Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Oliveira.
Hi Vanessa, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, you could tell our readers some of your backstory.
When I arrived in the US in 2014, I faced the challenge of starting a new life in a foreign country. My family and I struggled to provide for ourselves and navigate a new culture. Driven to help others facing similar challenges, I created a community Facebook group to support Brazilian moms and their families navigating life in the US as immigrants. This group became a virtual haven where we could lean on each other for emotional support, exchange vital information, recommend trusted places for essential services, and more. It wasn’t just about surviving in this new environment but about thriving together as a community. Over the years, our group evolved into a strong community. We began to support small entrepreneurs within our community, advertising these local businesses for free and fostering a culture of support and care, especially for those trying to establish their new businesses. We wanted to bridge the gap between the Brazilian and local American communities. Uniting these two communities could create a more vibrant mix of cultures and collaboration. After dedicating approximately eight years to this volunteer work and witnessing the transformative power of community support, the idea for Expo Brazil was born. Expo Brazil was an extension of our initial community-driven efforts aimed at helping Brazilian moms and the entire community. It was founded on the principles of unity, empowerment, and collaboration. Expo Brazil was born to provide real-world support and opportunities for small businesses to flourish. Our journey started with a simple Facebook group, and today, we are committed to making a difference in the lives of the Brazilian community in the USA while building bridges with the local American community.
Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It was challenging, particularly the language barrier. It was like being born again at the age of 28. I was in an unfamiliar environment, not knowing the language and having no established friends or social connections. Everything was new and challenging: new language, new laws, new culture, and new friends. It wasn’t easy to navigate and adapt by myself. That’s why I wanted to keep the group strong and help other moms through the same process.
Thanks for sharing that. Could you tell us more about your business?
Expo Brazil is a unique and impactful organization that fosters unity and empowerment within the Brazilian and local American communities. What sets Expo Brazil apart is our commitment to showcasing Brazilian culture and actively supporting small businesses within our community. We take pride in providing a stage for entrepreneurs to thrive, offering resources, mentorship, and opportunities far beyond the confines of a typical trade show. Brand-wise, Expo Brazil is synonymous with community support, cultural exchange, and the empowerment of small businesses. We want our customers to recognize us as more than just an event organizer; we are a catalyst for positive change, a bridge between communities, and a steadfast supporter of local entrepreneurs. Our offerings and services extend beyond the annual trade show, encompassing an accessible resource hub through our Facebook group, assisting immigrants with essential information, and actively promoting cross-cultural understanding. What truly fills me with pride is Expo Brazil’s journey from a small Facebook group to a dynamic organization that’s had a significant impact on our local community. We started with about 700 people at our first event, and last year, we had over 2,500 attendees, which was a significant achievement.
Another thing that makes me proud is how we’ve connected with many entrepreneurs and empowered them with resources, mentorship, and opportunities. It’s been gratifying to see their businesses not just survive but thrive. Our commitment to supporting people and local businesses is also a source of deep satisfaction. Watching these businesses grow and succeed has been a rewarding experience. And when I think about the journey itself, it’s been incredible. We’ve gone from having a vision to building an organization that makes a positive impact every day. At Expo Brazil, we believe in the transformative power of community, collaboration, and the potential for positive change. It’s truly fulfilling to see how my husband and I, who arrived without anyone, now affect the lives of many people in our community.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Most people need to learn that I started early by getting married when I was 17 and opening my first company in Brazil when I was 18, with no support from any previous family company. It was just me and my husband with a borrowed computer. My husband learned how to create a website, and that’s how we started—with a website selling customized products from home on a borrowed computer.
Pricing:
- The booths for exhibition in our trade show starting at $897.oo
Contact Info:
- Website: expobrazil.us
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/expobrazil/
Image Credits
Carol Rodrigues, Leila Soares, Vinicius Marmo
