Stay true to who you are
with this month’s cover star CARA / @caraofficial
Photographer Darwin / @DarwinWorldMedia
Photographer Assistant Elizaveta Zakharkina / @lizabtw
Hair & Makeup Patrick Santa Ana / @patricksantaana
Hair & Makeup Assistant Jasmyn Medina / @patricksantaanastudio_agenc
Such an absolute honour to have you on Playboy. Can you give us a bit of a background on your career as a model and where it all started? Thank you, it truly is an honour. My journey started long before the cameras. I grew up in Corpus Christi, Texas, and creativity was always my escape. Modeling came naturally since I started at the age of 13 in Texas. I moved to Los Angeles at 18 because it allowed me to merge fashion, music, and storytelling into one visual language. Soon after that, I became bi-coastal, splitting my time between LA and NYC. From early commercial shoots to high-fashion editorials, every step taught me how to own my presence and express my identity.
What’s a project or goal you’re currently working on that you’re really excited about? What is at the top of your list to achieve the most in 2026? Right now I’m focused on my upcoming album, THE KRONICLES, which is the most honest body of work I’ve ever created. I’m also developing more visual content and collaborations that merge music and fashion in a way that feels fresh. In 2026, my biggest goal is expansion globally, performing my music, building my brand, and stepping deeper into creative direction.
What does it mean for you to be seen as a strong, intelligent, ambitious woman? It means everything. I’ve survived a lot, and I’ve learned how to turn survival into purpose. Being seen as strong and ambitious isn’t about perfection; it’s about resilience, self-awareness, and refusing to shrink yourself. I’m proud to represent women who create their own lane.
What would you say makes you stand out in the industry? My versatility is what truly sets me apart. I’m not just a singer; I write, produce, model, and creatively direct every visual I put out into the world. I build the full universe around my art. Having Nick Hrisomalos on my team, who serves as VP of the label I own and distribute out of, has been a core part of that growth. I’m unapologetically both vulnerable and bold, and I think people can feel that. Everything, the sound, the look, the energy comes from a place of real authenticity.
What are some of your biggest passions? Music, fashion, storytelling, and empowering other women. I love creating worlds, whether through sound, visuals, or performance. Anything that allows me to express emotion or connect with people on a deeper level fuels me.
If you weren’t in the entertainment world, what career would you love to explore? If I weren’t in entertainment, I’d explore political science. I’m fascinated by how policy shapes real lives, especially in underrepresented communities, and I could see myself in advocacy or public policy, pushing for equity and meaningful change. And knowing my heart, I’d weave my love for dogs into that path too. Rescuing East and Hazel changed me; it taught me how powerful compassion and protection can be. I’d bring that same energy into any world I stepped into.
Three ultimate deal breakers when it comes to men?
• Lack of ambition
• Dishonesty
• Inconsistency
Confidence, respect, and intention matter more than anything.
We are taking you out on your ultimate date, and we really want to knock this one out of the ballpark. What would that entail? Private, thoughtful, and intentional. Start with a beautiful dinner candle-lit, intimate, maybe overlooking the city. Good conversation, good energy, and no rush. Then something spontaneous and fun: a night drive with music playing, or a rooftop moment under the stars. Simple but unforgettable.
What are some of the things that attract you to a man? Confidence without arrogance. Emotional intelligence. A man with purpose, vision, and the discipline to follow through. Someone who makes me feel safe, inspired, and understood.
You have one last chance to do something you have always wanted to do, with no limits on anything. What are you doing? Performing a world tour my music, my visuals, my creative world on the biggest stages across the globe. That’s the dream.
What advice would you give to all the women out there when it comes to love and relationships? Where can our readers catch up with you and stay updated with your work? Choose a partner who matches your energy, respects your boundaries, and encourages your growth. Love should feel like a partnership, not a sacrifice.
Where can our readers and your fans keep up with you? You can follow my journey on Instagram: @caraofficial, that’s where I share my music, visuals, and all my upcoming projects.
We are so happy to have gotten to know you a little bit! Any last words for our readers? Thank you for having me. Stay true to who you are, trust your path, and never dim your light for anyone. The world needs your voice.
