Marisa Gonçalves in Grace
At Lux Fragile, bodybuilder Marisa Gonçalves channels the fearless energy of Grace Jones in a striking homage to strength, individuality, and boldness.
Photography Djenice Duarte
Makeup and art direction Antonia Rosa
Assisted by Rita Tavares
Styling Anderson Vescah
And Karol Moreira
Hair Jordan Alves
Featuring Marisa Gonçalves
Interview Daniela
Special thanks to Lucia Azevedo from Lux Frágil for location.
Passionate about art, dedicated to health and wellness, and inspired by boldness, Marisa Gonçalves embodies the spirit of Grace Jones—whose androgynous style and unapologetic individuality continue to shape fashion, music, and art. An actress, model, journalist, banker, and linguist with a Master’s degree in Languages, Marisa approaches bodybuilding as a holistic pursuit of excellence, cultivating resilience and confidence that extend far beyond the gym. For her, discipline and creativity go hand in hand, making her presence in front of the camera both powerful and reflective. Captured by model and photographer Djenice Duarte at Lux Fragile, we caught up with Marisa about her journey, inspirations, and the mindset behind her bold self-expression—the full interview follows below.
Marisa
I grew up in an environment that valued discipline and dedication. From a young age, I was fascinated by art and challenges, which led me to explore different forms of bodily expression. My interest in bodybuilding began when I sought a way to challenge my physical and mental limits, after being recognized four times as the best Angolan model and other recognitions. The combination of rigorous training, careful nutrition, and the pursuit of results deeply attracted me.
Over time, I discovered that bodybuilding was not just about transforming my body, but also about strengthening my mind and building confidence. Today, as a model and bodybuilder, I feel fulfilled in being able to inspire myself more and more and others to find their own strength and beauty, whether through sports or art. I am deeply inspired by the boldness and authenticity of icons like my mother and Grace Jones, who motivate me to be authentic and challenge standards. My goal is to continue inspiring others to find their own strength and beauty, and to never give up on their dreams.
ZOOT: Tell us a bit about your journey: where you grew up, what shaped your early years, and how you first stepped into the world of bodybuilding.
Marisa: Throughout some phases of my life, I dealt with very delicate situations that tested my limits, and the alternative I had was to continue thinking positively. I felt the human warmth, but despite any love or healing, I had to take the first step for the final result to be entirely my responsibility. All failures, all mistakes, as well as all victories are results of our actions. So, I always say: try to connect through meditation, so that in imbalance, you know how to stay firm and continue strong. Life has taught me that true strength comes from within. Through meditation and self-reflection, I’ve developed the ability to remain grounded and focused, even in the face of adversity.
By taking ownership of my actions and choices, I’ve been able to grow and overcome challenges. It’s a journey, not a destination, and I’m grateful for the lessons learned along the way.
Marisa
Marisa
My family has always valued resilience, determination, and the importance of connecting with our cultural roots. These values have been instrumental in shaping my identity and giving me the strength to face challenges. The influence of my cultural heritage teaches me to be authentic, respect traditions, and honor my family’s journey. This gives me a solid foundation to navigate the world and make decisions that reflect who I am and what I value.
Marisa
My fascination with bodybuilding began with a desire to challenge myself, push beyond perceived limits and sculpt my body into a symbol of strength and confidence. Through rigorous training and dedication, I discovered a sense of empowerment that transcended the physical realm, influencing my mental and emotional well-being
Marisa
The legacy of Grace Jones is multifaceted and inspiring, standing out for her authenticity, boldness, and artistic and cultural influence. As a force of nature, she challenged gender and beauty norms, presenting herself in a powerful and authentic way. Her powerful and authentic presence serves as an example of female empowerment, showing that women can be strong, sensual, and authentic without conforming to social expectations.
Marisa
Grace Jones´ collaboration with artists like Jean-Paul Goude resulted in iconic images of pop culture, merging art, fashion, and music in an innovative way Throughout her career, Grace Jones challenged racial and gender stereotypes, paving the way for other artists from different backgrounds and identities to be represented in the entertainment industry. Even after decades, Grace Jones remains an influential figure, inspiring new generations of artists and admirers with her boldness, originality, and talent. And here I am.
