My work has made me my own boss and I can’t wait to go back’, says Francisca, Ufam’s ‘Truffle Aunt’.

Priscilla Peixoto – Cenarium Magazine

MANAUS – “My heart belongs to Ufam. There I work, I’m happy, I help those in need and I discover myself as a human being with every truffle that sweetens someone’s life. I can’t wait to go back”, the phrase full of affection and anxiety is from Francisca Queiroz de Lima, 63 years old, popularly known as ‘truffle aunt’. Beloved by the faculty and students of the Federal University of Amazonas (Ufam), the saleswoman is just waiting to get back to her job, after almost two years away from the campus, because of the pandemic. The activities, on site, are expected to return on Monday, 10.

Since March 2020, without selling the sweets at the university, Francisca, as well as most of the population, had a hard time because of the health chaos and social isolation. According to her, there was no mood to make the sales and, especially, in another place other than the university campus. “I even took some orders, but what I’m really waiting for is the time to go back to the place where I sell happily and with love”, she says.

For almost 20 years selling truffle bonbons, the ‘truffle aunt’ has been in several places in the city, but has never left Ufam aside. The charismatic, cheerful, and welcoming figure made Mrs. Francisca Lima be considered, by the university class, a kind of “patrimony of the place”. “Ufam without truffle auntie is not the same thing; the same joy and sweetness”, says the saleswoman.

History and memories

Born in the city of Coari (363 kilometers from Manaus), Francisca was married for almost ten years and became a mother to three children. Before becoming the well-known ‘truffle aunt’, she worked in public agencies in the municipality and, when she came to Manaus, she worked as a diarist for some time.

“One day, one of my sons told me that truffle sales were on the rise and I decided to take a chance. I made about 70 units and went to sell them at the Federal University of Amazonas (Ufam); when I got there, they ran out in less than half an hour. There I decided that I wanted to do this for a living. I stayed and ended up being baptized by a student as ‘truffle aunt’ and the name stuck. I never wanted to work in anyone’s house again, I went on to take care of my humble business”, reveals the aunt.

As time went by, the saleswoman accumulated experiences and memories that she treasures with affection and affection. She highlights some episodes provided by the bond established with the university students at Ufam. A resident of the Coroado neighborhood, South Zone of Manaus, Francisca has even given up her house for some students to stay during university programs.

“Already arrived students from outside (freshmen) Curitiba, São Paulo, Minas Gerais and other corners; In short, hosted 16 people in my house and shared everything with them until they are getting ready, getting a fixed place to stay; and I do not regret “, recalls Francisca.

She says that the partnership also happens when young students need a ‘little urgent help’ amid the hustle and bustle of college and the difficulties of everyday life. “There have been students who have come to ask for bus tickets, photocopies, and food; many spend the day there, and this touches my heart, and I gladly take it out of my humble box. These are people who are there in search of a profession and in search of a dream”, says the saleswoman.

The relationship of exchange and affection with the students is so real that the ‘truffle aunt’ claims to participate in graduations, events, and is even invited to pose as a live model for the classes of the Arts course.

Not Him

Another defining moment for the saleswoman and story collector dates back to 2018, when she took to the streets of Manaus to participate in the ‘Women Against Fascism’ demonstration. In bikini, painted body and poster in hand, the mature woman and owner of her own wills joined the mobilization to face prejudice, sexism, and authoritarianism.

Factors that even victimized her, right after she put her ‘body on the line’ in a bikini, at the demonstration. But the criticism was not enough to shake and stop the daring woman. “I was attacked even by people outside here; my name was on sites all over Brazil; I didn’t even care, I know myself and my values”, says Francisca.

Success

The fame of the high-spirited and hardworking woman left the university campus and ended up being known throughout Manaus. The famous saleswoman has already participated, inclusive, in other works by local artists, such as participation in a clip by the singer Marcia Novo, in a new version of the song ‘Subindo nas Paredes’ (Rising on the Walls), popularized by the singer Nunes Filho.

She has also been honored by the drag queen Aurora Boreal in the song ‘Sou Forte, Sou do Norte’ (I am strong, I am from the North), in 2020. Recently, she was invited to compose the figuration of the clip of the newest audiovisual work of the Amazonian influencer Ruivinha de Marte, entitled ‘Bumbum de Grilo’ (Cricket’s Butt).

“I am very happy when I am remembered, that for me, in the prime of my 63 years, is incredible. To be able to play in a healthy way, to participate in the work of these people who foster the entertainment and culture of our city, for me, it is an honor to share these moments”, she celebrates.

“Forever the truffle aunt”

Although known for the truffled sweets, Mrs. Francisca’s sales are not restricted to this single product. In her stand, delicacies such as alfajor, cookies, brigadeiros, and dindins also complete the budget along with the filled chocolates, of varied flavors, made at home.

When asked what is the secret to having so much disposition and joy in life, the character answers in tones of laughter. “The first time was when I got out of a suffering marriage, where I was imprisoned for ten years, and the second time was when I dedicated myself to truffles. This is my life, my freedom and happiness. Before being the ‘truffle aunt’ I was a sad woman inside; and having this contact with these young people, full of dreams, does me good, and today I just want to be happy and earn my own money”, she concludes.