We were lucky to catch up with Mayara Sousa recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Mayara thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How do you think about vacations as a business owner? Do you take them and if so, how? If you don’t, why not?

Like many entrepreneurs, I’m obsessed with my work. It often feels less like a job and more like a hobby that consumes all my time. This makes it challenging at times to disconnect and truly take time off. I’ve had to force myself to start taking at least one day per week where I don’t even open my laptop. The first one was the hardest, but it’s amazing what a difference it makes in reducing stress and improving my creativity.

Having a partner who works more of a traditional 9-5 schedule has encouraged me to take real vacations, as we often schedule getaways together. For weekend trips, I make it a rule to completely stay away from work, including emails and social media. For longer vacations, I scale back my workload leading up to the trip, set up an automatic out-of-office message, and choose one activity to “sacrifice”, which is usually my content creation.

The key for me has been realizing that busy doesn’t equal productive and that taking time away allows me to recharge creatively and come back with renewed ideas. The moment you step away for a while, you realize the business will survive, and you’ll be all the better for it.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Mayara Sousa, a millennial about to enter my 30s, and founder of Roseate Design Studio. Born in Brazil and now based in the Czech Republic, I’m a Multimedia Arts graduate with a passion for exploring this beautiful world and have lived in 4 other countries for the past decade.

My journey into branding and web design started early – when I got my first computer at the age of 11. I had my first blog when I was 12 and I designed my own templates.

I made the switch from a freelancer to studio owner in 2022. My studio focuses on crafting holistic brand identities, intuitive digital experiences, and integrated marketing strategies for women-led businesses and fellow creatives.

I believe effective design is both strategic and purposeful. My process involves understanding each client’s core vision, goals and audience to make creative choices that captivate and convert visitors into devoted customers.

Beyond client work, I’m dedicated to empowering creative entrepreneurs through educational content and one-on-one consulting. I love to share my knowledge and inspire other women to boldly pursue their dreams, because believing in mine has completely changed my life.

The Mayara behind the business is a laid-back country music lover, dreaming of visiting Nashville and Dollywood someday! I’m the wife to a handsome Italian, a HUGE Swiftie, and a believer in the law of attraction.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

For a long time, I subconsciously believed pursuing my creative passions would never lead to financial stability or success. The advice I got growing up engrained in me that arts fields were just hobbies – I needed a corporate career to earn a proper living.

When I decided to launch my design studio after freelancing, those old doubts crept up. I almost convinced myself it was too risky and irresponsible.

But I realized how toxic it was to assume I had to choose between passion and making a living, and I committed to unlearning the notion creativity doesn’t pay bills.

Surrouding myself with supportive entrepreneurs and focusing on delivering value instead of just profit chasing has been a huge part of this process, and I’m proud to have proven those limiting beliefs wrong.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

One misconception I often come across is the belief that creativity is something you’re born with – either you have that “magical” creative gene or you don’t. When in reality, that couldn’t be further from the truth.

When I managed a team, we held regular creativity workshops focused on exercises to stretch our creative muscles so we could better serve clients, because I truly believe creativity is acquired and sharpened through continuous practice.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://roseatedesign.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayarasousa.co/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGsoyl8WEg4Dg7HeXXfD_7w/