We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Vanessa Oliveira. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Vanessa below.

Hi Vanessa, thanks for joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

I created Expo Brazil because I saw a big gap: so many amazing Brazilian-owned businesses in the U.S. doing great work, but with little visibility. I was constantly meeting entrepreneurs who needed more exposure, more connection, and more support to grow in a new country.

The idea came naturally — I love building communities, I love organization and I saw that no one was really creating a space for us to come together, showcase our work, and grow as a group. I wanted to create something professional, impactful, and full of Brazilian energy.

From the first event, I knew it would work. The feedback was instant. People were emotional, grateful, and excited to be part of something that truly represented them.

What excited me the most? Giving our people a stage. Seeing families proud of their businesses. Creating opportunities. That’s what drives me.

Vanessa, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Vanessa Oliveira — Brazilian, mom, entrepreneur, and community builder. I’m the founder of Expo Brazil USA, the largest Brazilian business expo in the United States, and the creator of Mães Amigas de Orlando, the biggest Facebook group for Brazilian women and moms in the region.

I’ve always been passionate about people, organization, and building community. My background is in operations and project management, but what truly moves me is helping others grow.

Mães Amigas de Orlando started as a support group for women moving to the U.S., especially moms who needed guidance, friendship, and practical help. Over time, it became a powerful platform for female entrepreneurship and family connection. We support women not only emotionally, but also by giving them tools and visibility to grow their own businesses.

Expo Brazil came from this same vision — to give Brazilian entrepreneurs a professional space to shine, connect, and grow. We create opportunities, strengthen community ties, and help small businesses reach thousands of potential clients.

What makes my work different is the purpose behind it. It’s all about love, collaboration, faith, and truly believing in the power of community. I’m most proud of building spaces where people feel seen, supported, and inspired.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

I started Expo Brazil with very limited savings — no investors, no family support, just a small amount I had and a lot of determination.

To keep costs low, my partner and I did everything ourselves: planning, organizing, marketing, promotion — every single detail. It was just the two of us making it all happen, being resourceful and fully hands-on.

We invested little by little, always improving and reinvesting in the business. Over the years, that dedication paid off. Today, we have a team, staff, and amazing people who help us make each event bigger and better.

It’s been a journey of faith, persistence, and a lot of hard work.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

One of the biggest pivots in my journey was when I moved to the U.S. with my family. I had a solid career in events in Brazil — I had been working in this field for years and felt confident in what I was doing.

But coming here meant starting from zero. I didn’t speak the language, I didn’t know the laws, I didn’t have a network. It truly felt like being born again. I had to rebuild everything — personally and professionally.

I started by serving the community through Mães Amigas de Orlando, turning my own struggles into connection, support, and strength for others. I created ways to help women and families who were going through the same challenges I faced.

That purpose — to serve and unite — is what made everything grow. When the time came to launch Expo Brazil, that foundation of community and heart turned it into a big success. Everything I’ve built started with a desire to lift others.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.expobrazil.us
• Instagram: maesamigasdeorlando_oficial
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vanessa.lorenna.7
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-oliveira2021/

Image Credits

Adriano Max

Caroline Rodrigues