Being fluent in English, French and German, she worked as a tourist guide for a local travel agency.

In September of the same year, she participated in a fashion show made in an old convent in Lisbon (Convento do Beato), where her work was widely applauded.

Two years later she opened her first international store in Paris, located in the famous rue de Grenelle.

In the year 2000 she caused a media sensation by appearing on a catwalk herself in Paris wearing the world's most expensive bikini, made out of gold and diamonds, with an estimated value of one million dollars.

In 2003 she opened her first brand store in the United States, located in Melrose Avenue in the city of Los Angeles.