Welcome! Make yourself at home!
From the countryside of São Paulo; to bustling New York City; and now Durham, North Carolina; my path has been shaped by music, culinary arts, and a passion for bringing people together.
Along the way, inspiring encounters that have deepened my love for hosting and etiquette, and I've faced challenges that have strengthened my resolve and passion. This path has led me to create an Instagram community dedicated to sharing and celebrating the art of hosting.
Join me as I blend the richness of my heritage with new experiences, always striving to create moments of beauty and connection for those around me.
— Etiquette —
— Hosting —
— Recipes —
My Journey: From São Paulo to Durham
I was born and raised in the countryside of São Paulo, Brazil. I come from a family with deep historical roots that instilled a sense of honor and community service from an early age.
My journey began in Araçatuba, where I first studied piano under Maria Cecília Raab and voice under Neila Fontão. Later, I refined my opera skills under soprano Martha Herr and at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music under Robert Harrison and two-time Grammy Award winner Sylvia McNair. These experiences deepened my appreciation for discipline and the fine arts.
Later, I moved to New York City for auditions, and between concerts, auditions, and musicals, I started transitioning into the culinary world.
My grandfather, João Francisco, a successful businessman and exceptional cook, greatly influenced my passion for fine dining and hospitality.
I had the privilege of working under the esteemed executive White House Executive Pastry Chef Bill Yosses at The Four Seasons Restaurant in New York City and also on a Broadway show called Network, which featured an authentic restaurant onstage, serving four-course meals to 22 paying guests each night.
Additionally, I worked at the H&F Club, where I gained further experience under Chef Vicki Wells.
After moving to Durham, my passion for hosting and entertaining led me to create an Instagram page dedicated to hosting, etiquette, and the fine arts.
This platform rapidly grew, amassing a substantial following, particularly among Brazilians, due to my blend of traditionalism, modern insights, and love for hosting.
My husband, Russell, and I host weekly dinners we call “Family Dinners,” emphasizing the importance of connection and community.
We aim to bring together people from all walks of life. This passion for bringing people together has become the heart of my social media presence.
I share tips, tutorials, and insights on hosting, etiquette, and the rich cultural traditions that shape our gatherings. Throughout my journey, I’ve committed to honoring my heritage while embracing new experiences, always aiming to create moments of beauty and connection for those around me
The Road Less Smooth: Challenges and Growth
Transitioning from a structured academic environment in São Paulo and Indiana to the fiercely competitive and high-pressure realms of music and culinary arts in New York City demanded extraordinary perseverance and adaptability. The relentless hustle of auditions and performances and the exacting nature of culinary work marked a significant shift.
Moving to New York without a support network was daunting, but each of these experiences required quick learning and adaptation to fast-paced conditions. This cultivated the resilience and psychological fortitude needed to successfully transition into marketing.
Despite these obstacles, each struggle taught me valuable lessons that helped shape who I am today.
My ardor for hosting and connecting with people inspired the creation of an Instagram page dedicated to hosting, etiquette, and the fine arts. This platform has grown, attracting a substantial following, particularly among Brazilians, owing to my blend of traditionalism, contemporary insights, and passion for hosting. My Instagram page is slowly blossoming into a vibrant community where I share bilingual tips, tutorials, and insights, rendering it a gratifying and successful project
My Craft: The Art of Hosting and Connection
My work is a testament to my passion for the art of hosting and etiquette. I am dedicated to creating elegant and memorable gatherings that not only emphasize the importance of connection, tradition, and beauty but also inspire others to do the same.
I am known for my meticulous attention to detail, from setting up tablescapes to curating pleasing and appropriate menus. The food I cook for our dinners is a crucial element of this, as it is an innate human instinct to connect over food. My culinary creations are deeply connected to my heritage and experiences, reflecting a blend of traditional and modern influences.
Our family dinners are designed to be inclusive, ranging from highly casual to very formal, ensuring that everyone feels loved and welcomed in both settings. I am particularly proud of the community of friends we have met and fostered through these dinners. This sense of connection and belonging is at the heart of what I do, and I strive to extend this feeling to all who engage with my work.
What sets me apart from others is my holistic approach to hosting. I don’t just focus on the aesthetics and culinary piece but also on the philosophy, etiquette, and artistry behind it. I aim to create experiences that are not only visually appealing but also deeply meaningful, fostering genuine connections among guests. My background gives me a diverse skill set that allows me to approach hosting with a unique blend of creativity, elegance, and strategic thinking.
Words of Wisdom: Advice for Aspiring Hosts
Embrace learning from every experience, especially from every person you encounter. Valuable lessons can be found everywhere. Stay true to your passions and be authentic in your approach. Your unique perspective and genuine passion will always set you apart, and this authenticity is what resonates with people. Only when you are true and comfortable with yourself can you craft a welcoming environment for those around you? This is especially valuable for those of us in hospitality.