In today’s world, everyone has the power to be influenced and to influence others, all through an image and a caption. We sat down with our latest Sbjct girl, Olivia Culpo, to discuss her social media presence and how it has transformed her life in incredible ways. Olivia tells us what parts of her life she shares with fans, how having a platform of almost 3 million followers is an added pressure and who’s Instagram she looks at most. Here is Olivia in real life and unfiltered.
BY CHRISTY KEY
JEANS Revice Denim BRA Versace Courtesy of New York Vintage EARRINGS Alison Lou RINGS Jennifer Fisher BANDANA Stylist’s Own
Christy Key You have almost 3 million followers on Instagram alone- how has the ride of social media influenced your life?
Olivia Culpo Social media has definitely influenced my life and our culture in general. It has an impact on everyone all over the world, and that is part of why I like it so much. Social media has the power to connect people from all over.
CK You have almost 3 million followers on Instagram alone- how has the ride of social media influenced your life?
OC Social media has definitely influenced my life and our culture in general. It has an impact on everyone all over the world, and that is part of why I like it so much. Social media has the power to connect people from all over.
CK What do you think it means in today’s world to have this power of influence?
OC Having a voice in this day and age can be very powerful if used properly. I try and use my voice to influence for the better and encourage women and people to feel powerful, beautiful and strong.
It is a tough balance because Instagram can just be a highlight reel sometimes. I want to be an inspiration, but I also want to push myself to be truthful and authentic.
DRESS Oscar de la Renta BAG Topshop SHOES Fila EARRINGS Jennifer Fisher BANDANA Stylist’s Own
CK Is there an extreme pressure and responsibility that comes with being an influencer? How do you cope with it?
OC There is a pressure, but it’s mostly about having fun with your creativity and style and showing your fan base more and more about yourself every day. I will say- it is a full time job and I do feel responsible to be a good role model when I can. I definitely think twice before blurting something out on socials.
CK Is there a separation between your real life and the life you lead on social media? Or do you share everything with your followers?
OC There are some aspects to my life that I keep to myself, but I really do show my fans most of my life. I don’t like to hold anything back from them and I love to show them that there are ups and downs. It is a tough balance because Instagram can just be a highlight reel sometimes. I want to be an inspiration, but I also want to push myself to be truthful and authentic.
CK You’re young, only 26 years old, but have been an influencer and in the public eye for years- do you think that changed your “growing up”- did it help or hinder?
OC I wasn’t really in the public eye until I was 19-years old, but once I won Miss USA and Miss Universe, all of that changed. I found myself on an accelerated program to growing up. I had to start making decisions early on and taking responsibility for my choices. I was also traveling all over the world. I am thankful for this however, because it really taught me to be a responsible adult and has helped me in my journey as an entrepreneur.
CK Is there a message you hope you do or want to send to those who follow you?
OC I don’t have one particular message, but I think that I would like my followers to feel like a community. We are all more similar than we realize. I try to do the same when I am on social media- looking for community and inspiration.
JEANS Revice Denim BRA Versace Courtesy of New York Vintage EARRINGS Alison Lou RINGS Jennifer Fisher BANDANA Stylist’s Own
SHIRT AND PANTS Off-White BRA The Blonds EARRINGS Edie Parker HAIR TIE Harley Viera Newton
CK The world first met you on the pageant circuit. How did becoming, not only Miss Rhode Island, but Miss Universe change your life?
OC Being crowned Miss Rhode Island and Miss Universe literally changed my life overnight. I was in school at Boston University and the next day I was living in Manhattan and traveling the world. I wanted to be in the entertainment industry before I ever entered my first pageant, which was Miss RI. I thought that pageants would help me get one step closer to my goals. It was such an amazing journey that I would not trade for the world – it taught me so much and equipped me with skills that I continue to use every day.
CK What was your year as Miss Universe like? What was your most cherished part of that year?
OC I felt so lucky to literally get to visit so many new places, countries and cultures than I could have never imagined. Traveling really can bring people together and it taught me how our world is so small and large at the same time.
CK There are always mixed views on the pageant world and the girls involved- where do you stand? What do you wish people really knew?
OC All I know is that I personally took away a lot from the experience. Although I can understand how it might not be the right track for some people, I learned poise, discipline and I made friends from all over the world.
BATHING SUIT Calzedonia TOP Wildfox SHOES Fila EARRINGS Alison Lou RINGS Jennifer Fisher
Although I can understand how [pageants] might not be the right track for some people, I learned poise, discipline and I made friends from all over the world.
PANTS Versace BODICE New York Vintage SHOES Aquazzura SINGLE STAR EARRING Jennifer Fisher MULTI-STAR EARRING New York Vintage RINGS Edie Parker BANDANA Stylist’s Own
CK You opened up a restaurant called Back 40 in Rhode Island. Was this always something you dreamed of?
