Giovanna Fera is the founder of Paradox Living. Born in Sanremo, a small city on the Italian–French border known for its iconic music and flower festivals, Giovanna’s early life was shaped by culture and creativity. At the age of seven, she moved with her family to Melbourne, Australia, and later settled in Brisbane, in the Sunshine State.
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After a summer visit to Italy, Giovanna felt a strong calling to return and chose Rome as her home. Living in the Eternal City deepened her love for art, history, and food, and shaped her worldview both personally and professionally. After more than 20 years in Italy, she returned to Australia, where she now lives with her two children, bringing with her a rich blend of European influence and life experience that underpins the philosophy of Paradox Living.
Giovanna Fera is an author, illustrator, educator, and mental health advocate with a body of work that spans art therapy, children’s literature, and contemporary fiction. She has written and published eleven books, including an art therapy bedtime series and the Flow Tales Fairy Series, which explores themes of body image, belonging, and environmental awareness while celebrating the beauty of Queensland locations.
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She is also the author of the political thriller The President’s Paradox, a compelling narrative that examines the complexities of the human mind, the future of pharmaceuticals, and society’s collective dopamine-driven mental state in an increasingly technological world. At its heart, the story follows a First Lady, mother, and wife whose strength and resilience are tested as she strives to hold her family together during times of crisis.
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Giovanna’s professional journey reflects a deliberately diverse portfolio career. She has worked across corporate HR training roles and academic settings as a trainer and assessor, including recruiting and mentoring graduates for the Queensland Government She holds qualifications in Community & Social Services, Management & Leadership, Training & Assessment and Art Psychotherapy, and her insatiable curiosity continues to drive her exploration of new theories, creative techniques, and expressive forms through art and writing.
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A passionate advocate for mental health education in schools, Giovanna is known for her ability to translate complex psychological concepts into engaging, age-appropriate learning experiences. Her creative teaching approach demonstrates how mental health education can be seamlessly integrated into school curricula in ways that children genuinely enjoy.
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Beyond her professional work, Giovanna actively volunteers within the community. She has facilitated art workshops at St Vincent’s Hospital as part of a chronic pain management program, worked as a talk therapist with palliative patients, and volunteered as a home decorator with RizeUp, supporting families affected by domestic violence.
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Giovanna is widely recognised for her breadth of subject matter and her willingness to address challenging themes. Through her writing, teaching, and projects, she is deeply committed to empowering others to move beyond fear and step into meaningful self-expression.
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“Only when you let go of fear and take the daring step to create and share your story are you able to produce something meaningful—something that motivates and inspires others to do the same.”