Photography: Leila Soares
Courage and determination are words that very well represent the life of Marina Benicio, a native of João Monlevade. In 2004, she was in Brazil, trying to start over with her 6-year-old daughter after a divorce, as the child's father wished to see her suffer, even if it meant harming their own daughter. After finding the love of her life through an online chat, Marina decided to leave everything behind and embark on a journey to the United States to live with her true love, her current husband. He is also Brazilian and was already living in Florida.
Photography: Leila Soares
However, Marina did not imagine that this adventure would turn into the most challenging 10 years of her life. Despite the adversity with her daughter's father, Marina did not give up. In the beginning, she didn't speak English, was far from her family, and was afraid to tell her daughter, who stayed in Brazil, that she was pregnant. Bryan was born the following year, in 2005. Ten years passed, and she managed to overcome significant barriers: she learned to drive, speak a new language, and take pride in herself. She succeeded in bringing her first daughter to live with her in Florida, and in 2014, she gave birth to Sophia.
Marina worked as a cleaner for 17 years. The Brazilian shared on her social media that she used to clean up to five houses on the same day and spent many sleepless nights, crying out of homesickness for her family, never imagining where she would end up. After years of working as a cleaner and having no idea what the digital world was, she ventured into a new journey for change.
With rapid and surprising growth, Marina began to dream of transforming her life. Facing obstacles and the lack of support from her husband, who did not believe in the transformative power of the internet, Marina did not let herself be discouraged. She became Marina in America, proving to everyone who doubted that the internet can indeed be a worthy and profitable job.
Through her determination and contagious energy, Marina achieved goals and objectives, touching the lives of many people and inspiring those who follow her. Today, her husband has become her greatest supporter and partner, admiring the strength, persistence, and faith in God that Marina demonstrates in everything she does.
Photography: Leila Soares
Marina in America acknowledges that nothing happened by chance. Her experiences and pains speak directly to those who find inspiration in her story, her strength, and her unwavering faith. She is an example of resilience and a living proof that, with determination and faith, we can transform our lives and achieve our dreams.
