From Sal

to the World Stage

The 2026 FIFA World Cup was more than a tournament for me… it was a full-circle moment!

Before they stepped onto the world's biggest stage, some of them sat in my chair.

Lorreta, Time Africa

As a proud Cabo Verdean woman born and raised on the island of Sal, I had the privilege of being part of a historic chapter in our nation’s story. While the world watched Cabo Verde compete against some of football’s biggest powers, I had the honor of working behind the scenes with members of the national team, helping players look and feel their best before stepping onto the field.

For years, my work has centered around hair, confidence, and culture. What began as a passion grew into a career built on trust, care, and attention to detail. At the World Cup, those same values followed me onto the international stage.

From hotel rooms transformed into styling spaces to long days preparing athletes before matches, every moment reminded me that hair is about more than appearance - it’s about identity.

Our hair holds the same complexity as our identity — Africa and Europe, home and migration, all in one strand.

Their hair wasn't a costume made for the tournament. It was who they already were.

Lorreta, Time Africa

For many of the players, maintaining their look and honoring their personal style was a way of staying connected to themselves while representing an entire nation.

Beyond the styling chair, the World Cup gave me the opportunity to witness history firsthand. I stood among thousands of supporters, celebrated unforgettable moments, and watched Cabo Verde inspire people around the world with its resilience, talent, and heart.

The experience also connected me with a global audience. Through social media, millions of people followed the journey, offering a unique glimpse into the people, stories, and culture behind the team.

What started as sharing my work quickly became a platform for celebrating Cabo Verdean excellence on a world stage.

Today, I carry the lessons, relationships, and memories from that journey into everything I do. The World Cup reinforced something I’ve always believed: when passion meets purpose, even the smallest islands can leave a lasting mark on the world.

And this is only the beginning.

IN THE PRESS

Meet the Braider Behind Cabo Verde’s Intricate 2026 FIFA World Cup Hairstyles

Andrea Bossi, allure

'Foi o Vozinha quem abriu essa porta': trancista dos jogadores de Cabo Verde revela bastidores da Copa

Gabriela Guidotte, Revista Quem Globo

Dorchester Woman Is A Braider For Cape Verde World Cup Team

WBZ Radio