IN CONVERSATION WITH CAMILLA ARAUJO
interview by JANA LETONJA
Camilla Araujo is a Brazilian-born digital creator who’s rewriting the rules of online success. With over 9.4 million TikTok followers and 5 million on Instagram, she’s not only a breakout star from MrBeast’s ‘Squid Game’ video but also a savvy entrepreneur making waves on OnlyFans, reportedly earning over $2 million a month, not as a sex worker, but as a digital entrepreneur who’s flipped the script on what it means to use the platform, building a brand and legacy on her own terms. Camilla is building a brand that defies stereotypes, co-running Bop House, hosting her own podcast, and making bold moves in fashion, all while staying unapologetically herself.
Let’s start from the beginning. What inspired you to get on TikTok, and did you ever expect it to lead where it has?
I've always loved being behind the camera. Even before I was doing TikTok, I was into modeling and it always just felt really organic. I love expressing my creativity in absolutely everything that I do. To be honest, I did expect things to lead to where it is today given that I've been very disciplined and consistent through every stage of the process when it comes to content creation.
How did the MrBeast ‘Squid Games’ moment change your career trajectory?
‘Squid Games’ was literally filmed with 456 people, and I was one of the only people coming out of that video who had the most traction. It felt like I won the lottery and was given a once in a lifetime opportunity to follow my dreams and do what I've always wanted to do. I'll forever be extremely grateful to Mr. Beast and his crew for literally changing my life.
You’re only 22, yet you’ve already built an empire. What were the biggest mindset shifts you had to make to go from creator to entrepreneur?
In the beginning, I was just having fun until I realized I really wanted to take this more seriously and make a career out of it. The one thing I had to think about was how can I make one view equal a dollar, and can I replicate it multiple times. I am truly proud of myself for curating a team and building out systems that have gotten me to where I am today. But I will say, it's been way more satisfying and rewarding to use the same formulas to change the lives of people around me.
You’ve been very open about your success on OnlyFans, reportedly making over $2M a month. What do people still get completely wrong about you or the platform?
I think the biggest misconception about women that are on OnlyFans is that being sexy is stupid. I've made it this far because I've put myself out there and I've taken every adversity that comes with it. My one take of it is, if it was so easy for everyone to make over a million dollars a month on the platform, wouldn't everyone be doing it?
Have there been moments where you felt pressure to conform to stereotypes or expectations because of OF?
No. I think part of the reason why I thrive in many aspects of my life is because I've stayed so true to myself. Not just on OnlyFans, but just in every aspect of my life. What I love most is that I'm constantly learning and evolving.
You’ve built a brand that doesn’t quite fit the mold. Was that intentional, or did it evolve naturally?
I would say a little bit of both. I set a bunch of short-term goals that have naturally led me to the place I am at today, and I began discovering what I love to do and who I am throughout the process.
You’re not just a creator - you co-run Bop House, host a podcast, and are now making waves at Fashion Week. How do you juggle it all?
Being present in the moment and surrounding myself with people who truly love me and know who I am. Most importantly, the biggest takeaway is knowing when I need a break. I'm not a machine, so knowing when to tell myself to slow down.
How do you mentally handle being online and constantly judged by strangers?
Some of the biggest icons in the world were some of the most polarizing and controversial people on the planet at one point. Most people go their entire life without putting themselves out there, so I'm just proud that I've been strong enough to persevere, and I think it builds character and thick skin.
What can you share with us about your upcoming projects?
Honestly, I love a good shock factor moment. Just know I'm having fun and I'm so excited to fully explore the fashion world as I've always had such a passion for storytelling and creative expression.
TEAM CREDITS:
photography HARRY EELMAN
stylist JYOTISHA BRIDGES
hair SEAN FEARS
makeup JUAN ALAN TAMEZ
