Skip to main contentSkip to footer

Camila Coelho: Her life beyond social media

The Brazilian businesswoman and influencer, one of the most successful content creators in the world, opened up in this interview about her work and personal life.


AUGUST 24, 2023 3:04 PM EDT

When Camila Coelho began creating beauty tutorials on YouTube, the term “influencer” didn’t carry the same weight and significance it does today. Furthermore, pursuing it as a full-fledged career was deemed unthinkable. However, within just a few years, the landscape of social media underwent a transformative shift, turning content monetization into a tangible reality.

Coelho’s journey in the United States began at the age of 14, when she left behind a small town in Brazil. This significant step was prompted by her mother’s pursuit of a better life for both herself and her children following a divorce. Later, it was Camila’s genuine passion for makeup which led her to take a position at the Dior Beauty counter, situated within one of the United States’ most iconic department stores, Macy’s, in Boston.

Unsure about her future and with a strong desire for financial independence, Coelho graduated high school with honors and boldly chose to forgo college. And from her early days on social media, Coelho always embraced openness, often recounting her story and humble beginnings.

Camila Coelho Digital Cover HOLA!© Hola
Photos: Gerardo Briceño | Stylist: Irma Martínez | Makeup: Jessy Obarrio | Hair: Dafne Evangelista | Location: Villa Positano Hernán Arriaga (diseñador de interiores) | Look: Vestido, <b>Alexander McQueen.</b>

At that time, the Latin entreprenuer could not have imagined that her path would eventually lead her to become a public figure with over 12 million followers across various social media platforms, marking numerous significant milestones. Notably, she made history in 2018 as the first influencer-led makeup to collaborate with the prestigious French beauty company Lancôme. Yet, her accomplishments extend further. She has graced the esteemed haute couture catwalks and red carpets at illustrious events like the MET Gala. In 2019, she achieved another pinnacle by introducing her fashion label, the Camila Coelho Collection.

Moreover, despite the difficulties of the pandemic, Coelho’s determination stood out. During this challenging time, she successfully launched her beauty brand, Elaluz, showcasing her impressive skills as the CEO. Today, this mother, wife, entrepreneur, and beauty and fashion businesswoman, relishes the rewards of hard work, navigating a path that hasn’t been devoid of obstacles and challenges.

Camila, who proudly identifies as Latina, has been candid about her roots, fears, battle with epilepsy, pressures of always looking perfect, and motherhood. In an exclusive interview with HOLA! USA, Camila speaks with raw honesty about these and many other topics.

“I thought I was going to give birth very easily, but I was in labor for more than 24 hours. Finally I had to have a C-section. Then it was the hormones; I was very emotional. I remember feeling guilty for being sad. I had given birth and that had always been my biggest dream.” - Camila Coelho -
camila coelho© Hola
Photos: Gerardo Briceño | Stylist: Irma Martínez | Makeup: Jessy Obarrio | Hair: Dafne Evangelista | Location: Villa Positano Hernán Arriaga (diseñador de interiores) | <i>Look</i>: Vestido, <b>Ferragamo</b>. Aretes, <b>Catherine Cordero.</b>

Camila Coelho: Moving to Miami and becoming a mother

You moved to Miami. Do you already feel at home?

So I moved to Miami almost two years ago, and I’m loving it. I think it was the best decision I have ever made. As soon as I moved here I got pregnant with my son Kai, and I had been trying for so long. So I think the Miami water really helped me out. And yes, I’m so close to Brazil here, I’m close to my family, so I’m definitely much happier in Miami.

Let’s talk about motherhood. Is it what you expected?

It has always been my biggest dream to be a mom. And when you want to be a mom so badly, you have so many expectations. So I definitely got caught by surprise in a lot of things, especially, you know, postpartum. The birth… I thought I was going to give birth very easily, but I was in labor for more than 24 hours. Finally I had to have a C-section. Then it was the hormones; I was very emotional. I remember feeling guilty for being sad. I had given birth and that had always been my biggest dream. But there are a lot of little things that being a mom comes with but it’s the most magical thing that has ever happened in my life. Now, I feel complete 100%. Before, I felt like I had accomplished so much but I didn’t feel complete. And now, I can say that I’m 100% happy and I feel so blessed to have my son.

camila coelho© Hola
Photos: Gerardo Briceño | Stylist: Irma Martínez | Makeup: Jessy Obarrio | Hair: Dafne Evangelista | Location: Villa Positano Hernán Arriaga (diseñador de interiores) | Look: Vestido, <b>Victoria Beckham</b> en Neiman Marcus Coral Gables.
“Balancing motherhood and work is really hard. I thought it was going to be easier. I think it’s hard because you want to be present in your child’s life 24/7 and you end up feeling guilty all the time.” - Camila Coelho -

WATCH A SNEAK PEEK: CAMILA COELHO

You’re not only a mother, but also a businesswoman. How do you balance it all?

