Camila Mendes
Co-founder | Chief Idealist & Experience Elicitor
I was born in São Paulo, Brazil’s biggest metropolis. But when I was seven, my mother decided to leave the concrete jungle behind and move to a paradisaical island named Ilhabela (Portuguese for “Beautiful Island”). That’s when I was exposed to a whole new world and, luckily, was able to develop a strong connection with and appreciation for nature. Years later, due to a lack of opportunity in the local economy, my brave mother set off again for a new adventure. And so at 15 years of age, I left my paradise behind and moved to Toronto.
The cultural shock definitely had an impact on me. I was far from home, and it was challenging to assimilate to this new way of life. As any immigrant can tell you, finding your way in a new country is not an easy journey. But I was motivated to make the best out of my new Canadian life. After a difficult two years, I began to excel in high school, and ended up winning the presidency of my student council as well as the Graduating Student of the Year Award. However, it was during university, as I pursued a double major in communication studies & professional writing, that I discovered my true passions: photography and traveling.
“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.”
My first backpacking experience was in Italy and Spain during a summer language exchange program. Soon after, I was accepted for a 6-month student exchange in Bangkok, where I traveled solo throughout South East Asia (and even made a quick trip to Egypt). In 2011, after graduating with honours from York University, I was selected amongst thousands to participate in an educational reality travel show in Brazil. I then spent a month camping in the Cerrado and the Amazon Rainforest, including a week living with natives of the Kamayurá tribe. Months later, together with Clay and friends, I road-tripped across the USA, driving from Toronto all the way to Nevada and back. My most recent adventure was a 2-month-long backpacking trip across 12 European countries – during winter!
Today, aside from doing a bit of everything here at Widism®, I’m also a writer and photographer. I feel blessed for all the wonderful journeys I’ve had in my life so far, and am committed to helping people discover meaningful ways to experience the world first-hand too – and be forever transformed in the process.
Cami at a glance
| Adored animal: | Elephant |
| Beloved eco-system: | Archipelago |
| Favourite food: | Mushroom |
| Preferred place: | Sao Sebastiao, SP, Brazil |
| Something weird: | I’m obsessed with making lists |
| Life’s Mission: | To explore every corner of the world |
| Favourite quote: | “A more beautiful world is only a shift of perception away.” – Charles Eisenstein |
Dedicated to Brazil
I love to travel but I never forget where I came from. I’m proud of my roots and terribly miss my beautiful homeland, as well as my family and childhood friends. I hope to return for good one day and to help the community I grew up in. I dedicate Widism® to all Brazilians, especially those who struggle to survive and may never get a chance to live life wide.
