Fernanda Neves

I would say don't let people with more experience discourage you, because I feel like there is not only one path to get to your objective. There are many different ways to get to the same objective. And I would say to not compare your path with anybody else's path, because your path should be unique to who you are.

Definitely the competition is a challenge. The industry right now is going through a hiccup in the sense that generally people are not drinking as much - that's what all the researchers say. Some people challenge that, saying this has happened in previous years before, and it's always a matter of media and other industries trying to shift behaviors. But honestly, I think that since people have more information in regards to what you're putting in your body and living a healthier life, balance is the key in my opinion. There's a space for all the industries to play a part. Just as much as living a healthier style of life, there's also a need for us to live convivial moments and shared moments more than ever now, after the crazy pandemic times, with people living so much in their own world behind computers and working remotely. I feel like there's a lack of connectivity between people in the younger generation, and I think that's when the spirits industry thrives, because we do try to make those connections in a more fun way, always with balance and always keeping in mind the health restrictions that we need to follow in living a balanced life. The challenge I see is people taking things to the other extreme, waking up every day at 5 in the morning and overly working out their body, aiming for something that is almost unattainable, and then just stressing your body so much because you're not allowing yourself to relax a little bit and enjoy yourself in other people's company having a glass of wine.

I love the sense of community, and wherever I can find spaces where I can support and help, that's something that really fulfills me as a person. When I see people that enjoy helping others, like upcoming professionals, I really admire that in other people too, and I put them in a more elevated category as a person. People that know me personally know that I'm very open to give support if it's reachable to me, if it's something that is in my plate that I can help with. I go above and beyond to help people. I know the importance of supporting each other, and we can go much further if we give that support to each other. Balance is also key - I like to live an active life, watch out for my diet, and feel that my body's answering well to the food I'm intaking. I like to connect with my friends and family and spend time with the people that I love.