‘CHILE’ COVER EDITION - NOVEMBER 24 ISSUE
Location: Valle Nevado Ski Center
Photographer: Ignacio Rojas - @nachonal
Style: Macarena Hamilton - @macahamilton
Makeup: Humberto Moya - @humbertomoyav
In this special edition of Hooks Magazine, our cover star is Julia Adam, the international model and TV personality who transformed her career by winning over the hearts of Chilean audiences. Julia, who began her journey on the runways, found her true stage on television, where she has become one of the most beloved and recognized figures in Chile. With charisma, authenticity, and an adaptable spirit, she has turned cultural challenges into opportunities for learning and deep connection with her audience.
Her journey in Chilean television began unexpectedly, after being discovered by a scout who brought her to São Paulo, where she worked with major agencies before the chance arose for a new adventure in Chile. There, Julia quickly rose to fame with her appearance on the reality show Amor a Prueba, an experience that opened numerous doors in television and brought her immediate visibility.
However, like any major change, the adaptation was not easy. Julia needed not only to master the language but also to understand the lifestyle and subtleties of Chilean culture, which often calls for a more reserved approach. Through this, she learned to adjust her personal style to reflect the local culture, earning admiration from the public for her ability to reinvent herself without losing her essence.
Julia enthusiastically describes Chilean television, which has a unique proximity to the public. The compact size of the country and the genuine affection of viewers create a direct connection between TV personalities and people. This exchange, according to Julia, is one of the most rewarding characteristics of her career, and she recognizes the importance of each fan who accompanies her over the years, considering them a fundamental part of her trajectory.
Check out our exclusive interview:
1. Julia, how did your modeling career begin? Was there a moment or opportunity that marked the start of your success?
My career began when a scout discovered me in a small town in Mato Grosso and brought me to work in São Paulo at François Agency. From there, I moved to Mega, which led me to Chile… where my television career began. The biggest opportunity I had was participating in my first reality show in Chile, Amor a Prueba, which completely changed my story.
2. You've gained significant recognition in Chile. What were the biggest challenges and lessons from this experience?
I think the biggest challenge in working in television in a country that isn’t your own is getting to know the artists, sometimes having to interview people whose career significance I wasn’t aware of, or understanding the inside jokes… every day, I learn something new, and I'm always surprised.
3. How was the adaptation process of living and working outside of Brazil? Did you encounter any difficulties in adapting to Chilean culture?
I had to adapt not only to the language but also to the culture. In 2014, during my first television appearance, I was completely prohibited from speaking about my bisexuality. I was also judged for wearing a thong bikini. Chile wasn’t ready yet for a Brazilian; people were surprised by my open-mindedness, for better or worse. I believe that the joy of Brazilian people and our sincerity are what keep me relevant in Chilean television to this day.
4. Chilean TV differs from Brazilian TV in many ways. How do you see these differences? What has surprised you the most about the way TV is done in Chile?
Nothing compares to Brazilian television; our people have a much more open-minded mentality than the rest of Latin America. But Chilean TV is also very interesting. What surprises me the most here is how close “celebrities” are to the people. With only 19 million inhabitants, it’s a small country, and the closeness between television and the public is beautiful. The channels often receive many visitors. I feel very fortunate to be able to connect with the people who have followed me for so many years—they’re an important part of my life.
5. Regarding the audience and culture, how do you handle the fact that Chileans are known to be more reserved? Does this difference impact your performance on TV?
I feel like I’m a completely different person when I’m in Brazil or any other part of the world. In Chile, in front of the cameras, I try to behave in a more “reserved” way, so to speak. This bothered me a lot at first, but now I consider myself adapted. After all, I’m the “outsider,” and I need to respect and adapt to their customs.
6. What would you say you've learned, both personally and professionally, from working in television outside of Brazil? Is there anything you carry forward in your career?
I’d say I’ve made so many mistakes—countless, really—and it’s thanks to those mistakes that I’ve become the strong woman I am today. I’m not afraid to make mistakes, but I do fear not learning from them. I’m someone who’s very open to others' opinions and enjoys listening, but I’m also not easily swayed. As Raul Seixas said, “I’d rather be this walking metamorphosis.” Thank you.
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