Lessons in Storytelling from ImmigrantFoodie:
“Find the things that make you laugh — that’s your voice.

On Friday, March 21st, despite the remnants of a major storm that had swept through Lisbon just days prior, our creative community gathered in full force at Impact Hub Penha de Franca for an inspiring session of CreativeMornings Lisbon. The morning was filled with energy, connection, and creativity, setting the stage for a memorable event.

The session kicked off with a lively performance by SwayRow, whose unique blend of funk got everyone in the mood to embrace the day.

Following the music, our brand new hosts, Truth and Laurine, introduced the CreativeMornings concept and their ideas to expand and ehance the events, bringing fresh enthusiasm to the gathering.

We were also delighted to receive a heartfelt video message from the New York Headquarters, wishing our Lisbon team well as we embark on this new stage of our journey.

This month’s global theme was "Parallel,” and we couldn’t have asked for better speakers to embody the concept than the brothers Zaciu (”za-choo”), Sergio and Oliver, the creative minds behind ImmigrantFoodie, a popular Lisbon restaurant review handle on Instagram (30,000 followers).

Their presentation took us on a winding journey through their experiences in filmmaking, food, and the immigrant hustle, illustrating how creativity often flourishes in the spaces between different worlds.

The brothers shared their personal stories and insights, emphasizing the importance of continuous growth: “Be great at your thing, but never stop learning.”

When it comes to unlocking your own innate storytelling capability, they advised, “Find the things that make you laugh - that’s your voice. Everyone has one.”

What makes your perspective authentic to you can be found in the things that you find funny and entertaining, highlighting the importance of laughter and play in keeping the creative fires burning!

In a world brimming with ideas, they encouraged us not to hold too tightly to a single concept: “Don’t cling to one idea. Create more. Let the best rise to the top.”

They concluded with a powerful reminder that “Good ideas don’t die, they just circle back,” reinforcing the notion that creativity is a cyclical process, with timing at play for many of the best ideas. If something doesn’t work right now, it doesn’t mean it never will. Stick a pin in those ideas and you might just find there’s an opportunity for them later!

As the event concluded, it was clear that the Zaciu brothers had left a lasting impression on all attendees. Their insights into the immigrant experience and the creative process resonated deeply, encouraging everyone to reflect on their own parallel paths.

Thank you to everyone who joined us on that grey and rainy morning, demonstrating that even in challenging times, our community comes together to celebrate creativity and connection.

We look forward to our next gathering and the stories yet to be shared!