Barbara Kulaif’s Inspiring Voyage: From “Below Deck” Star to Yachting Mentor and Entrepreneur
Barbara Kulaif rose to fame on Bravo’s hit series Below Deck, where her calm presence and expertise earned her fans worldwide. But her story doesn’t stop on screen. This article follows Barbara’s life—from her early soccer days to her leadership in the luxury yachting world.
We’ll explore her career milestones, personal passions, and her mission to mentor the next generation of maritime professionals. Barbara’s inspiring journey shows the power of resilience, authenticity, and purpose.
Barbara Kulaif Shines on Below Deck with Grace and Skill
When Barbara Kulaif joined season 12 of Bravo’s Below Deck, she quickly stood out. On a luxury yacht filled with drama, her calm professionalism caught the audience’s eye. With over three years of yachting experience, Barbara handled guests with poise and created a positive atmosphere among the crew.
She built strong friendships with fellow crew members like Solène Favreau, Fraser Olender, and Damo Yorg. Barbara demonstrated to viewers that success in this high-pressure world stems from hard work, respect, and self-confidence.
From the Soccer Field to the Open Sea: Barbara’s Unique Career Path
Barbara’s journey began in Santos, São Paulo, Brazil. Before entering the yachting world, she was a professional soccer player for the famous Santos Football Club from 2007 to 2013. In 2017, Barbara shifted to the cruise industry, working with MSC Cruises.
There, she organized guest activities and mastered the art of hospitality. Over time, her passion led her to private yachting. Rising to the position of Chief Stewardess, she managed crew operations and guest services on prestigious yachts worldwide. Her career path shows how adaptability and a love for learning can open unexpected doors.
Mentoring Future Yachting Stars Through Vida a Bordo de Yachts
Barbara didn’t stop with her success—she’s now helping others find theirs. In April 2025, she launched Vida a Bordo de Yachts, a mentorship program for aspiring yacht crew. This initiative supports newcomers through every step: certification, resume building, networking, and more.
Barbara noticed the challenges many face in breaking into this exclusive industry. With her guidance, she hopes to level the playing field. Her program already draws praise from young professionals seeking direction and encouragement in their maritime careers.
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Barbara’s Entrepreneurial Spirit and Love of Learning
Continually growing, Barbara began pursuing a degree in Business Administration at Universidade Anhanguera São Paulo in January 2025. She believes leadership skills and business knowledge will enhance her career and mentorship work. Multilingual and media-savvy, Barbara also connects with over 143,000 Instagram followers and a large TikTok audience.
Through these platforms, she shares behind-the-scenes glimpses of luxury yachting and life at sea. Her online presence not only entertains but also educates aspiring yachties about the realities of the industry.
A Fierce Advocate for Authenticity and Inclusion
Barbara’s journey is as inspiring as her professional one. As a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, she openly speaks about overcoming discrimination, including being denied jobs based on her appearance. Rather than allowing setbacks to define her, Barbara uses these experiences to fuel her drive and support others.
She collaborates with organizations like Sample Trip and Inner Circle Brasil, promoting diversity and career growth in Brazil’s maritime and youth sectors. Her advocacy sends a powerful message: authenticity matters, and representation matters even more.
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Family First: A Heartwarming Bond with Her Mother
No matter how far her career takes her, family remains Barbara’s anchor. She shares a deep bond with her mother, Márcia Kulaif. In December 2024, Barbara fulfilled a lifelong dream by taking her mother to New York City for an unforgettable New Year’s celebration. It was one of her proudest moments—a reflection of both her success and her gratitude. These personal victories remind fans that Barbara’s heart is as big as her ambition.
Living Life to the Fullest: Barbara’s Passions Beyond Yachting
Now 30, Barbara embraces life’s adventures with unshakable passion. She loves spontaneous beach outings, thrilling motorbike rides through Southeast Asia, and expressing her identity through tattoos—over 50 to date.
Each tattoo tells a story of her experiences and beliefs. When not mentoring or creating content, she enjoys quiet moments with her beloved husky. Throughout it all, Barbara remains a bold and evolving figure, constantly seeking new horizons while staying true to her core values.
Final Words
Barbara Kulaif’s story is one of resilience, passion, and purpose. From her time on Below Deck fame to launching her mentorship program, she continues to inspire both within and beyond the yachting world.
Her openness about her identity and her efforts to help others reflect a legacy far greater than television fame. As Barbara charts her next adventures, one thing is clear—her journey is just beginning, and many will follow in her wake.
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