Seventeen years ago, at the age of 25, I decided to quit my job at the agency where I worked. I had secured a partnership with a freelance client that would guarantee a monthly income. It was all very much a home-based experience: me, in a back room, with my computer and my little dog Minnie at my feet.
A few years later, demand grew. Along with that came the decision to take a bigger step: we rented a commercial space and started assembling a team. That's how Agência Latte Design was born, in Vila Olímpia. It was a step that brought a lot of insecurity, considering I wasn't earning well yet and only had a 10-year-old Celta (car).
Over time, the agency grew. We moved to Faria Lima and then to Pinheiros. The team, which started with four people, grew to twelve. The work was intense, and I knew absolutely EVERYTHING that went on there. I managed projects, people, finances, sales, customer service… even the purchase of toilet paper (laughs). Learning everything the hard way, being challenged every day. On the one hand, it was stimulating. On the other, extremely exhausting. Solving problems and putting out fires became routine.
But, after all, that was the path to success, right?
Being a businesswoman, growing, making a lot of money, being recognized… I hadn't gotten there yet, but I believed that was the most obvious path.
Until, in 2019, I got tired of it.
I enjoy creating, but it was what I did least. My physical and mental health started to suffer. Even having served over 180 clients, with thousands of projects delivered, I took a deep breath and made a difficult decision: I closed the agency's structure. Coincidentally, four months later, the pandemic arrived, and, in a way, reinforced that working from home made sense at that moment.
And there I was again, working from home, now with two other puppies: Feijuca and Farofa (excuse the barking, haha).
The story seemed to have gone on a loop. I was afraid of what others would think, of it seeming like Latte Design hadn't worked out.
But, over time, I began to realize something important. I had achieved something that very few people manage to do: Peace and freedom. Not having employees to manage has brought me silence, concentration, and peace. Now I have the freedom to act, to work at any time and from wherever I want. A luxury these days.
That's how the "travel fanatic" who barely took vacations became a digital nomad, with stints in Mexico, the United States, Peru, Argentina, Japan, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam...
Today, looking back, I realize that success isn't necessarily about being a businesswoman, rich, and/or recognized. Perhaps it's much more about feeling satisfied with your own journey. And it's okay if that's different from what you were taught. Because, in the end, there are many paths and meanings of what success is, which can be different for each person.
I haven't reached the top of this new scenario yet. But I like the path I'm on.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to this journey.
A big hug,
Silvia Kia