OC Restaurants and cooking are things I am so passionate about. Co-owning Back 40 in Rhode Island has been such an amazing adventure for me and my family. I love getting the chance to work with my dad. Growing up our house was always the hub for everything – food, family, fun, etc. and a big part of that was cooking for everyone. I have learned a lot from my parents in terms of cooking and am learning more every day. I think that environment growing up really helped to fuel my love for food, hosting and the restaurant industry, so I would say it really has been something I have thought about doing for a while!
CK I looked at the menu and it looks delicious- may have to plan a trip to North Kingstown to try it- what was your process for choosing the menu?
OC My dad has several restaurants in the Boston area so he had a heavy hand in selecting what menu items have worked in the past. I added some of my own touches from restaurants that I have tried during my travels. My favorite is the lobster roll!!!
CK You are extremely busy, in fact you took a meeting directly after our last photo of the shoot- still in full hair, make-up and outfit! How do you find peace? How do you take a step back and relax?
OC It is a juggle for sure. I rely on my team a lot and I also take breaks when I am feeling burnt out. I honestly love what I do, so sometimes it doesn’t feel like work. I have to pinch myself sometimes!
CK What’s next for Olivia Culpo? What can the world expect to see from you?
OC I have a few things coming out in the next few months that I am really excited about. I am in a film called ‘Reprisal’ with Bruce Willis and Frank Grillo that comes out end of August. I am part of the cast of ‘Model Squad’ which airs on E! September 4th – don’t miss it! I am working on some more clothing designs that should be out sometime this year. I just booked a film that is shooting in Jamaica for a month – not bad. I hope to continue growing as a business woman and I hope that the future holds a lot for me in all different areas.
CK What’s your fav social media platform?
OC Oh Instagram for sure! I just love how visual it is! I love how they are always coming out with different features, and I love to try and figure out the best ways to use the app to interact with people. I also love that you can curate your own feed to make it completely unique to you. It’s like having your own personal magazine.
CK Your most used app on your phone?
OC I’m not going to lie, I am probably on Instagram the most out of all of the apps on my phone. I also really love headspace. It is an app that helps with guided meditation. Meditating is something I try and do as much as possible to ground myself and to get me in a great mental space.
CK Who’s instagram do you look at most?
OC I love keeping up with my own family on Instagram. Since moving to L.A., I don’t get to see them as much as I would like to, so Instagram is such a great place for me to keep up with all the great things they are doing. My sister just had a baby so I love seeing new photos. I also love to get fashion inspiration from the girls I follow. People are so creative.
DRESS Monse SHOES Aquazzura EARRINGS Alison Lou BANDANA Stylist’s Own
CK What music are you currently listening to?
OC My music choices completely depend on my mood. I love all types of music and my playlists really reflect that with artists ranging from the Dixie Chicks to Drake. One of my favorite albums to play in my house right now is Hero by Maren Morris. I would say overall I am a huge country music fan.
CK Best concert of your life?
OC I think the best concert I have ever been to is Country Fest at Gillete stadium. I absolutely love country music and the whole atmosphere there was just so fun.
CK How do you celebrate your birthdays?
OC I like to try and celebrate my birthdays with my friends and family as much as possible. This year I was able to go to Hawaii with two of my girl friends and that was such a great trip to relax and celebrate.
CK Favorite city?
OC I feel so lucky to live in L.A. because I absolutely love it here. I love that you can have the beach, desert, and mountains all so close to each other. I also really enjoy when I get to spend time in New York and Boston. I love getting the chance to see new cities and I hope to keep traveling and visiting new ones. Oh and I love any city that is by a beach. I love the sun – with a good spf of course!
CK Favorite place to vacation?
OC My favorite place for a beach vacation is actually Hawaii. I would say Maui is my favorite Island, but honestly they are all so beautiful. The water is so beautiful, the weather is amazing, and it helps that it is not too far from LA.
CK Who’s the person you tell everything to?
OC I would say I tell my sister and my mom just about everything. They are always there for me and are so real with me which I really appreciate. They’re never afraid to give me the honest truth and that’s so important to have people like that in your life.
CK We are asking the individuals we find to be extraordinary, #whatsyoursbjct? What moves you? In a handful of words…
OC I am moved by the fact that we are all driven to find human connection with each other. I don’t always know how to go about it but I am continually trying to find ways to connect and support and put myself in someone else’s shoes. Maybe the more we understand and empathize with others the less fighting we will have in the world
BODYSUIT Juicy Couture JACKET Adidas SHOES Manolo Blahnik SUNGLASSES Le Specs BANDANA Stylist’s Own SINGLE STAR EARRING Jennifer Fisher MULTI-STAR EARRING New York Vintage RINGS Edie Parker
