Nelao de Almeida
Nelao, a freelance Brand Curator with a solid foundation in collection merchandising, completed the FÉ mentorship program, marking a sharp twist moment in her career. With a background in contemporary streetwear and lifestyle brands, Nelao has cultivated a deep understanding of brand development. Her passion lies in supporting brands through the creation of holistic strategies, offering a full 360° view for future strategic growth and evolution.
The career twist
Nelao’s decision to join the FÉ mentorship program came at a crucial point in her career. She was transitioning from a corporate role in merchandising to the freelance world of brand strategy—a significant shift that required not just a change in job description but a complete reevaluation of her professional identity. "I knew I was going to need support and guidance for this new journey," she reflects. The program resonated deeply with her core values, making it an essential step in ensuring that her career pivot was intentional and aligned with her long-term goals.
Complementary one-off session
In addition to completing the mentoring program, Nelao decided to consult our mentor Charlotte who is an expert in career direction. They had a fruitful one-off
session: “It was such a pleasure having the opportunity to connect with Charlotte and to hear about her journey from corporate to freelance - not to mention all she’s achieved over the years, I have so much admiration for her career journey. Being self-employed can be a very lonely journey, especially at the beginning and I honestly left that meeting feeling so encouraged and affirmed because of Charlotte. I was able to grasp some key tips about how to navigate my own career transition right now, Charlotte is just so willing to help and share knowledge which means so much”.
Setting and Achieving Goals
Before starting the program, Nelao felt unclear about her unique value proposition as a brand curator. She struggled to articulate what she offered and how to position herself in this emerging field. Her main objective was to develop a clear value proposition for brands and learn how to communicate the concept of brand curation as a crucial tool for brand evolution.
Throughout the mentorship, Nelao and her mentor broke down this overarching goal into smaller, manageable objectives. They created a development plan for establishing herself as a specialist in brand curation. By the end of the program, she had positioned herself confidently as a brand strategist, and even launched a blog called "Inspired By”.
The impact of mentorship
Nelao credits much of her success to the holistic and inclusive nature of the FÉ mentorship program. She found the experience to be more than just professional development; it was a journey of personal growth as well. "Stephany is an incredible mentor," Nelao shares, "What I appreciated most was the values of support and inclusion. The program allowed me to evaluate my core values and see how they apply to my professional life."
The personalized attention and care that mentor provided made Nelao feel truly seen and supported throughout her journey. She notes the unique curation of the program, which is tailored to meet the needs of women from all industries and backgrounds, offering a universally applicable yet uniquely personal experience.
Key Insights for the FÉ Community
Through the mentorship program, Nelao not only achieved her professional goals but also reevaluated her relationship with work and her self-perception as a professional. The program helped her identify and build on her strengths, boosting her confidence and ensuring she found herself in spaces that valued what she had to offer. "Feeling empowered can make such a difference," she emphasizes, reminding others that self-reflection and recognition of one’s value are critical to professional success.
Advice for Future Mentees
Preparation, according to Nelao, is everything. She advises future mentees to be proactive and intentional about what they want to gain from the mentorship experience. "You get what you put in," she says, stressing the importance of sharing your thoughts, ideas, and work with your mentor. This proactive approach allows the mentor to provide the most relevant and impactful support. Nelao encourages mentees to take the time for reflection, acknowledging that while it requires effort, the results are well worth it.
Nelao’s journey through the FÉ mentorship program illustrates the power of strategic guidance, personal growth, and the importance of aligning one’s career with their core values.