Balancing motherhood and work is really hard. I thought it was going to be easier. I think it’s hard because you want to be present in your child’s life 24/7 and you end up feeling guilty all the time. I feel guilty when I leave the house to go have lunch and I’m not present if something important happens. I feel very guilty when I need to travel for work and I’m not home for three nights. But it’s a part of it and I hope he will understand. I also make sure that when I’m home, the time I spend with him is quality time and I’m 100% there for him. One thing I started to say after becoming a mom, is that it’s not about the amount of time you spend, it’s about the quality time that you spend with your child because that’s what they’re going to remember. So, balancing it all is hard, but you can definitely make it work. I’m there and I’m still learning. It’s a learning process as well. But I think getting rid of the guilt is going to be the hardest part because you always feel guilty.

camila coelho© Hola
Photos: Gerardo Briceño | Stylist: Irma Martínez | Makeup: Jessy Obarrio | Hair: Dafne Evangelista | Location: Villa Positano Hernán Arriaga (diseñador de interiores) | Look: Vestido, <b>Christopher Esber</b>. Pulsera y anillo, <b>GBGH.</b>

Camila’s journey from influencer to businesswoman

You have different ventures and businesses but you’re mostly a content creator. What does being a content creator mean to you right now?

Being a content creator to me is very important. That’s what I have been doing for so many years. I feel like today mostly everyone that’s out there on social media is a kind of content creator. Models are content creators, and singers too. Everyone is creating content for social media. And I think it’s beautiful because before, just a few years ago, people didn’t really understand what that was. Like actually creating something, content for a product or advertising this or that, or just regular everyday organic content. I love to see that because today there’s so much out there that you can really choose what you like, who you want to follow and who inspires you. So to me, it’s mostly about talking and showing what I love, which is fashion, beauty, and also my family and lifestyle. I always make sure that I’m teaching something to my followers or inspiring them in a positive way, which is very important to me.

What inspired you to create your own round Camila Coelho Collection?

The Camilo Coelho Collection (CCC) became a big dream after I started working with social media and other brands. It was actually something that my followers asked for. They’re always like, “Oh, you should have your own brand.” And I was like hmm, it seemed so far away at the time. And then I was like, you know what? I should just do it. The opportunity came and what inspired me was really my style and my connection to Brazil. I’m Brazilian, my Brazilian roots, so the brand really has that Latina vibe, that sex appeal. Of course, it changes through the years as my style changes but now I feel like we’re in a bit of a different vibe, still has the same sex appeal to it. But yeah, what inspires me is my own style and my Brazilian roots.

camila coelho© Hola
Photos: Gerardo Briceño | Stylist: Irma Martínez | Makeup: Jessy Obarrio | Hair: Dafne Evangelista | Location: Villa Positano Hernán Arriaga (diseñador de interiores) | Look: Skirt and <i>top</i>, <b>Burberry</b>. <i>Earcuffs</i>, <b>Susana Vega</b>.
“Everyone is creating content for social media. And I think it’s beautiful because before, just a few years ago, people didn’t really understand what that was.” - Camila Coelho -
Do you think that the success of the CCC line comes from your experience as a content creator?

I think the CCC has been a successful brand because a lot of people who follow me, want to wear what I wear. But also a lot of people only follow the brand, which I think is so interesting and I love that. I see that a lot of people who follow the brand don’t follow me. So I’m like, ooh, they’re actually there because they like the brand and not just because they follow me. Also, selling at Revolve , which is such an amazing retailer for us because they have such a big community there. It makes me really happy to see so many people wearing CCC. I went to Coachella recently in April, and I saw so many girls wearing my brand. I came up to them and was like, oh, can I film you? So that is priceless, creating something, working so hard on a project, and then seeing it come to real life and people actually loving it. And then not only do we have CCC, but we also have E laluz, which is my Beauty line.

What has been the most challenging aspect of navigating the beauty industry?

The beauty industry is so saturated. But you know, if you are an entrepreneur, don’t get scared. If you really want something and you’re passionate about something, do it. At the time I did think, “Oh my gosh, I’m going to launch.” It’s going to be like another brand out there. But at the same time, I was so passionate about what Elaluz is all about being vegan, clean, and cruelty-free. They are products that have ingredients that are so unique like a lot of Brazilian ingredients. We did so much research and saw our Beauty oil be one of the best sellers out there and our bronzing stick as the Allure Best of the Year award… that just proved to me I was right about doing it. There are so many products out there, but it makes me so happy that I launched Elaluz. It’s still a very new brand, we launched during a pandemic. Our bronzing category has been so successful and I can’t wait to show you guys what’s coming up next.

