Ep 172: From Brazil to Miami: Carol Pessoa’s Journey of Creativity, Courage, and Craft

In the world of creative entrepreneurship, few stories inspire as deeply as that of Carol Pessoa, the Brazilian paper artist and visionary behind Scrapeople. In Episode 172 of Paper Talk Podcast, we dive into Carol's transformative journey from her small hometown in Brazil to the bustling creative scene of Miami. Her path is a testament to the power of following your passion, embracing change, and facing fears head-on.

Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting your creative journey, Carol's experience will leave you motivated to take bold steps in your own life.

"It’s okay to be scared, but do it scared. That’s how growth happens.” - Carol Pessoa

Carol's Creative Journey

Carol's story begins in the charming town of Itajá, Brazil, where her love for crafting was nurtured by her mother. Initially pursuing a career in physiotherapy, Carol felt a pull toward creativity that she couldn't ignore. What started as making birthday decorations for her nephews soon blossomed into a full-fledged business. With the support of her family, Carol discovered the endless possibilities of paper art.

The pivotal moment came when Carol decided to leave her career in physiotherapy to pursue her passion for paper art full-time. It wasn't an easy decision, but her determination and love for creativity fueled her journey. Today, Carol is not just an artist but also a content creator for Silhouette Brazil, where she produces over seven pieces of content each month.

Navigating Change with Courage

Moving from Brazil to Miami was both a personal and professional leap for Carol. Adjusting to a new culture, language, and market presented its challenges, and she embraced them with grace and resilience. Carol's mantra, “It’s okay to be scared, but do it scared,” perfectly encapsulates her approach to life.

This mindset allowed her to not only adapt but thrive in her new environment. She learned English, expanded her creative business, and continued to inspire others through her art and teaching. Her story is a powerful reminder that growth often lies just beyond our comfort zones.

Here's what you'll learn in this episode:

• Do It Scared - Carol's journey is a masterclass in courage. She reminds us that fear is natural, but it shouldn't hold us back. Facing challenges head-on is where true growth happens.
• Passion Over Perfection - You don't need to have everything figured out to start. Carol's transition from physiotherapy to paper art shows that following your passion can lead to unexpected and fulfilling opportunities.
• Celebrate Small Wins - Carol emphasizes the importance of recognizing and celebrating progress, no matter how small. Whether it's completing a new project or speaking on her first English podcast, every win matters.
• Embrace Change - Moving to a new country, learning a new language, and adapting to a different market were all significant changes for Carol. Instead of resisting, she leaned into these experiences, turning them into opportunities for growth.
• Create with Purpose - Consistency and authenticity are key to Carol's creative process. Producing content for Silhouette Brazil while staying true to her style has been a cornerstone of her success.

The Power of Community and Connection

One of the most inspiring aspects of Carol's story is the role of community. From her supportive family in Brazil to the creative connections she's made in Miami, Carol's journey highlights the importance of surrounding yourself with people who uplift and inspire you.

Carol Pessoa's journey is a beautiful reminder that creativity knows no boundaries. Whether you're navigating a career change, moving to a new place, or starting a new project, remember: It's okay to be scared. Do it scared anyway.

Here's how to connect with Carol Pessoa: on Instagram: @scrappeople, on her website: Scrapeople

------ Join the Conversation!

We'd love to hear from you! What’s one thing you’ve done scared that led to unexpected growth? share your insights with us on Instagram @papertalkpodcast or join our Facebook community discussions. Your experiences inspire us just as much as we hope to inspire you. 

Stay tuned for more inspiring episodes, and don’t forget to subscribe to Paper Talk wherever you listen to podcasts.