Born in the Portuguese city of Viseu, Fátima Veloso was left with no option but to leave the country when her family business closed down. In 2003, she packed her bags and moved to the UK with her 4-year-old daughter. A year later, Fátima’s husband was able to join the family in London – where they have lived ever since.

At the beginning, the language barrier was a challenge – but Fátima was able to overcome it. Currently, she is doing an ESOL course to improve her English skills, works as a cleaner and – during her spare time – sells Oriflame products. Working as a District Manager for Oriflame, a Swedish beauty company, has given Fátima the opportunity to travel, and meet new people.

Fátima has two daughters – Gabriela and Rafaela – and they both speak fluent Portuguese and English. Fátima finds it important, particularly because she hopes to go back to Portugal one day. Even though Fátima found a second home within London’s Portuguese-speaking community, she misses her country – the food, the weather and, most importantly, her family.

“I miss my dad. He is very lonely. I miss my brother. I have a brother, one niece, one nephew and my sister-in-law there… so I miss them. At the moment I think my heart is there, not here.”

Fátima works hard to look after her family – so in the future she hopes to “explore the world”, buy a house, and return to her roots.

Do you want to know more about Oriflame and Fátima’s work? Get in touch via e-mail: fatimaveloso[at]hotmail.co.uk