Camila Coelho opens up about the demanding fashion and beauty industries

camila coelho© Hola
Photos: Gerardo Briceño | Stylist: Irma Martínez | Makeup: Jessy Obarrio | Hair: Dafne Evangelista | Location: Villa Positano Hernán Arriaga (diseñador de interiores) | Look: Dress, <b>Stella McCartney</b>. Shoes, <b>Valentino</b> at Saks Fifth Avenue Bal Harbour. Bracelet, <b>Pola Thomson</b>.
“ I try to not compare myself to other people out there. Of course, it’s important to look and get inspired and see what other people are doing, but I try not to get pressured by the need to post every day or I need to look this way or that. I really go with my gut and my heart.” - Camila Coelho -
How do you stay confident in your decisions regarding your look and when to post?

I try to not compare myself to other people out there. Of course, it’s important to look and get inspired and see what other people are doing, but I try not to get pressured by the need to post every day or I need to look this way or that. I really go with my gut and my heart. But you know, there are days that I feel amazing and I feel beautiful and I wanna create content and there are days that I don’t feel like myself and I don’t feel great. I actually look in the mirror and I’m like, “Oh my gosh, I don’t look good today.” And those are the days that I’m like, you know what? I’m gonna stay in my pajamas. I’m gonna just work with my computer and my bed. And it’s OK if I’m not out there. Not every day you want to be in front of the camera and that’s the reality. Maybe a lot of people don’t talk about this but I like to create content when I feel good or else it’s going to transmit to whoever sees it, especially if it’s video. So if I’m not in a good mood, if I don’t feel great, I just try not to create content that day. And sometimes I talk about it, it’s important to also share those feelings with your followers because a lot of people feel that way. You know, they wake up not feeling great and they don’t know what it is. And then you have to stop and count your blessings and, you know, do all that.

What can we expect from Camila Coelho in the future?

It is a conversation I’ve been having a lot with my husband, which is my partner, my team. After I became a mom, I felt like, this is it. I’m accomplished. I’m happy. I couldn’t be happier than this. There’s nothing more I want. But you know, of course, there’s always something. I definitely want another child. I want Kai to have a sibling. And professionally I just want to really concentrate on my brands right now. Launching new products, working on new things for the brands and hopefully have both brands sell worldwide and being physically all over the world. That’s my biggest dream. And I do want to write a book one day, but we’ll see.

camila coelho© Hola
Photos: Gerardo Briceño | Stylist: Irma Martínez | Makeup: Jessy Obarrio | Hair: Dafne Evangelista | Location: Villa Positano Hernán Arriaga (diseñador de interiores) | <i>Look</i>: Dress , <b>Alexander McQueen</b>. Shoes, <b>Balmain</b> at Neiman Marcus Coral Gables.
“For a long time I felt very insecure for not having attended the University. Now I’d like to write about something that inspires people and shows them that they can achieve anything they want if they work really hard…” - Camila Coelho -
If you write a book, what would it be about?

I think my book would be mostly about my life and challenges I faced. Starting off as someone who did not go to college and for a long time felt insecure even about saying it. I really want to talk about what it is like to create a brand because today I feel like I’ve accomplished so much and not going to college made me work even harder to get to where I am. So something around that, just to inspire people and show them that they can be whoever they want to be if they work hard, if they’re a good person and if they really want it.

We saw you a couple of months ago at Haute Couture Week in Paris…

Yes, it is one of my favorites, especially the one in July. The weather was wonderful. I missed it for a few seasons because of Kai but I really enjoyed returning to Paris.

Which are you favorite brands other than CCC?

There’s so many brands I love and work with. I love the Attico and Jacquemus. I think all and these brands have this sexiness to it, but also cool at the same time. And I’m also obsessed with Saint Laurent. The shoes especially, like, my favorite shoes are Saint Laurent.

camila coelho© Hola
Photos: Gerardo Briceño | Stylist: Irma Martínez | Makeup: Jessy Obarrio | Hair: Dafne Evangelista | Location: Villa Positano Hernán Arriaga (diseñador de interiores) | <i>Look</i>: Vestido, <b>Victoria Beckham</b> en Neiman Marcus Coral Gables. Zapatos, <b>D’accori</b> en Saks Fifth Avenue Bal Harbour.

CREDITS:

Executive Editorial Director: Nagidmy Márquez Producción y realización: Alonso Collantes / Pedro Zurita Photos: Gerardo Briceño Fashion Editor: Chiara Primatesta Fashion Stilyst: Irma Martínez Makeup: Jessy Obarrio Hair: Dafne Evangelista Photo Assitant: Antonio Gómez Stilyst Assitant: Silvania Riascos Video: Caterina Zanelli / Hugo Tobi / Daniel Neira  Social Media: Caterina Zanelli  Location: Villa Positano / Hernán Arriaga (interior designer)