Barbara Perino is a dynamic entrepreneur and founder of Lemon Magazine and Sentidos Beach Retreat, a luxury hotel in Mozambique. With roots deeply connected to Mozambique, Barbara is driven by a passion for empowering underprivileged children through education. Her dream is to establish a foundation that provides educational opportunities to those in need, a mission she already supports through her businesses.
As a mother and creative visionary, Barbara brings authenticity and inspiration to Lemon Magazine, a lifestyle publication that celebrates modern parenthood, blending family life, fashion, and real-life challenges in a refreshing and imperfect way. Her unique outlook, shaped by her children and life experiences, influences the content and ethos of the magazine.
Barbara’s work in fashion, both for adults and children, draws from her love of colour, design, and meaningful messaging. Balancing her roles as a businesswoman, mother, and advocate for change, Barbara is committed to making a positive impact, both in her community and beyond.
Tell us about the inception of Lemon Magazine. Where did you find the inspiration?
Lemon was born out of love and creativity. Lemon embraces the beauty of parenthood, as well as the bitter side of it. I felt the market needed a magazine that addresses modern motherhood in a real, inspiring, and imperfect way.
How do your roots in both Portugal and Mozambique inform the work you do?
My roots, my ancestors, are who I am. My roots in Mozambique opened my eyes to a world where not everyone has the same opportunities. We are the privileged ones, and we must open our eyes and look around. My fight, my dream, is to provide education to children who do not have that opportunity, and my main goal is to start a foundation to do so. I already do this through my businesses and privately, but I can’t do it by myself anymore. I want to reach more children, more people who just need education to change the course of their lives, their families, and their communities. That drives me when it comes to Lemon. We write for awakened people, for our future world citizens who don’t look away when they see injustice, a lack of opportunities, and who make a difference. People think making a difference is only for those who have “money,” but no. A difference is a smile you give to a stranger in the morning, perhaps making their day better. A difference is when your neighbour has to work four jobs, and you offer to look after their children. A difference is a helping hand, a necessity to share your privilege. A difference is love for all living beings.
With this in mind, I take these values with me when choosing articles and people to feature. Of course, I love to inspire people with the magazine, make them dream, but also help them understand that they are not alone in feeling like they are “not the perfect parent.”
How has becoming a mother contributed to your creativity?
What’s more beautiful than having future citizens in your home? Motherhood opens not just your creativity, but also your resilience, understanding, infinite patience (Lord help us!), and a love bigger than anything else. My children inspire me every day, and Lemon reflects a lot of that. We address issues that I sometimes face in my own home. When it comes to fashion, I must say it’s much more fun and uplifting in the children’s world than in the adult one. Having kids of your own opens a much wider perspective, not just on fashion, but on everything.
What advice do you have for the modern mother who is trying to create a better work-life balance?
Girl, I feel you! You wake up in the morning, and someone needs you! You go to work, and guess what? Someone needs you! You come home, and once again... someone needs you. So basically, the only time you get to yourself is those five minutes when everyone is asleep. Problem? You tend to fall asleep too, so no "me time."
My most precious advice is: TAKE A WEEK JUST FOR YOURSELF. Whether it’s a retreat, a holiday, staying at a friend's house, or visiting your parents—whatever it is, make sure you’re in a place where you don’t have to worry about breakfast, lunch, snacks, or dinner! If you can’t take a full week, split it up, but make sure you do it. You, yourself, and no one else.
Remember, if you don’t take time to breathe and reconnect with yourself, you won’t be able to give your best version to your children. So NO, it’s not a luxury—it’s a necessity!
What are you feeling inspired by lately?
Movement, chaos, Mother Nature, the reshaping of the world, the awakening of the people, injustice. The colours of nature, observing people, human behaviour.
As a lover of fashion, describe your current favorite outfit to us.
I’m a Saint Laurent girl! I love the pencil skirts, big shoulders, and at the same time, the fluidity of Chloé dresses. In children's fashion, I’m inspired by both colour and message.
