Gente Beauty was born three years ago in my small Los Angeles apartment. I didn't really know what I was doing, but I knew where I wanted to go. Since my teenage years, I've been fascinated by lymphatic drainage and all the health benefits it brings. When the idea for a brand came to me, I knew it had to be authentic Brazilian products focused on body care. I traveled to the Amazon rainforest to see some of the ingredients I wanted to use firsthand, and with the help of @finnegan, I slowly began to bring this idea to life. But the journey has been incredibly difficult. From the outside, it looks like we have a huge team working hard, but the truth is, as an immigrant woman with no budget and only an idea, launching a brand is incredibly difficult. We did the best we could, with no team (just me and @niicamara), and we were incredibly dedicated to every detail. Until a few months ago, we were doing most of our logistics in-house, even fulfilling all our orders ourselves. (If you've been following me, you'll know this brand has become my life.) I completely quit modeling to pursue this career; it was a leap of faith, not knowing if it would work, but just relentlessly pushing forward and believing in it, pushing forward every day. We're facing real challenges we've never dealt with before, like supply chain delays, importing, managing retailers, and now tariffs are hitting us hard. I think being an entrepreneur is experiencing real highs and lows at a frantic pace. It's pretty much a game every founder needs to be able to endure. Today was a high point. ✨ Receiving this award means so much to me and my baby @gentebeauty. I truly believe in the power of my products, made from scratch in Brazil with local ingredients. I deeply value every ingredient, every effect, every brand, and every story. I truly hope it resonates with everyone. I'm so grateful for this recognition. Thank you!! @dailyfrontrow
