Domitila Barros is a Legacy for Change. The CAMM Project serving street children in her home Northeast of Brazil was founded by her parents over 35 years ago. Domitila continues their efforts through her clothing line, She Is From The Jungle, which produces clothing and accessories from plants and natural resources handmade by the women of her region. She believes that if we work together we not only enhance the lives of each other, but of the World.
FWM: Domitila, it is my pleasure to interview you! Please introduce yourself to our readers.
DB: Hi, my name is Domitila Barros, I am a dreamer, an ARTivist, a women of faith, a survivor, a social entrepreneur, a digital Nomad, a daughter of love. I was born in a favela called “shot gun” (linha do tiro), where more than 25,000 people live. There are no schools, no hospitals, no police stations, no playgrounds in this favela.
My parents founded a street children’s project there over 35 years ago, in which I grew up. Achieving great success with minimal resources is a quality that I was able to learn in this favela. I grew up between violence and poverty, between despair and drug wars. When I was 12, my best friend was shot in front of my eyes. At the age of 13 my parents sent me to Germany out of fear. “If you are brave, you can stay”. I stayed. But not only that, through my story I got attention and used it.
In 2000, I was recognized by UNESCO as a “Millennium Dreamer”. Since then I have given countless speeches and motivated people worldwide … until burnout. I fell down and got up again.
In 2015, I was sent by the Federal Agency for Civic Education in the war zones of the Middle East. Inspired by the local women, I shaped by my own story: If we want to change something in the world, we have to stick together. We have to see and support each other. And I do. With “She is from the jungle” I created the opportunity for women in my home country, Brazil, to be economically independent. I brought back what I’ve learned around the world; a perspective for the people who shaped me from the beginning.
FWM: You have been an UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) ARTivist winner for several years. How is your art making a difference in the world today?
DB: Back then I was teaching kids from the streets, in the streets how to read and write by using acting and music as a method. I didn’t know at that time that I was the only girl under 15 years old using art to change the community she was living in. To be recognized for that was life changing and mind blowing. I gained a lot of confidence in the process and started to believe that I could do it bigger but not in the rush … but in my own way, with confidence, love, creativity and fun.
I like to think that I am the rose out of concrete that Tupac described, I like to believe that even in the dirtiness of trash and tragedy the most beautiful flower can be born, and this is how I create. I try to see the beauty in everything and make out of the dark or trash something powerful, impactful and beautiful. I do this as a model, as an actress, as a designer, as a social entrepreneur. Like the plant-based jewelry from “She is from the jungle “, it is handmade by the single mother from the slums of Brazil. It is made of a plant by the most disadvantaged women. Telling my story of survival and transforming shame into proud independence and violence into empowerment is how my art is making a difference. It isn’t about me, you know? It is about women all over the world, being strong for themselves, their child, their community with pride and self-awareness. I believe through art we can make things light, beautiful, begin a social dialogue and maybe even a change.
FWM: What keeps you motivated?
DB: My family. The people around me. My faith and the need to explore life.
FWM: Your brand, “She is From the Jungle” is a socially conscious company. Please tell us about your work in women’s economic empowerment?
DB: Our products are produced in a fair-trade base and 10% of the profit goes to the street-child project, CAMM. This project has existed over 35 years in a slum called “Shooting line“in Northeast of Brazil. Some of the mothers and young women living here are also involved in the brand.
We believe that everyday consumers can help empower disadvantaged communities by purchasing the ethically sourced goods in the international marketplace. For us it is very important not only to provide sustainable incomes for the producer-communities, but also to build a place to buy ethically sourced products making an economic integration possible. We work with local artisans from Brazil helping the local economy.
We provide women empowerment while providing sustainable incomes for the producer- communities and building a place to buy ethically sourced products. What women’s economic empowerment means to me is non-exploitive trade relationships & living wages.
FWM: If you could give one piece of advice to all women, what would it be?
DB: You need to trust yourself and your intuition when no one does. You need to be self-confident enough to deal with rejection in a way that doesn’t have an influence in the decisions you make and the path you choose to go. Being resilient was definitely the most important thing for me. You need to be patient with yourself and others, great things take time.
FWM: As a 21st Century woman, what has remained a constant in your life, leading you to become the woman you are today?
DB: The idea that everything is possible. The internet and social media were definitely a sources of growth. I would never find so many people from so many different places in the world, different backgrounds, cultures and social backgrounds as I did online. And I needed them to believe in me, my projects and realize that if you look at the sky you cannot even see how many stars are out there, that is how immense the chances are out there for every one of us to shine. Finding my tribe and loving them and getting inspired and motivated by them was the key.
FWM: Do you feel that sisterhood is important?
DB: I always say: sisterhood will save the world. Some people are like “blood is thicker than water, but to be honest, there has been plenty of times blood wasn’t there, but water saved my life, you know.
My parents taught me very early in my life that alone we are nothing together, we can be whatever we want. I feel sad when I see that we are killing ourselves in name of whatever; like it isn’t possible to grow together. I am all about inspiring and growing together, but I understand there is profit to be made and by making women feel less than they are making it seem that there is only one spot to earn.
FWM: You are also a world traveler. Where has been your favorite destination?
DB: Bali. I don’t know how to describe it, but everything is, feels and smells so familiar. Life is so easy I’m always happy and grateful when I am there.
FWM: What is next for Domitila Barros?
DB: I am in Los Angeles right now doing an acting boot camp. It feels like a dream for me. I am having more fun coming back to school to restart learning after a while out of classes. I love the teacher, the group and the techniques I am working with. I want to create more this year and feel like growing as an actress would be a great start. So, you may see or hear me more often this year.
FWM: How can our readers connect with you outside of this interview?
DB: I am very active on social media, so you will always find me online on Instagram @domitilabarros and @sheisfromthejungle and checking my emails. It may take a while until I answer, because I answer all my messages by myself. Don’t feel shy to message me:)
