Elisa Santos

I’m Elisa, I’m 32 years old and a mum of two girls.

My journey hasn’t been a straight line, and much of what I’ve lived through isn’t always visible from the outside. I grew up around trauma, witnessed domestic violence, and spent time in environments where safety wasn’t always guaranteed. I had close family members in prison and experienced that reality from a young age. I learned early on what survival looks like.

I’ve also experienced loss, including losing my father, and have taken on caring roles within my family — supporting my grandfather through cancer and helping care for my brother-in-law who lives with disability and epilepsy.

From a young age, I worked in many different environments, healthcare, support work, cleaning, hospitality, catering supervision, project management, HR and more. I did what was needed, adapting constantly, learning how to navigate different spaces and people.

Alongside this, I’ve also been involved in humanitarian work in Guinea-Bissau, not for recognition, but because helping others has always been a natural part of who I am.

I share this not from a place of pain, but from growth.

Today, my life looks very different. I am currently completing a degree in Global Business and Entrepreneurship, I work as a project manager, I run two cleaning businesses across the UK and Portugal, I am a qualified Life Coach, and I trade in financial markets. Most importantly, I am a present and grounded mother.

I don’t see my past as something that defines me, but as something that gave me depth, resilience and understanding.

I know what fear feels like.

I know what rebuilding looks like.

And I understand how confusing it can be when you’re trying to move forward but don’t know where to start.

This is what led me to this work.

I believe we are not meant to do life alone. I believe in connection, in shared understanding, and in creating spaces where people feel safe enough to be honest about what they’re going through.

My work is not about having all the answers. It’s about holding space, listening without judgment, and offering grounded, honest guidance when it’s needed.