Marisa
I’ve navigated various industries with distinct beauty standards. Through bodybuilding, I’ve redefined beauty on my own terms by embracing strength, resilience, and self-acceptance. By sculpting my physique, I’ve also empowered my mind, challenging societal norms and expectations. This journey has allowed me to reclaim my body, celebrate its capabilities, and redefine what it means to be beautiful – not just physically, but also intellectually and emotionally. I’ve come to realize that true beauty lies in confidence, self-love, and the courage to defy conventions
Marisa on holistic wellness and rituals…
Physical discipline: Consistent training and nutrition planning
Mental clarity: Meditation, journaling, and language studies
Emotional resilience: Self-reflection, goal-setting, and creative expression
These practices help me stay strong, focused, and adaptable, enabling me to thrive in multiple pursuits.
Marisa on beauty rituals for a grounded and radiant glow…
Homemade Hydrating Oil: A rich, non-greasy oil blend that locks in moisture and soothes dry skin.
Sunscreen: A broad-spectrum protector with SPF 30 or higher to shield my skin from UVA and UVB rays.
Micellar Water or Soap: A gentle, effective cleanser for removing impurities and makeup.
Aromatherapy Favorites
Lavender Oil: Promotes relaxation, calms stress, and improves sleep quality.
Peppermint Oil: Boosts energy, enhances focus, and revitalizes the senses.
Coconut Oil or Extra Virgin Olive Oil : Nourishes and moisturizes, promoting emotional balance and well-being.
Hair and Body Care
Nourishing Shampoo and Conditioner: Gentle, sulfate-free products that hydrate and protect my hair. Body Oil: A luxurious blend of oils that hydrates and softens my skin.
Homemade Exfoliation Routine: Regular exfoliation to remove dead skin cells and reveal a radiant glow.
By incorporating these products and practices into my daily routine, I feel more grounded, confident, and radiant – inside and out.
Marisa on Self-Care Rituals…
Meditation: Regular mindfulness practice to calm my mind and connect with my body.
Exercise: A balanced routine of bodybuilding, swimming, kangoo jumps, cardio, and flexibility exercises to maintain physical and mental well-being.
Journaling: Reflecting on my thoughts, feelings, and experiences to process emotions and gain insights.
Marisa on sustainability and ethical choices she strives to incorporate into her daily life…
Sustainable Fashion
Conscious Fashion: I obtain ethical brands and create my own crochet pieces in a creative way, thanks to my mother who taught me this magnificent craft.
Quality over Quantity: I invest in high-quality pieces that last longer, reducing the need for frequent purchases.
Ethical Choices in Daily Life
Conscious Eating: I choose organic, local, and seasonal foods, such as sweet potatoes, yams, and pumpkin, which have been essential for my well-being.
Waste Reduction: I reduce my plastic consumption, reuse bags and containers, and recycle whenever possible.
Support for Social Causes: I support brands and organizations that promote social justice, equality, and sustainability.
Self-Care and Well-being
Self-Care Practices: I prioritize self-care practices that promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Connection with Nature: I spend time outdoors, connecting with nature and appreciating its beauty.
Education and Awareness
Continuous Learning: I seek knowledge about sustainability, ethics, and conscious practices.
Knowledge Sharing: I share my discoveries and practices with others, inspiring them to make more sustainable choices.
By incorporating intention into my daily life, I feel that I am making a positive difference in the world and inspiring others to do the same.
ZOOT: What’s currently fueling your creativity or shaking up your thinking?
Marisa: The combination of human techniques and technological innovation has been a significant source of inspiration. I utilize tools that allow me to create and experiment with new artistic approaches.
My journey in different fields has taught me to value creativity and innovation. I believe that creativity is essential for personal and professional success. […] Embracing challenges and experimenting with new things is crucial for me […]. This includes working on creative projects, traveling, and experiencing new cultures. Technology is redefining the creative process and how art is conceived. Being persistent and open to new experiences has been fundamental for my creativity.[…]
Marisa about issues the world should be paying more attention to…
Climate Change: Global warming is causing extreme weather events, affecting millions worldwide.
