Domitila: Thanks to my burnout I am living my dream now

Domitila’s burnout was her wake-up call. She quit her job as a social worker and followed her dream: To work as a social entrepreneur and start a social bikini business with women from Brazil’s favelas. 

Murder, burnout – tell us about your life-changing moments

How did you cope with the death of your best friend as a child?

I was in shock. Of course, how to cope with a murder as a child? You just can’t. The only thing that helped me at that time was one thought: I am not the only one. Many of my playmates had lost a friend. This is Brazil. I had to learn to accept it. But what’s even worse: My 11-year old nephew called me the other day. The police had shot his friend in his leg. How do you explain your little nephew that life’s not always fair? It’s worse for me to see him suffering than dealing with my own trauma.

The burnout was the turning point of your life – what happened?

Domitlia’s life in short: She grew up in Brazil, her parents are running a project for street children. Bachelor in Brazil, Master’s degree in Germany. Job as a social worker in Berlin, helping kids to get back on track. It was her dream job – but turned into a nightmare.

How does it feel to be burned out?

Why did you struggle as a social worker in Berlin?

I had a dream. I wanted to make this world a better place for children. That’s why I became a social worker. However, I realized – too late but I did – that the number one goal wasn’t to help the kids. The goal was to abide by the rules. I had to work within a system. But this system was making me sick – literally. I couldn’t even get close to my personal goal, which was helping children to get back on track. Instead I was working overtime and trying to adjust to the system. Unfortunately, I realized this too late. But looking back today I’d say that I am really thankful for my burnout. Otherwise I wouldn’t have followed my dream and started my social enterprise with women from the favelas.

A socially conscious bikini label – how did you get the idea?

Do you live your dream today?

Domitila, thanks so much for sharing your powerful, inspiring and encouraging story! Keep on rocking and living your dream as a social entrepreneur. All the very best for your projects and hopefully see you soon!

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