Carla Howe Chases Her Passion
with Carla Howe / @carlahoweofficial
If you could write a letter to your younger self, what would you say? I’d tell her not to stress what feels like the end of the world now, it won’t even make your highlight reel later. Life sorts itself out, so trust the process and keep it moving.
What’s a childhood dream you’ve held on to? I always dreamed of living that Hollywood life, being on screen and part of that world. I got a taste of it with my cameo in the comedy Mac and Devin Go to High School on Netflix, my time at the Playboy Mansion, and the amazing creatives and celebs I’ve worked with along the way. It’s been a dream come true… and honestly, this feels like just the beginning.
Looking back, what advice would you give to your younger self? I’d tell her never to live in regret, chase every passion, try everything, and never let anyone’s opinion steer you off your own path. I’ve gone after my goals and dreams full force, stay locked in on my vision, and block out the noise.
What do people often get wrong about you? People assume I’m this wild, loud party girl, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Off-camera, I’m actually introverted. I love a calm, stress-free life, focusing on beauty, wellness, biohacking, working out, and traveling the world. My real happy place is quiet, peaceful, and all about self-care.
Do you have any hidden talent, and if so, what is it? One thing people don’t always see is how sharp I am I’m very assertive, and my memory is next-level. I pick up on details most people miss, and I think that’s been one of my superpowers in life and work.
What’s your guilty pleasure snack? Sweets, chocolate, cake, ice cream, candy…I love.
What’s the boldest decision you’ve ever made that changed your life? Moving to the U.S. at 18 to chase my Hollywood dream was definitely the boldest move I’ve ever made. I started out in New York with my twin sister Melissa. My first gig was in a 50 Cent music video and from there, I made my way to Hollywood. That one decision changed everything for me.
What’s one thing you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t dared to try yet? I stepped way out of my comfort zone when I took part in the UK reality show Celeb MMA. Learning boxing and MMA was very hard. The training was brutal, but watching how disciplined and focused the pros are really inspired me. It pushed me to live outside the box and try new things. I’ve just started tennis, and one day I’d love to add a new language to the mix, maybe Spanish next.
What’s a powerful lesson life has taught you that you think everyone should learn? Life’s taught me that every obstacle is just a push toward something better. I truly believe what’s meant to be will be, and you’ve got to lean into that, try everything that comes your way, follow your passions, chase your dreams, and do what makes you genuinely happy.
What’s one thing you’ve done that you think your younger self would be proud of? I think my younger self would be proud that I went all in on my Hollywood dream, from living at the Playboy Mansion to working with Snoop Dogg and some incredible creatives. On top of that, getting to travel the world as an influencer, creating content for luxury hotels and big travel PR projects, has been an unforgettable ride.
What’s one thing you do daily that keeps you grounded or balanced? I’m big on self-care, working out almost every day, from Pilates and yoga to one-on-one sessions with my trainer. I’m a total biohacking and wellness addict, cryotherapy, red light therapy, vitamin IVs, you name it, I’ve tried it. I love exploring beauty and anti-aging hacks, and honestly, nothing feels better than investing in my health and feeling amazing from the inside out.
What’s a song that always boosts your mood or gets you hyped? Destiny’s Child’s Independent Women will always be my anthem. When my sister and I moved to Hollywood at 18, chasing our dreams, that song just matched our whole vibe, building everything from the ground up on our own, no handouts, just dedication.
If you could switch lives with any celebrity for a day, who would it be and why? Honestly, I wouldn’t switch lives with anyone. I’ve been lucky enough to meet so many of my idols over the years, and it’s only made me more focused on becoming the best version of myself and creating the life of my own dreams.
What’s the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done? Being a Gemini, spontaneity is just who I am. I’ve made some wild last-minute moves like deciding to pack up and move to the U.S. at 18, flying to Melbourne with my friend Chloe on a whim last year, and now I’m off to Ibiza next week, totally unplanned. I just believe life’s too short for regrets, so I go where life takes me.
What’s your go-to way to relax and unwind after a busy day? My ultimate way to unwind is definitely a spa day, beauty treatments, shopping, and watching Netflix or Amazon Prime. It’s my perfect balance of self-care.
What’s a fashion or beauty trend you’ve tried that you’ll never do again?I don’t really regret any looks; fashion evolves, and at the time, I loved what I wore. I’m all about being glam, dressing up, and experimenting with new styles, so even my past looks are just part of the journey.
What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received? One of the best compliments I’ve ever had was when Carmen Electra slid into my DMs and told me I was hot. People always say we look alike, and she even called us ‘twins for life’; that was definitely a moment.
If you could only pack three things for a weekend getaway, what would they be? Easy makeup, skincare, and a good fake tan. And yes, skincare totally counts as a whole beauty kit in my book.
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever eaten or tried? Since living in LA and Miami, I’ve become super health-conscious I’m vegan now, no meat, no dairy, no gluten. I still love trying new plant-based options, but you won’t catch me eating anything outside that lifestyle anymore.
What’s a piece of advice you’ve received that’s stuck with you? One piece of advice that’s always stuck with me, especially from my time in LA, is ‘stay true to yourself.’ I’ve carried that with me ever since. I’m naturally a very truthful, straight-talking person, maybe being British, and I think staying authentic is the real key to everything.
What’s a hobby or interest you have that people might find surprising? I just started tennis lessons. My coach said I am fast and have a good backhand, but I’m definitely not there yet with rallying, so watch this space.
If you could star in any type of movie, what genre would it be and why? I would love to star in a crime series like Queen of the South. I just am obsessed with those shows, and being like a Teresa Mendoza or hot glamour girl that would be amazing .
What’s the most memorable DM you’ve ever received? My most memorable DM has to be from Cristiano Ronaldo. I was living at the Playboy Mansion and tagged him as my MCM he liked the post and slid into my DMs with just a simple ‘hello.’ Definitely one of those ‘did that just happen?’ moments.
If you could have dinner with any three people (dead or alive), who would they be and why? Marilyn Monroe, because she’s the ultimate icon. Tupac, because he was also, and I’d love to ask him the truth about what really happened, how he died. And Sarah Jessica Parker, because I’m obsessed with Sex and the City and never miss an episode of the new And Just Like That.
What’s next for you? Any exciting plans or projects coming up? I’ve got some incredible luxury travel PR collaborations coming up, which I absolutely love doing creating content in stunning destinations is a dream. I’m also working on a UK skincare brand partnership and a fashion project that I’m really excited about, so watch this space.