Like you, my journey has been full of twists and turns I could never have imagined.
Each step, every unexpected detour, has shaped who I am today. And that journey is always evolving.
Our story, the one we leave behind, and the ideas and dreams we chase for the future are both powerful.
My Journey
Henrieta Reis Gomes
Born and raised in Brazil, I started writing down my thoughts and feelings as soon as I could form sentences.
(I still have some of those old notebooks, they’re are an entertaining read!)
One memory from those early years still stands out. Our teacher had a rule: no pencils, only pens. She believed in teaching us to embrace our mistakes, to see progress as a journey, and to write with conviction, even if it wasn’t perfect.
As I started to think about what I wanted to do with my life, I knew I wanted to do something creative.
At the time, writing wasn’t seen as a “proper” career.
So I followed my passion for history and maths led me to study Architecture and Urban Design. That's when I discovered just how deeply our built environments mirror our culture, values, and history.
2006 - 2007: The Move to Italy
What a time that was. I always dreamed of living abroad. Travelling always fascinated me, it was a way to see those stories up close, experience the cultures, and meet incredible people.
So, as soon as I finished university, I started applying for every Masters scholarship I could find. Then one day, the call came, but there was a catch.
I had to leave in just two days.
Packing up my entire life that quickly wasn’t easy, but it turned out to be a turning point. One of the most important decisions I ever made.
For a whole year, I studied building restoration in Rome, attending classes in the Roman ruins. It was unlike anything I’d ever experienced.
More than just an academic pursuit, it was a chance to immerse myself in the history and culture that inspired me deeply. It didn’t just shape my approach to architecture; it changed the way I think about storytelling, creativity, and how we communicate ideas.
2009 - 2015: Building My Design Expertise
After finishing my Master’s in Italy, I did a bit of moving around. I wanted to explore and learn more about the world by living it.
I spent a year in Brighton, then another in Barcelona, before finally deciding to set roots back in the UK.
I started working in the stone industry and kitchen design. Between countless site visits and being a woman in a role dominated by men at the time, there were plenty of challenges.
But time and again, I worked hard to prove my skills.
What drove me was a passion for creating functional, beautiful spaces that were right for each client.
Those years were foundational. They taught me that design is never just about aesthetics, it’s about understanding people, their needs, and their vision. That principle has stayed with me ever since, shaping not only my work but also the way I approach life.
Through it all, I’ve learned the value of perseverance. as the way to create your own path, even when the odds are stacked against you.
2015 - onwards: Entrepreneurship & Business Development
In 2015, I took the leap into entrepreneurship.
I realized I wanted to grow and evolve in ways that weren’t possible while working for someone else. By that point, I had also spent a few years focusing on my personal and spiritual growth.
I know that gave me the courage to follow my intuition and take this step.
I founded Templatem, a business providing digital templates for the stone industry. It thrived for nearly a decade, running healthy profits every year. In 2024, I decided to close it and fully focus on writing. Templatem was incredibly successful, teaching me so much about running a business, from marketing and operations to customer relationships.
Alongside that, I also ran an e-commerce business for over a year, creating and selling handmade vegan gifts. It was a hands-on experience that taught me an entirely new range of skills, from website building to social media marketing. Even though I loved it, and it was successful, I eventually chose to step away. It didn’t feel fully aligned with my mission in the world.
In late 2020, I began offering writing services. By 2024, I stepped fully into it, my full-time focus. In my heart, I know this is the best way for me to serve others and live my mission.
Each one of these adventures and business taught me invaluable lessons about strategy, creativity, and balancing vision with execution. They proved that I not only had the skills to run a business, but also the ability to adapt, evolve, and create meaningful impact through my work.
Along the way, I also learned an important lesson: to trust my intuition, not just in life, but also in business. It guided me to make decisions that aligned with my values and purpose, shaping the success of each venture.
If you've made it this far, you’ve probably noticed how, at the beginning of my journey, I could have never imagined where it would lead.
Every step, even when it felt unrelated or uncertain, was shaping the person I would become. Looking back, I can see how each experience, no matter how distant from what I thought I wanted, was building the path to my future self.
The truth is, we often can’t see the full picture when we’re in the middle of the journey. But that's okay. The key is to focus on the now and take the next step, however small it may seem. Trust that the path will unfold as it needs and that each decision, each challenge, and each success is helping you grow into the person you're meant to be.
So if you’re feeling uncertain about where you’re headed, just keep going.
Focus on what you can do today, take that next step, and trust the process.
Every part of your journey is working together to create a future that might be even better than you can imagine right now.
Keep moving forward, allowing each experience to shape you for your highest good.
Looking Ahead
My story, like yours, doesn’t end here. We are constantly evolving.
If you want to explore how I can support you in your journey, have a look below in my offerings.
They are invitations to keep moving, softly, deliberately, and in full alignment with who you really are.
If you’re ready, let’s choose the next step together.