This is my creative garden — an ever-growing collection of stories, projects, and playful attempts to make sense of the world. In this space, I’ve learned that growth thrives when we approach life with curiosity.
What might unfold for you if you allowed curiosity to be your guide?
My story begins in Switzerland, where I grew up in a multicultural but deeply conservative household.
My childhood wasn’t typical — I was raised in a cult, witnessed a toxic relationship between my parents, was exposed to suicide attempts by my mother, and became intensely performance-driven in order to earn love. Throughout my life, I found myself repeating the same pattern: not working well with male authority figures, and always feeling like I didn’t quite fit into the system.
But even in the hardest moments, I held onto a quiet faith — in something greater. Call it God, the universe, or something unnamed — a force that always seemed to have my back. And so far, it has.
That trust carried me through life-altering moments. Like emigrating to a new country while pregnant — leaving everything I knew behind for an uncertain future. Becoming a first-time mom far from home is one thing. Doing so while also building a business and stepping into entrepreneurship? That takes everything you’ve got. And then some.
A few years later, the universe showed up again — when I finally found the strength to leave a deeply unhealthy relationship. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, and the most healing at the same time. Just before I made the decision, I had a vision of a black snake shedding its skin — a symbol that’s followed me since childhood. (My first DIY snake, made out of old tights, was named Marie-Lou.) That vision told me: it’s time to shed what no longer serves. Time to be reborn.
Through everything, creativity has been my anchor. It helped me process my experiences, dream new realities, and imagine futures beyond survival. I’ve always been a dreamer — and I’ve come to see that not as a flaw, but a gift.
That dreamer led me to make design my profession. First as a graphic designer, then evolving into brand development. Over the years, I’ve helped shape ideas, launch ventures, and bring stories to life — whether my own or those of others. Every project I believed in held the same seed: the potential to make the world a more beautiful place.
Something’s always brewing behind the scenes, and people don’t always see the quiet, important phases we go through — the ones that make us stronger, more resilient, and wiser...
But the most important part of growth often happens below the surface — like a slow brew, where the heat is low, the flavours deepen, and the transformation takes time.
This is me granting you access to that part — my inner process. A space where I share thoughts in motion, what I’m learning (sometimes the hard way), and how I’m using it all to shape life and business.
Campus da Terra is a unique outdoor homeschooling hub, piloting right here on the island of Madeira. Designed for homeschooling/worldschooling families and children of primary school age, it combines the best of both guided academic instruction and child-led exploration. Our approach allows children to shape their own educational journey while benefiting from a supportive community of peers and facilitators.
Brighter Future Studio is a branding and storytelling agency dedicated to empowering climate and impact organisations. Brighter Future specialises in crafting compelling narratives, developing sustainable branding strategies, and designing impactful investor pitches to amplify their clients’ missions. Their services include branding solutions, storytelling workshops, web design and development, pitch deck creation, and content subscriptions, all tailored to elevate organisations committed to positive environmental change.
As an author, I am passionate about crafting tales that not only entertain but also encourage curiosity, self-discovery, and emotional well-being. To date, I’ve written two children’s books: The Story of Babushka (2020), a heartwarming tale of wisdom and tradition, and Listen to Your Inner Voice (2024), which invites children to trust their inner guidance and embrace their individuality.
I invite you to join me on this adventure, where each story is a step toward nurturing mindful, confident, and compassionate children.
© Catherine Flores, 2025