more than just a business; it’s a mission to help others find their path, whether through entrepreneurship or personal healing.
I’m deeply inspired by the beauty rituals of ancient cultures, particularly Greek and Indian traditions, where natural ingredients have been used for centuries. My dream is to make these powerful, natural solutions accessible to everyone. I want to help people create beauty products that are free from harmful chemicals, using only the finest natural ingredients.
As I continue on this journey, I’m seeking the support and funding needed to turn Afro Beauty Academy into a reality. I’m passionate about teaching others, especially those facing mental health challenges, how to create beauty products that can improve their lives. This is more than a career for me it’s a calling, one that I’ve followed since childhood and will continue to pursue with unwavering dedication.