Agnes Arabela Marques’ journey has been nothing short of transformative. From stepping into the limelight through Secret Story – Casa dos Segredos to making her mark in art, fashion, and entrepreneurship, she has built a career driven by passion, resilience, and creativity.
Her entry into Secret Story came at a pivotal moment in her life. “I got divorced on July 17, 2014, and applied for the show in the same month,” she shares. What started as a joke from her sister turned into a life-changing decision. “I always believed I had a lot to share with the world, so I went for it.” The experience not only gave her exposure but also helped her find direction. After leaving the show, she explored various creative avenues—music, clothing design, writing, painting, and interior decoration. However, she soon realised that true mastery required focus. “I decided to dedicate myself to one or two things,” she says. “Painting and home decoration became my priorities.”
Fashion blogging and clothing design naturally followed in her career. “I love proportion, shape, and the beauty behind numbers. Everything must have meaning,” she explains. For Agnes, beauty is not just about appearance—it is energy, self-discipline, and creativity. “There’s no such thing as an ugly woman,” she insists. “Effort, willpower, and imagination shape our beauty.”
Her artistic expression extends beyond fashion. Writing and painting have been deeply personal for her. “My book is biographical,” she reveals. “I read so much, yet I felt something was missing from the shelves. I knew I had to expose certain harsh realities—child sexual abuse, exploitation, and human trafficking disguised under a ‘spiritual’ facade.” The process of writing was challenging. “It took me more than a year to finish. Reliving certain memories wasn’t easy.”
Her paintings, on the other hand, have been influenced by various cultures and experiences. The mysticism of Transylvania left a lasting impression on her work. “I once painted in a dramatic style—angels, demons, vampires. I lived in a palace in Sintra at the time, and that environment inspired me.” However, as she traveled, her artistic vision evolved. “Japan shaped me profoundly. The Sakura trees, representing hope and new beginnings, became a symbol in my paintings.” Similarly, her time in Cape Town brought wildlife into her art. “I spent months on safaris, immersing myself in nature. The colours and energy of Africa transformed the way I painted animals.”
One of her recurring themes is the phoenix—symbolising resilience and rebirth. “I’ve endured extreme hardships—childhood abuse, human trafficking, and a traumatic marriage that nearly took my life. There was even a critical blood transfusion that I barely survived,” she admits. “But I rose from it. Through my art, I want to inspire women to reclaim their power.”
With so many creative pursuits, balancing everything has been a challenge. “Honestly, 24 hours in a day never feel enough,” she laughs. “Painting takes up most of my time, but I’m grateful for the people who support me. Creativity comes naturally to me, but logistics and organisation exhaust me.”
Her love for home decoration stems from her belief that a home should be a sanctuary. “It’s where we rest, recharge, and feel safe. A well-designed space isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about mental clarity and energy.” Clients trust her to transform their homes, and their happiness makes all the effort worth it.
Romanian heritage plays a vital role in shaping her artistic and entrepreneurial journey. “Romania is a land of mystery, culture, and resilience. We are fighters, adaptable, and creative. The world underestimates us, but we always prove our strength.”
While she is a leader in business, Agnes does not consider herself a conventional director. “I see myself as a creator,” she clarifies. “Leadership comes naturally to me, and I rarely take ‘no’ for an answer unless it’s in my best interest. Many doubted me, laughed at my dreams, but I turned every obstacle into motivation. As the saying goes, ‘Stones in the path? No problem—I build a castle.’”
Maintaining an online presence, however, has been tricky. “I’m not the most active person,” she admits. “If I don’t have something meaningful to share, I prefer not to post. Of course, I love interacting with my followers—showing my art, sharing jokes, and uplifting people. But social media can be a negative space too, so I don’t always allow comments.” Despite being well-known on television, she doesn’t label herself an influencer. “I built my career outside the internet. Managing a business while raising children was a constant battle, but somehow, everything fell into place.”
Creativity, she believes, has no limits. “Everything inspires me—nature, the moon, women’s forms, even a single drop of water. Art should push boundaries and make people see the world differently.”
For aspiring creatives, she offers this advice: “Isolate yourself for a while. Invest in yourself. Seeds grow in darkness before they bloom. Face your fears, embrace solitude, and dream big. Don’t compare yourself to others—there’s space for everyone. Just don’t give up.”
Through every challenge and triumph, Agnes Arabela Marques has crafted a life that blends passion with purpose. From reality TV to building a creative empire, her journey is proof that reinvention is always possible.
