¡Feliz Cinco de Mayo! In the spirit of festivities, May brings a ton of fond memories to our family and serves as a reminder of the window of opportunities that have shaped my journey. But before I start mixing margaritas and tears, let me share some highlights with you while I am still sober.
Twenty-four years ago (also in May), I embarked on a bold adventure from my bustling hometown of Sao Paulo, Brazil, home to a staggering 12 million people (yes, millions), to the land of opportunity: the United States. Specifically, I landed in Boston, Massachusetts, driven by the irresistible allure of the American Dream.
Embracing a Window of Opportunities
Leaving behind familiar streets and warm temperatures, I embraced the cold and the unknown with enthusiasm and determination. Reflecting on the incredible path I traveled, it’s astounding to witness the diverse range of experiences that have shaped my life.
From humble beginnings as a carwasher to becoming a skilled truck driver, I’ve conquered the open roads and embraced the freedom of the American highways. Now, picture this: no English, no experience navigating icy roads, and no Google Maps or Waze in the early 2000s. Some days, the American Dream felt more like a series of nightmares.
However, resilience is ingrained in my DNA and I was determined to accomplish my mission: learn English and save enough to open my own business. I enrolled at Harvard to learn English properly. Additionally, I delivered pizzas on weekends to bolster my savings and expedite my journey to entrepreneurship.
Unexpectedly, that part-time gig yielded more than just free pepperoni slices and tips. It also introduced me to Ana. Several years later, she became my wife and lifelong partner, coincidentally celebrating her birthday in May.
In 2004, I purchased a condo and renovated it myself on weekends. By 2006, after my cousin introduced me to the window covering installations business, I became an installer. Soon after, Shades In Place Boston was born. In 2023 (also in May), Ana and I relocated to Tampa, Florida to start another chapter in our lives.
Our journey has been a testament to our ability to adapt, transform, and find beauty in every phase, just like the perfect window covering.
Interestingly, driving big trucks was a childhood dream of mine, which became a reality in the US.
Furthermore, achieving fluency in English was a lifelong aspiration, but never did I imagine speaking at conferences as I do now. It feels surreal.
Just like window treatments, life presents us with a myriad of options and styles. We can choose to embrace the sunlight, bask in its warmth, or seek solace in the gentle embrace of shade.
In the words of my friend Mike, “I refuse to have a bad day.”
Cheers!
