What is my idea of perfect happiness? I don’t believe that there is such thing as perfect happiness. It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness.

What is my greatest fear? My greatest fear is failure. I am afraid to fail, and that failure sometimes prevents me from taking chances or trying new things. It’s rather disappointing and can set itself up in a vicious cycle of ups and downs.

What is the trait that I most deplore in myself? I’d have to say the fact that I’m really Type A – perfectionist. I obsess over things not being perfect, I constantly go over my mistakes in my head. It leads to a lot of procrastination and self-loathing, not good things! But it also drives me to succeed, I just have to work really hard not to let it get out of control.

What is my greatest extravagance? Just thought of my education. I have sunk more money into my degrees and certifications than anything else I’ve ever done. And not just tuition but books and more books and supplies and gas and time that I could have spent working. Knowledge is absolutely my greatest extravagance!

On what occasion would I lie? Everyone tells a white lie on occasion, it’s just a question of why.  We all do it. Honestly, I think the world is probably a better place because of our white lies. As long as we aren’t hurting others or breaking the law, these innocent lies can make life more pleasant. As a movie once stated, “You want the truth? You can handle the truth!” There for there are certain reasons why lying would be justified.

What is the influence of role models, in my work and in my life? Role models come into people’s lives in a variety of ways. I will always get inspired by different people. My inspiration differs from person to person. I will get inspired by friends, lecturers, great leaders while reading their books and even by seeing a beautiful emotion being expressed. Being a role model is the most powerful form of educating.

What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work? Where to start, where to start with this one… from attempted bribery by PRs in exchange for editorial placements to unwanted advances from photographers, etc., fashion is rife with all sorts of unsavory behaviour. Impossible standards and the desires to meet these out-of-reach fantasies are what this industry thrives on. That this industry has set as normal create an ideal that is impossible for adult women to achieve. From unhealthy models to blatant design ripoffs to geopolitical shifts — topics that, if really addressed, could change everything for the people who make fashion, sell fashion, and consume fashion (i.e. all of us).

When and where was I the happiest, in my work? Every single time that I had the opportunity to showcase my designs, my creations, whether online or fashion shows, theatre plays or films, it always makes me happy to see them exposed to the world. I believe the moment you see your creations up and about for the world to see, that specific moment is bliss! Also and a very important part of it is the love that you receive back from the clients, that I either helped through coaching sessions, behaviour awareness and image consultancy.  Its absolutely rewarding the feeling that you can actually make a difference.

What is my greatest achievement in work? The most important one would be reputation. My highest achievement is my clients satisfaction and happiness. The feeling that you changed someones life for the better, inspired or changed their paths. Once again, the feedback.

What is my most inspirational location, in my city? My city is actually Lisbon, in Portugal. I’m always on the lookout – I observe people in the street, I watch films, I read, I think about the conversations that I have. I consider the gestures people use, or the colours they’re wearing. It’s about taking all the little everyday things and observing them with a critical eye; building up a scrapbook which you can draw on. It’s very important for inspiration to go elsewhere: to move away from the city into pastoral settings, and to make space for meditation. Every place has its special setting for inspiration, specially in Portugal.

Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, and partner in crime? My greatest fan…I have no idea. Possibly my parents who had to put up with my creativity bursts.

Whom would I like to work with in the future? I would love to work with companies or individuals that make a substantial difference in the world, like sustainability and environmental impact. Also with the humanitarian aid organisations or something related to helping mental illness awareness, that, is a very sensitive subject to me.

With high levels of self-awareness, we can find the right direction in life, and we can build better relationships with other people. Coaching is great for helping your people build this self-awareness. Basically, all I’m trying to say is in some shape or for contribute for a better world.

What project, in the nearby future, am I looking forward to work on? I’m continuously in search of new ways to express my creativity. Always searching for new forms of inspirations, new out-of-the-box types of people, always new and exciting projects. At the moment, working with Frame Perfect Agency, I’m looking forward to keep meeting with creatives, artists and performers that have the same vision.

I dream of having my own projects, an academy or a community that teaches and guides individuals towards achieving their best selfs, vocationally and specially helping others. I feel that humanity has lost their human side.

How can you contact me? You can contact me at liliana.d.amaral@gmail.com or at the agency http://www.frameperfect.co.uk site under Creative Director tab.