I have written 26 short stories for the Cabo Verde Believe collection: ✨ 18 about girls, and 8 about boys.
🌊 Quick Review
The Conta Di Ojo (also known as the “Evil Eye bead”) has been cherished for generations in Cape Verdean culture. Traditionally worn to protect against envy and negative energy, these glass beads were brought to the islands through trade and became embedded in local spiritual practices. Often gifted to children or loved ones, the bead is a symbol of protection, love, and resilience — a meaningful reminder of ancestral strength and community care.
💎 The Collection
This jewelry collection takes its names from Cape Verdean women, especially traditional girls’ names. It is a tribute to women who stand on their own, celebrating their strength, independence, and the quiet power of self-support.
👧 The Girls
- The Innocent: Lina — dreamy and innocent, who believes in fairy tales.
- The Everyday: Linda, Annelies, Samara, Melany — simple, ordinary lives, yet lovable in their quiet charm.
- The Strong: Zelina, Joana, Romina — independent, fearless, diligent, and kind.
- The Misunderstood: the so-called “bad girls.” Vain, selfish, even shallow — but wise, self-aware, and unafraid to fight for what they want. Isn’t that also strength?
- The Idealist: Nelida — the girl of the future, who loves without condition.
👦 The Boys
- The Innocent: Dino — pure, childish, full of wonder.
- The Paths of Men: Luis (steady), Manuel (diplomatic), Nilson (strategist in the shadows), Arlindo (hero who bears strength like a burden).
- The Misunderstood: the “bad boys” — not truly bad, just carrying their own lessons.
- The Idealist: Odair — who sees the world’s complexity, yet chooses to remain a “good boy.”
🤖 The AI Contrast
Aside the 26 human written stories, there are 6 AI-generated characters. They may look polished enough for commercial use, but they lack tension — because AI has never struggled to live in the real world, while humans always do.
🌱 The Takeaway
This act of writing has been deeply nourishing. Many characters are inspired by real people. The brand must bring good energy, so it’s basically a practice to appreciate those around us, notice hidden virtues, and archive them into narrative.
I don’t judge my characters. I don’t describe their looks — I want their souls to be heard. Some embrace tradition, others reject it. Some clash in values, but all deserve to be seen.
Because every real person deserves to be seen 👀.
And every real person deserves to be protected by the Conta Di Ojo 🧿.