I was born in Brazil — a country where birth is often highly medicalised, yet also home to a rich culture of traditional midwifery, joy, and deep human connection.

Before stepping into birth work, I built a career in business, branding, and marketing — leading creative projects and purpose-driven initiatives aimed at making a positive impact. I loved the creativity, the strategy, and the connection with people. But something inside me was calling for a deeper, more hands-on way of contributing to the world — something that touched life at its very beginning.

That calling grew stronger after the births of my children. My first baby was a planned home birth in the United States that ended up in the hospital — an experience that taught me the importance of feeling informed, respected, and supported no matter how birth unfolds. My second baby was born here in Aotearoa New Zealand, in a peaceful home birth supported by the midwife-led system and the deep wisdom of Māori traditions.

These experiences became the turning point — the moment I decided to bring together my skills in communication and leadership with my growing knowledge in midwifery and holistic care. Manaviva was born from this melting pot of systems, cultures, and personal transformation, with one clear purpose: to make sure every person has a powerful, meaningful, and dignified birth.