Sissy Alencar was born and raised in one of the driest and hottest state of Brazil, in a small rural community in the state of Piaui. Her family home was made of mud, wood and the roof of palm tree leaves. They had no running water, sewage or electricity in the house. Life was not easy and far from perfect but it was lived with dignity.
To get to school Sissy had to travel a few miles through ragged terrain, cattle and farm fields, often by herself and bear footed. When back home from school, she helped her mother with the house chores, her father and her twelve brothers and sisters in the family’s farm where they lived. On weekends she often helped her family selling their produces at the local market.
Sissy and her family consumed primarily what they produced in the farm, but during drought season their farm’s crops would often not thrive and the food were usually scarce. In spite of the harsh condition they lived in, her family often managed to share what little crop was available with their neighbors. That is how she learned the value of hard work, solidarity and sense of community. Being in contact with nature and having to be largely self-sufficient from such a young age, she learned about sustainable agriculture and the importance of protecting our natural environment. As a little girl her big dream was to come to the United States.
In the States Sissy has been a licensed cosmetologist for over 20 years. Early in her career she acquired years of experience working for prestige brands such as Lancome and Chanel, as well as her own salon & spa. In the year 2000 she created the unique Alencara name brand of services and exclusive products made in the USA. As a hair, skin care and facial specialist she is passionate about bringing safe natural products that are environmentally friendly, to enhance an individual’s self-image, health and wellbeing. Inspired by her upbringing, she has spent much of her life’s journey involved in volunteer, charitable and community services. She is the founder of S.O.S., Sissy’s Organization Support, a small Florida non-profit charity dedicated to help the homeless and victims of domestic violence. In the Year 2017/2018 S.O.S. provided humanitarian services and aid to families victims of Puerto Rico’s hurricane Maria.