Meet this month’s cover star Mayara Lopes / @iwantmayara
Photographer Manny Oquendo / @mannyoquendo
Hair & Makeup @carly_does_makeup
We’re happy to have you featured on FHM. Can you give us a bit of a background on your career as a model and where it all started? My modeling journey began at 18 with my first shoot for Suicide Girls, and I’ve been in love with photography and embracing my sensuality ever since! There’s something powerful and beautiful about celebrating women’s bodies. A dream of mine also came true when I landed the cover of South Africa’s Playboy in March 2023.
What helps you decompress and relax? Gardening, painting, and cooking are my go-to ways to unwind. I’m a simple girl at heart, and spending time at home doing these things brings me a lot of happiness and relaxation.
How romantic are you? I’d say I’m definitely a romantic at heart! I love the little things that make a relationship special thoughtful gestures, meaningful conversations, and creating memories together. For me, romance isn’t just about grand gestures, but also about the everyday moments that show care and connection. Whether it’s planning a surprise date, leaving a sweet note, or just spending quality time with someone, I enjoy finding ways to keep that spark alive.
Having a full schedule must make it difficult for you to get much alone time, talk to us about the top 3 must-dos to ensure you fit in some well-deserved downtime. You’re right having a packed schedule can make it challenging to carve out some alone time. However, I’ve found that prioritizing downtime is essential for staying balanced. Here are my top three must-dos to ensure I fit in some well-deserved rest: Schedule ‘Me Time’ Just Like Any Other Appointment. Practice Mindful Disconnecting. At least once a day. This could be for 30 minutes or even a full hour, just to reset my mind and avoid digital overload. It’s amazing how refreshing a tech break can be. Incorporate Mini-Rituals into Daily Routines. I have small rituals that I integrate into my daily routine, like a cup of tea in the afternoon or a walk after dinner. These small but consistent practices help me unwind and offer moments of peace, even on the busiest days.
what does it mean for you to be seen as a strong, intelligent, ambitious woman? Being seen as a strong, intelligent, and ambitious woman means a lot to me because it reflects the qualities I’ve worked hard to cultivate. Strength, to me, isn’t just about resilience in the face of challenges, but also about being compassionate and authentic in my interactions. Intelligence is more than just knowledge; it’s about being curious, adaptable, and open-minded. Ambition drives me to constantly grow and push beyond my comfort zone, striving to achieve my goals while also inspiring others to pursue theirs. Ultimately, it’s an affirmation that I’m living in alignment with my values and that my efforts to make a meaningful impact are being recognized.
What are some of the biggest misconceptions people have about what you do? One of the biggest misconceptions people have about what I do is that it’s all glamorous and fun without any real effort or skill. In reality, it takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and resilience. Whether it’s the long hours behind the scenes, the need for constant creativity, or the emotional energy that goes into presenting yourself authentically, there’s so much more to it than what people see on the surface. Another misconception is that it’s all about appearances, but for me, it’s also about self-expression, empowerment, and connecting with others in meaningful ways.
What does freedom of self-expression mean to you? Freedom of self-expression means everything to me. It’s about having the space to be my authentic self, share my thoughts, and explore my creativity without fear of judgment or restriction. It’s the ability to express who I am whether through my style, art, or the way I live my life, and to do so confidently and unapologetically. This freedom allows me to connect with others on a deeper level and truly embrace what makes me unique.
Who are some of the models or influencers that you admire and draw inspiration from in your career? Two of my favorite models are Kindly Myers and Mayra Dias Gomes. I really admire how seriously they take their careers they’re a perfect mix of work ethic, intelligence, and beauty.
We absolutely love your Instagram, your content is very dynamic, inspirational, and downright sexy, could you perhaps tell us what your personal experience as an influencer has been like? Thank you so much! Being an influencer has been an incredible journey. It’s allowed me to express myself creatively, connect with amazing people, and share the things I’m passionate about. My experience has been a mix of hard work and fun balancing the need to stay authentic with the desire to inspire and entertain my audience. What I love most is being able to empower others, whether through confidence-boosting content, inspirational messages, or just adding a little bit of sexy fun to their day. It’s been rewarding to see the positive impact my content can have, and I’m grateful for the community that’s grown around it.
Do you have any hidden talents, if so what is it? I’m not sure if I have any hidden talents, but I do love painting, decorating, and refurbishing furniture. I’m just not sure if I’m good enough to call it a talent, haha!
What is your favorite body part on you, on him, on her? I love my eyes and my boobs! On him, it’s definitely the hands that catch my attention haha, I don’t know why, but I always notice a man’s hands. I’m also really drawn to eyes in general; they reveal so much about who we are and what we’re feeling.
If you could eat just one food for the rest of your life, what would it be and why? Steak! I’m Brazilian and I grew up eating bbq, I simply cannot live without a good steak.
Do you have any regrets in life? I try to view every experience as a valuable lesson, even the difficult ones have shaped who I am today. Looking back, I realize I used to care too much about what others thought and invested time and energy in relationships that weren’t worth it. But those challenges were crucial in making me who I am now.
Thanks so much for your time, Where can our readers follow you on social to stay updated on what you’re up to? I’m most active on my Instagram @iwantmayara and on OnlyFans @mayarassecret.
