Our people: She believed she could, so ...

Michelli Rocha speaks English and Portuguese.

Portuguese because that's the language of the country where she was born, Brazil.

Rocha came to the United States 16 years ago. She landed in Philadelphia where she became a fan of the National Football League's Philadelphia Eagles.

The News learned more about this boutique owner and real estate agent sitting in her Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate office Thursday in Clovis.

Q: What's your idea of a perfect day?

A: I'd start off with coffee, with just a splash of creamer.

I get the kids to school, I do my real estate work, some closings, making my clients dreams' come true.

Then I pick the kids up and we go and do some fun activities.

Q: What's your theme song?

A: Music is like my escape. It's hard to narrow it down to one favorite song.

But I do have one that I hit play on my way to a listing appointment to get pumped up: "Unstoppable" by Sia.

Q: Where were you born?

A: Sao Paulo, Brazil. Born and raised.

It's the fifth largest city in the world.

I moved to the United States 16 years ago.

Q: What was the transition like in coming to the U.S.?

A: Coming from Brazil to the United States was a culture shock that started when I landed at the Philadelphia airport.

I came to the U.S. on an exchange program.

For one thing it seems like here when you go to college, you go to college.

Not many people go to college in Brazil.

Q: What brought you to Clovis?

A: Like many here, the military brought me here.

And I decided to stay.

I've made friendships here that became my family.

Q: Tell us about your family.

A: I am the only one of my family living in the United States.

My mom and two brothers still live in Sao Paulo.

I have my kids: Milena, 11, and Rocco, 10.

They are my why.

I'm a single mom and everything I do is for them.

Q: What's the best gift you've ever been given?

A: Just the opportunity to be a mom.

I know people who can't.

And I know people who are but take it for granted.

Q: What's so great about your favorite sport?

A: When I was in Brazil my favorite sport was soccer.

But since coming to the United States it's NFL football, the Philadelphia Eagles.

When I first came to the U.S., I lived in Philly.

That was my first experience, the fan base, so I adopted them.

I just like how football is competitive and fast paced.

Q: Where is your favorite vacation spot?

A: Anywhere that has sand, water and tropical weather.

I've enjoyed Mexico's beaches.

Okinawa is another place. I lived there for three years. We were three minutes from the beach.

Q: Tell us about a place you've never been where you'd really like to go.

A: I really like to travel so there are a few places I'd like to visit.

At the top of the list are Italy and Greece.

Italy because of the food. I love pasta and Italian food.

Greece because the scenery is breathtaking: Blue water, white architecture, dreamy.

Q: What is your selling philosophy?

A: The core of selling is relationships.

You have to have your client's best interest at heart.

I sell real estate but the foundation of my sales career is being a boutique owner.

I sell women's clothing. I've been doing that for eight years.

I'm really good at that.

Q: If you could master one instrument, what would it be?

A: Probably drums.

You have to have super coordination for that, your hands, your feet.

I really enjoy rock music. I believe drums are the core of that.

Q: What's the best sandwich?

A: A Philly cheesesteak.

It's hard to find a good one outside of Philadelphia, but I'll take what I can get.

But if you ask my kids they would say "grilled cheese sandwich."

With tomato soup.

Q: What's your favorite dish?

A: I like to try different dishes wherever I go.

I belong with a group of friends, we're "foodies."

We all order different dishes we share so we can try different foods.

Now when I'm by myself it's Italian food: Lasagna, pizza, anything cheesy.

If it's game day, it's wings and a beer.

Q: How would you describe yourself in one word?

A: Driven.

I feel like I just grew up being a go-getter and being self-reliant.

Q: What is your favorite saying or quote?

A: "She believed she could, so she did."

It's something I take to heart.

It's me.