Deforestation: Destruction of ecosystems and loss of biodiversity are critical concerns.
Social Inequality: Environmental degradation disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, exacerbating living conditions and social inequalities.
What Can We Do?
Raise Awareness: Educate people about environmental and social issues.
Sustainable Actions: Adopt sustainable practices, reduce plastic consumption, and promote sustainable agriculture.
Support Social and Environmental Causes: Support organizations and initiatives that protect the environment and promote social justice.
By working together, we can find sustainable solutions to these challenges and ensure a healthy and balanced future for generations to come.
ZOOT: In this shoot, you pushed boundaries with fierce elegance—channeling Grace’s energy, power, and even vulnerability. What was it like stepping into that space, including moments of nudity and raw presence?
Marisa: Entering this space was a transformative experience, where I was able to channel the powerful energy and vulnerability of Grace Jones. The photo shoot was a journey of self-discovery and artistic expression, where every click of the camera captured not just the form of my body, but also my soul. Allowing myself to be vulnerable in front of the camera was liberating, as I understood that true strength comes from authenticity.
The shoot allowed me to explore my own identity and express it in an authentic way, celebrating the unique beauty of my body. The experience deeply connected me with art, showing how photography can be a powerful tool for telling personal stories.
The combination of strength and elegance was essential to capture the essence of Grace Jones, showing that true beauty comes from confidence and authenticity. The moments of nudity and raw presence allowed me to connect with my own essence, revealing deep layers of my personality.
Photography is a form of expression that transcends reality, allowing us to capture the essence of who we are.
My power comes from embracing my true self and living authentically. I believe that self-love, visibility, and unapologetic confidence are essential for personal growth and empowerment.
Marisa
To women still trying to find their power, I would say:
Marisa
Embracing Your True Self is Key: Being unapologetically you means living your life exactly the way you want to, without conforming to societal expectations. It’s about embracing your uniqueness and celebrating your individuality.
Self-Love is Not Selfish: Prioritizing self-love allows you to show up authentically in all areas of your life, build healthier relationships, and enhance your resilience. It’s essential to take care of your physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
Set Boundaries and Prioritize Your Needs: Learn to say “no” without apologizing or justifying yourself. Set healthy boundaries and prioritize your own needs to protect your time and energy.
You Don’t Need Validation from Others: Your worth and value come from within. Don’t seek validation from others; instead, focus on building your self-worth and self-confidence.
Take Time for Self-Reflection: Engage in deep introspection to understand yourself better. Identify your values, goals, and passions, and align them with your actions.
Surround Yourself with Positivity: Spend time with people who uplift and inspire you. Consume content that promotes self-love, self-acceptance, and personal growth.
Marisa shares some quotes that keeps inspiring herself...
“Be who you were created to be, and you will set the world on fire.”
“You are not obligated to apologize for who you are. Unapologetically be yourself and the right people will love and appreciate you for it.”
“Remember, finding your power is a journey, and it’s okay to take your time. Be patient, kind, and compassionate with yourself as you navigate this path”
The strongest force in the universe is a human being living consistently with his identity.
Thank you Marisa!
FASHION REFERENCES
CALZEDONIA @calzedonia
DINO ALVES @dino_alves_eu
KOLOVRAT @lidijakolovrat
PALOCERAS sunglasses @paloceras
PARFOIS earrings @parfois
RETROCITY LISBOA @retrocitylisboa
BEAUTY REFERENCES
Skin:
HAUS LABS Triclone Skin Tech Foundation “590 Deep Neutral” @sephoraportugal
HAUS LABS Color Fuse Talc-Free Powder Blush With Fermented Arnica “Dragon Fruit Daze” @sephoraportugal
Eyes:
RABANNE Colourshot cream-to-paint liquid eyeshadow “Blackmoon” @sephoraportugal
Lips:
HAUS LABS PhD Hybrid Lip Glaze Plumping Gloss “Guava” @sephoraportugal
Body:
KRYOLAN Liquid Body Makeup @kitchenmakeup
