Meet Raquel & Camila

Apr 8, 2019 | Meet A Mom

Let us introduce you to Raleigh moms Raquel & Camila. They are best friends and small business owners of Hearts and Sew On. We appreciate their love for this community and that they shared their story with us today!

Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in town?

Raquel –  I was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) and became an American citizen in August 2015. My husband, Jim, and I moved to New York City in 2011 because I was finishing my PhD research at NYU. Once I was done with my research I decided that it was time to have kids. Jim and I thought that Holly Springs would be a great town to start a family, so here we are since September 2013.

Camila – I’m originally from Brazil and we have been in the Triangle for almost 8 years!

Children and Ages?

Raquel – I have two children: Zachary (4 and half years old) and Zoe (2 and half years old).

Camila – Two girls, ages 4 and 2.

One thing people would be surprised to know about you…

Raquel – I learned english on my own, with a little help from MTV :‐)

Camila – We had the idea to start Hearts and sew on after Raquel and I handmade all the decor for my 4-year-old birthday party!

Anyone special you’d like to thank for helping you through parenthood?

Raquel – I’d like to thank my husband for being my great helper. Motherhood can be incredibly lonely and it’s especially hard to build a support network without any close family living nearby.

Camila – Parenthood can be challenging at times. I’m thankful for all that God provides, for the love and support from my husband and my mother.

What’s your favorite things to do with your kids?

Raquel – My favorite things to do with the kids are: going to libraries, museums and parks. I also like traveling with them because I love seeing that magical twinkle in their eyes when they are exploring new things and places. As for me, being able to see that special twinkle in their eyes is what makes motherhood worthwhile.

Camila – We love going to the library, playgrounds, parks!

Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world?

Yes! Together we started Hearts and Sew On last year. We’re not only making wreaths, garlands, nursery decor, party favors and so on… We are also making memories together as friends and trying to make a difference in our community by donating part of our profit to worthy causes.

You can find us on instagram @heartsandsewon, facebook.com/heartsandsewon and at [email protected]

What does this community mean to you/How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?

Raquel – When I moved to Holly Springs I was amazed to be in such a friendly and supportive town. My neighbors and friends from church helped me out by: organizing and hosting my baby showers; bringing me meals after I gave birth; inviting my family over for dinners/parties; and last but not least they gave me a sense of belonging. I guess that when you live in a small town you have a deeper sense of community that gets somehow lost in the big cities. This powerful feeling of community moved me towards pursuing my dreams and helping others to achieve theirs.

Camila – Community is very important! I believe in supporting local and small businesses and it is encouraging to have the support of our community!