My professional journey began in the performing arts, where years of ballet training instilled discipline, resilience, collaboration, and an uncompromising work ethic.

I later earned a BA in Fashion Design and founded my own company, Encena Costumes, which I successfully ran for over seven years. Leading a company required structured decision-making, strategic prioritization, and constant iteration. I worked directly with clients, treated the body as an interface, and refined solutions through testing, feedback, and precise execution.

Together with my team, we developed award-winning costumes and collaborated internationally across the United States, Germany, Taiwan, and Brazil. Managing these projects strengthened my ability to think in systems, balance creativity with feasibility, and deliver high-quality results under pressure.

Water Nymph,
Dancer Isla Burr, London, 2018.
Design Clara Almeida
Costume Makers Maria Clara Almeida,
Thiago Bonifácio and Guilherme Henrique.

Fluer de Farine, variation from Sleeping Beauty
Dancer Scarlet Muller, USA, Picture: Vam, 2020.
Design Clara Almeida
Costume Makers Clara Almeida,
Thiago Bonifácio, and Guilherme Henrique.