Today we’d like to introduce you to Mayara Sousa

Mayara, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?

I got my first computer when I was 11, and that was it – I fell head over heels for tech. By 12, I was already knee-deep in the online world, running my own blog and even selling design templates.

Fast forward a bit, and I found myself studying Multimedia Arts. It was perfect for me – a multipassionate creative who couldn’t choose just one medium. I love it all: videos, photos, graphic design, you name it. And I still dream of publishing a poetry book (or a few) someday.

At 20, I packed my bags and moved from Brazil to Europe. Since then, my entire adulthood has been a whirlwind of new countries, languages, and experiences. I’ve had to learn how to take care of myself, make friends, say goodbyes, and figure out what the hell I wanted to do with my life – all while living in different corners of the world.

Along the way, I’ve dipped my toes in various industries. I’ve worked in retail and customer service, which, unpopular opinion alert, I think is super valuable for any freelancer. Those jobs taught me the soft skills that are crucial for thriving as a solopreneur.

Now, I’m living in Prague, working as a brand and web designer. I specialize in creating brand identities and digital experiences for women-owned businesses, plus creating content on different channels.

These days, you can find me designing brands, creating content, making online friends, going to concerts (Taylor Swift, anyone?), geeking out over tech and gadgets, and always, always advocating for work-life balance. Even though my work is pretty much my entire personality (because I love it so much), I make sure to force myself to take time off.

So that’s me – a Brazilian-born, Europe-based, cat-mom, designer, and eternal learner. It’s been a wild ride so far, and I can’t wait to see what’s next!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

Moving to a new continent came with its fair share of challenges, even professionally. Starting over in new countries meant building my network from scratch each time. There were moments when I doubted my skills, wondering if I was good enough to compete in markets so different from what I knew in Brazil.

For a freelancer aiming to build something abroad, there’s always the visa stress, the paperwork—often in a language you don’t know—and the sleepless nights worrying about whether you’d be able to stay in a country you’ve grown to love.

Financially, freelancing is always a rollercoaster. Some months are great, others… well, let’s just say I became an expert at managing my finances. The feast-or-famine cycle of freelancing hit hard sometimes, especially when I was still building my client base.

But each of these struggles taught me something valuable. They made me more resilient, adaptable, and confident in my abilities. They pushed me to keep improving my skills and to never stop learning.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?

Simply, I’m a brand and web designer, but that’s just scratching the surface. I specialize in creating holistic brand identities and digital experiences, primarily for women-owned businesses. It’s not just about making things look pretty (though that’s definitely part of it). I’m all about strategic, purposeful design that really captures the essence of a business and speaks to its audience.

I love to blend creativity with technology, and I’m known for my integrated approach. When I work with a client, I’m not just designing a logo or a website. I’m crafting a complete brand experience. This includes everything from visual identity (logo, color palette, typography) to web design, and even helping with marketing strategies. It’s about creating a cohesive package that tells my client’s story across all platforms.

I’m really proud of the relationships I’ve built with my clients. Many of them come back for multiple projects or refer me to their friends. It’s amazing to see how the brands we create together help their businesses grow and thrive.

But if we’re talking specific projects, I’m super proud of a recent brand identity I created for a sustainable fashion startup. We managed to capture their eco-friendly ethos in a way that was modern and appealing, not crunchy or preachy.

My multicultural background and my journey definitely set me apart. Having lived in different countries, I bring a global perspective to my work. I can adapt to different cultural nuances, which is super helpful when working with clients from various backgrounds.

Also, I’m not just a designer – I’m a content creator too. This means I understand the full picture of how a brand lives and breathes online. I can help my clients think about how their brand will translate into social media content, blog posts, or even video.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?

I grew up in São Paulo, Brazil, and I take pride in being from a big city. Yet, I was that kid who always had her nose in a book and dreamed of distant lands.

I was an introverted ball of contradictions. On one hand, I was super shy and quiet around strangers. Put me in a new social situation and I’d probably be found in a corner, observing everyone else. But those who knew me, KNEW ME. And they couldn’t shut me up! My friends knew me as the funny one, always ready with a joke or a silly story.

I was also a bit of a perfectionist (okay, maybe more than a bit). Whether it was my schoolwork or a new hobby, I’d pour my heart into it, determined to get it just right. This drive served me well, but it also meant I could be pretty hard on myself sometimes.

I was one of those kids who was into everything. One week I’d be obsessed with painting, the next I’d be trying to learn guitar. But the truth is that from the moment I got my first computer at 11, I was hooked. I’d spend hours tinkering with it, figuring out how things worked, and even before I knew what graphic design was, I was always drawing, making collages, and trying to make things look “pretty”.

I started learning English pretty young and loved it. The idea of being able to communicate with people from all over the world fascinated me. English came easily to me and I started writing songs and poems at a really young age. I filled journal after journal with stories, poems, and random thoughts. I dreamed of being a songwriter (or simply a writer) someday (still do, actually!).

Despite all these interests, I was never the loud, “look at me” type. I preferred to work on my projects quietly, often surprising people with what I’d created. I guess you could say I was an introvert with extroverted hobbies! Turns out, not much has changed…

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mayara.design/
• Instagram: https://mayara.design/
• LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/mayaradesign
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mayara.design