An Icon 

with FHM USA July 2026 cover star CARA / @caraofficial 

Photographer DARWIN / @DarwinWorldMedia 

Makeup by Xander Tang / @makeupbyxander 

Hair by Erick Torres / @hairbyerxck 

It’s great to have you with us on FHM, Cara. For readers getting to know you, how would you describe your journey and the woman you’ve become today? My journey has been anything but traditional. I grew up in Corpus Christi, Texas, and music has been a part of my life since I was a little girl. I started playing the flute at twelve, eventually played piano, and fell in love with songwriting because it gave me a way to tell stories that words alone couldn’t. Over the years, I’ve learned that success isn’t about overnight moments—it’s about perseverance. Every challenge, every setback, and every victory has shaped me into a stronger, more resilient woman. Today, I’m not only an artist but also a songwriter, producer, executive producer, creative director, entrepreneur, and someone who isn’t afraid to bet on herself. 

If you could describe this chapter of your life in three words, what would they be and why? Fearless. Focused. Transformative. Fearless because I’m creating music that’s deeply personal. Focused because I know exactly where I want to take my career. Transformative because every project I’m working on is pushing me into the next chapter of my life, both personally and professionally. 

Social media often shows the highlights. What is something about your life or personality that people would be surprised to learn? People usually see the glamorous side, but behind the scenes, I’m incredibly hands-on. I spend countless hours writing, producing, developing creative concepts, and perfecting every detail of my music. I’m also very introspective. I love quiet moments, traveling, and finding inspiration from everyday life. Those moments often become the songs people eventually hear. 

What do people often get wrong about you? Sometimes people mistake confidence for having everything figured out. The truth is, I’m constantly learning and growing. Confidence doesn’t mean you never have doubts; it means you choose to move forward despite them. 

You’ve built a strong presence and personal brand. What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned about success and staying authentic? Authenticity will always outlast trends. I’ve learned that trying to be someone else is exhausting, but embracing who you truly are creates something people genuinely connect with. Success isn’t about pleasing everyone; it’s about creating work you’re proud of and surrounding yourself with people who believe in your vision. 

Confidence is something many people admire in you. What has been your biggest lesson when it comes to self-confidence and self-worth? Self-worth has to come from within. If you base it on outside validation, you’ll constantly be chasing approval. Once I realized my value wasn’t determined by opinions or numbers, I became much more confident in taking risks and trusting my instincts. 

Success often comes with sacrifices. What is one lesson you’ve learned about balancing ambition, relationships, and personal happiness? Balance is something you have to intentionally create. Ambition is important, but so are the people you love and the moments you experience along the way. I’ve learned that success feels much more meaningful when you have people to share it with. 

Who has been the biggest source of support or inspiration throughout your journey? My biggest inspirations have always been my brothers, Alex and Bryan. We grew up in a family that owned a sound and lighting business, so music wasn’t just something we listened to; it was part of our everyday lives.  They encouraged me to dream big and helped shape the artist I’ve become today. My older brother Alex is sadly no longer with us, so I live every day for him; he is my inspiration. Another person who had an incredible impact on my journey was Gangsta Boo of Three 6 Mafia, who is also sadly no longer with us. She was one of my biggest inspirations growing up, and it’s still surreal that someone I admired as a kid eventually became a supporter of my music and will be on my upcoming album. We had the opportunity to collaborate on several songs together before her passing, and I’ll always be grateful for her belief in me. Beyond her talent, she was authentic, fearless, and unapologetically herself. Her encouragement gave me the confidence to continue carving my own path, and her legacy will always hold a special place in my heart. 

What goals or dreams are you currently focused on achieving? Right now, my biggest focus is releasing my upcoming autobiographical album, “THE KRONICLES”. It’s the most honest body of work I’ve ever created. I’m also expanding into television with THE KRONICLES series, which is inspired by my life. My goal is to build a career that goes beyond music and tells meaningful stories across multiple platforms. 

What new doors or opportunities are you hoping to explore in your career? Right now, my biggest focus is my upcoming single, “Yeah WZUP.” We have some major things in the works that I’m incredibly excited about. While I can’t share all the details yet, we are securing distribution and putting together some exciting collaborations and partnerships, including iHeartRadio. There’s also strong support building around the release, and I truly believe this record has the potential to reach audiences on a much bigger scale.  ”Yeah WZUP” stems from my autobiographical album, “THE KRONICLES,” currently in the works. The goal is simple: to take “Yeah WZUP” and “THE KRONICLES” as far as they can go, connect with new fans around the world, and continue growing as artists. Every release is another opportunity to introduce people to my music and my story, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear what’s coming next. The best is truly yet to come. 

Are there other passions, creative projects, or business ventures you hope to pursue in the future? Absolutely. Music will always be my first love, but I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit. One thing people may not know about me is that I’m a huge foodie. I love exploring different cuisines, experimenting with flavors, and creating my own food concepts. It’s become a real creative outlet for me. Looking ahead, I’d love to develop my own food creations and eventually open restaurants that reflect my personality and love of bringing people together. Whether it’s through music, food, or TV, my goal is the same to create memorable and enjoyable experiences. I think food has a unique way of connecting people, and I’m excited to explore that side of my creativity in the future. 

On a lighter note, what’s your favorite song right now, and why does it resonate with you? What kind of example or legacy do you hope to set for the next generation? My favorite songs are always changing because I’m constantly discovering new music, but lately I’ve been drawn to songs that tell honest stories. Those are the records that stay with you. As for my legacy, I hope people remember me as someone who stayed true to herself, worked hard for everything she achieved, and inspired others to chase their dreams without fear. 

What do you hope readers take away from your story and this feature? I hope people realize that success rarely happens overnight. Every dream requires patience, resilience, and belief in yourself. If my story encourages even one person to keep going when things get difficult, then I’ve accomplished something meaningful. 

Finally, what’s next for Cara, and what should your fans be most excited to see from you in the future? This is one of the most exciting times of my career. Fans can look forward to new music, beginning with my latest single, “Yeah WZUP,” followed by “THE KRONICLES” album. I’m also developing the television adaptation of THE KRONICLES, and there are several exciting collaborations and creative projects on the horizon. I’m just getting started. 

Where can our readers connect with you and stay updated on your latest projects and adventures? The best place to keep up with everything I’m working on is my Instagram @caraofficial. You can also find my Spotify, TikTok, YouTube, X, and links to all my socials on my website  www.officialcara.com.