Woman

On Style
My style changes all of the time, depending on where I am and what
I am doing. Before I had kids, I wanted to be sexier, and after I had kids
and got married, I still wanted to be sexy but also respectful of what I
carry behind me.
I like to have fun with style and also like things that are timeless
and ageless. I like a mix of vintage and designer clothing, and jewelry
things that are very beautiful and tasteful. I mix and match a lot. I get
my $9 earrings or clothes from Target, and I mix with very fancy pieces.
Most of my expensive jewelry has been given to me as a gift. I love collecting
vintage pins and jewelry.
I always mix high and low. I have a really hard time paying a lot of
money. I come from a simple background and I love a bargain. In my life,
I always had to make things look better than what they cost.
The biggest mistake women make is when they try to look like
someone else. The beauty of fashion is that every single woman can
look different; they can put their own flavor on an outfit. When I need to
get inspired, I watch the everyday woman.
On Her Priorities
My No. 1 priority is my family. I love them the most. After I had my
third child, my time became more limited and my husband was working
a lot, project after project. And time is a limited thing, so I started to
think about the things I really enjoy doing and decided that is how I am
going to spend my time, do the things that I love: cooking, decorating,
entertaining and my kids’ activities. I enjoy anything that is related to
creating a beautiful lifestyle.
If I wanted to be present in my kids’ lives, I had to shift my priorities,
and that was very important to me. I stepped back from my
handbag-design business that I created with my mother. I realized how
hard it is to be a woman and juggle everything. Deep down, I think all
women want their home to be beautiful, they want to look their best and
they want to cook for family and friends. I am passionate about sharing
those things, and anything I can do to encourage and help other women
makes me happy. I like to touch people on a deeper level, bring a smile to
their faces and share the things I love to do.
I always try to be in a good place in life. I can’t stand false drama.
Life is going to bring real drama naturally, so save ourselves for when
that happens. Right now, I’m just enjoying my life. I am my husband’s
biggest supporter. I want to see him doing the best that he can. That
makes me extremely happy. I believe that everything falls into place
when it is supposed to.
On Business
I have to work. I have worked my entire life. Otherwise, I would go crazy.
In my mind, I have always been a businesswoman. I love marketing
ideas and developing products. I love to hear stories of how businesses
got started and how they grew, how they operate and connect.
When you are creating a business, it is a big commitment. The
first question I ask myself is, “Do I love it” You can never succeed in
something you aren’t passionate about. I am very excited by my new
partnership with Target, which will allow me to share tips and advice
for other moms about all of the things I am passionate about, from decorating
and entertaining to beauty and cooking.
On Philanthropy
I have always done charity work, ever since I was a kid. Growing up
in Brazil, it is almost impossible to ignore the need. We started JKL [Just
Keep Living Foundation] when Levi was born. We sold his baby pictures
to fund the foundation, and people questioned that, but we wanted to
control those first photos and gave 100 percent to fund the foundation,
and it has become more successful than we could have imagined. In six
years, we are in 24 schools across the country, in L.A., Austin, Dallas and
New Orleans.
I call the work of the foundation the science of happiness. Happiness
is the result when it all comes together, and we have proof of our
success, from the grades to the graduation rates to the jobs our kids are
getting when they participate in the program. It has four pillars: fitness,
wellness, service and nutrition. It started as an after-school fitness program
for teenagers during their most vulnerable years. We wanted to
give the kids a safe place to go. We included all kids: those with special
needs, the athletes and those with low self-esteem and weight problems.
We talked about the problem of bullying in school, taught them about
nutrition on a budget and took them outside of their neighborhoods to
see that there is a big world around them. They are learning how to be a
productive and active part of their community. It is amazing to see how
it has changed them.
On Austin
Matthew has a long history with Austin. He made most of his good
friends here when he went to UT. He genuinely loves this town and we
really wanted to raise our children here.
The thing that I love most about Austin is the way the people are,
who they are and they own it, not trying to act like something else
and not trying to look like something they are not; they are who
they are. People here don’t expect you to be like anyone else. They are
not overly impressed with celebrity. They are very accepting, proud
but not trying to prove anything. Austin people just smile when they
see us in a grocery store and give us a high five like they are happy we
are here.
People who live in Austin are happy to live in Austin and they are
happy with what they are doing. My children’s teachers are happy to
be teachers, content with their life. People here think outside the box
and there are a lot of talented people here. Everyone wants everyone else
to do well and succeed. People want to share their happiness. There are a
lot of smart people here and people believe in each other.
We go to church every Sunday when we are here. Our kids are learning
to be part of the community. We can share traditions, family and
sports. Austin is a liberal city in a conservative state and we like that
balance. It is a good place to raise our kids.
Watching the transformation
from everyday Camila to supermodel bewitches everyone in the studio.
As she steps in front of the camera for the first shot, she is completely
on. The camera loves her and she loves the camera. Never pretentious
but always confident in her look and what will look right for her,
Alves works with the team on all aspects of the shoot, from wardrobe to
hair to makeup.
She is a total pro and, before I know it, she is back in her street clothes
and we are sharing a Chinese chicken salad during the interview like
old friends. The interview goes longer than expected and ends when her
phone notifies her of a prior engagement with her No. 1 priority. She hurriedly
says her goodbyes as she rushes out the door to spend time with
her children. She is perfectly backlit as she opens the door of the dark
studio, a woman whose many facets are shining brilliantly.
70 | Austin Woman | JanuarY 2015