Having moved to the USA as a Brazilian immigrant at the age of 14 and starting her career at a Dior makeup counter right after high school, Camila Coelho has come a long way. Now, she is a globally known fashion and beauty influencer with over 8 million followers on Instagram, and there’s more. The self-made entrepreneur has been featured in the Forbes 30 under 30 list and is the founder and designer of her eponymous clothing line, Camila Coelho Collection. With a strong passion for makeup, she also launched her clean, luxury beauty brand, Elaluz (meaning ‘she is light’ in her native language Portuguese), last August.
Camila’s journey wasn’t an easy one. She has been battling Epilepsy since the age of nine but only revealed it last year at the age of 32. And ever since then, she also dedicated herself to the cause of destigmatising the neurological disorder. Camila is proof that sheer hard work and perseverance can help conquer your goals. In a tête-à-tête with ELLE, she tells all about her inspiring journey, and more.
ELLE: What made you go on the path of becoming a content creator?
Camila Coelho: I became a content creator in 2010. I’ve been doing this for over a decade, and my career has evolved a lot. I initially joined YouTube to make tutorials for my family (since I was a makeup artist) and friends who lived in other parts of the world. I did not expect it to lead to as I was doing it for fun, but I gained a following to my surprise.
ELLE: What inspired you to dive into the beauty space and create your own brand, Elaluz?
CC: I became interested in beauty at a really young age because my grandmother was always done up, even if she stayed inside the house – a trait I certainly took with me during the past year under quarantine. At six years old, she gave me red lipstick to wear for my passport photo, and I remember always playing with makeup or overly brushing my hair because I thought it was fun. After taking the job at a Dior makeup counter, I realised how powerful beauty is, and how it can empower you in such a strong way from the inside out. I then became a makeup artist and started making YouTube tutorials. Creating my own beauty brand quickly became a life goal of mine. To see Elaluz come into fruition has been an absolute dream come true.
ELLE: You’ve been battling Epilepsy since a young age and opened up about it last year. How did you feel after sharing the news with your followers?
CC: It was scary, but it was the best thing I’ve ever done, and I’ve been able to help so many others with Epilepsy along the way. I feel so much stronger now.
ELLE: What steps are you taking to educate your audience about Epilepsy?
CC: I want to continue to use my voice and my platform to inspire those who struggle with Epilepsy. As a board member for the Epilepsy Foundation, I use my platforms to end the stigma surrounding it and bring awareness and offer resources. For my 33rd birthday, I asked my friends, family, colleagues and followers to consider donating to the Epilepsy Foundation. I personally matched each donation, and together, we were able to raise $37,080 for the Epilepsy Foundation, which was the best birthday gift I could ever ask for.
ELLE: Where can people in India buy products from Elaluz? What are your favourite products from the brand?
CC: We sell our full range of products on Revolve.com! My top product from the brand is our Overnight Facial Glow. I also like the Lip and Cheek Stain, which is perfect for when I’m wearing a mask, and our Beauty Oil, which I apply on my face every day for that special glow.
ELLE: What does your daily skincare routine look like?
CC: In the morning, I apply the Beauty Oil to get a boost from cacay nut oil, which is nature’s retinol. I refresh my face throughout the day with my Beauty Water for a peppermint boost. At night, I apply the 24K Eye Gel in my undereye area to de-puff them.
ELLE: A fashion trend you’re currently hooked onto?
CC: I’m still hooked on oversize blazers, I can’t get enough!
ELLE: As a professional content creator, what advice would you give budding bloggers and influencers that are just starting out?
CC: My mom always told me that there is no such thing as a dream too big and if you believe it, you can achieve it. That doesn’t mean things are going to be easy. There will certainly be bumps and challenges along the way, but I believe that even the setbacks will help you eventually grow towards success.
