Malaga and enjoyingthis is how it is defined Natalia Palaciosknown as @nataliaxpr, a 25-year-old young woman who, with her contagious smile and personality, has conquered the hearts of more than 1.5 million people. In less than three years, the Andalusian has achieved what many dream of: becoming one of the most loved and followed content creators by young audiences.
His secret? As she herself assures, the naturalness. It is that ability to connect, laugh at herself and share her daily life with humor. Good proof of this was his trip to New York that he lived with, who will soon say ‘yes, I do’, the love of his life, Carliyo. With the lights of Times Square in the background, to the rhythm of Car’s Outside and with a tattoo marked by the number eight, which they will surely show to their children with great enthusiasm, Natalia made us dream about her love story.
In this interview for HOLA.com, one of the newspapers that, as she has confirmed to us, he read with his grandmotherthe influencer from Malaga opens the doors of her life, her career and her dreams to us, and makes it clear to us that behind the screen there is an authentic young woman, hard-working and full of enthusiasm, who enjoys every step of the way.
© nataliaxpr—When did it all start? I remember watching your videos when you didn’t have more than ten thousand followers yet.
I would say during the race, when I downloaded TikTok and started uploading things. Obviously the content didn’t work at first, but I had a lot of fun. I strongly associate the social media stage with university because I would come home from class and say: “I have to record a TikTok, if I don’t record a TikTok, I’m not calm.” So I think it started there.
“I have always said that if one day they cancel me, it will be my fault, because I will have done something to earn that cancellation. I will understand it and it will not matter to me. But what would bother me a lot is if it were for something taken out of context”
—Have you always wanted to dedicate yourself to this world? Because of course, you studied Advertising and Public Relations.
I would say no. At first it was just a game. But, obviously, when I started, it was very clear to me that this was the work of my life. Let it last as long as it wants to last, because I love it and it amuses me a lot. But honestly, I didn’t even think this option existed.
—Do you remember what was the first video that went viral?
Yes, I remember perfectly. I was walking down the street and a boy three years younger than me called me “ma’am.” I caught a rebound and responded something like: “What, ma’am?” I recorded it for my best friends, they found it funny, and I decided to upload it to TikTok. People loved it because, of course, I wasn’t a lady five years ago, nor am I one now. I think a lot of people felt identified, because sometimes it happens that in the supermarket a child says to you “Excuse me, gentleman” and you are like: “Have I reached that moment yet?”
© nataliaxpr“If someone wants to start on social networks, they have to act as if they were already an influencer, because if you don’t believe it, how are people going to believe it?”
—And what did you feel when that video went viral? Did you go to refresh all the time to see how the views went up?
At first they gave me respect because I went to class and they told me: “I’ve seen your video,” and I thought: “They’re not just numbers, they’re people who are in my daily life: a teacher, a classmate.” I was a little embarrassed that they were close people. I wanted my video to reach a girl from Zaragoza who was never going to meet me.
—Of all the things that have happened to you, which one do you remember most excitedly?
A television advertisement. It was for a brand of body creams. I never saw it on TV, but people sent it to me. I was very excited because it is a goal achieved, although I still don’t fully believe it.
—What would you say to the Natalia of three or four years ago?
Let him continue, don’t be ashamed. That, even if it is difficult, remain firm. The university period was very difficult, but now I look back and I am proud. I combined my career with social networks and that gave me friendships and peace of mind. It was difficult, but it was worth it.
© nataliaxpr—How did you deal with your first criticisms?
Very badly. I’m one of those who turns off the phone, gets into bed and cries. It’s something I still haven’t gotten over. It affects me a lot when they take things out of context or give a negative interpretation to something that didn’t have one. It’s something I have to work on.
—What do you think it is about you that engages the audience so much?
I think naturalness. I only take out my phone when I’m happy and in the mood to record. I don’t force myself to do it if I’m bad. The moments I share are authentic, and I think that’s what connects with people.
© nataliaxprThere are love stories that seem straight out of a movie, and that of Natalia Palacios and Carliyo is one of them. It all started with a leap into the void: without knowing each otherdecided to embark together on a trip 5,888 kilometers from their home, to New York. What started as a simple friendship, walking through Central Park and sharing laughter in the streets of the city that never sleeps, ended up becoming the beginning of a love that would change their lives forever.
After that magical trip, Natalia and Carliyo spent time living between Malaga and Madrid, overcoming kilometers and agendas, but with the certainty that they wanted to be together. Finally, fate (and their love) led them to settle in Malaga, their hometown and where they would like to raise their children, – the influencer has confessed to us with a laugh.
—Natalia, let’s talk a little about love. What has been the craziest thing you have done for love?
Man, what can I tell you… Standing in New York without having any idea what was going to happen. It could have been a disaster: that he kidnapped me, that he was an edge, that he left me outside the hotel. But no, that has been the biggest madness.
—So, the beginning of your relationship was that trip to New York?
Exactly, that was the beginning. We met the day before to buy thermal clothing and establish our rules. We made a video in which each of us explained his own: mine was that he never left me alone and that when I had to relieve myself he left the room. I can’t do it any other way! And he said that everyone had to do what they wanted, without forcing themselves. To not be left alone, I was willing to do anything. The next day we recorded a TikTok, bought four t-shirts and went to New York.
—Now that you think about it, what will you tell your future children about this?
I think there will be a stage in which I will have to try not to let them find out, because of course, how do I explain to them that I met their father online and ended up in New York? I will tell you the story when you are mature enough to understand it, like 18 or 19 years old.
“If I had a partner who was not in this world of networks, perhaps he would not understand some of my problems, but Carlos is always there to understand me. He knows perfectly well what I feel when a video does not turn out as I expect, because I know that I have put a lot of effort in him, and he respects it”
—Speaking of your trip, you made confessionals that went viral. Have you ever seen what he said about you?
I’ve never seen them. I prefer not to, because what if something is bothering me? My friends told me that I gave everything and that he said four stupid things. I prefer to keep the magic of memory!
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© nataliaxpr—On that trip, was there a moment when you realized you were in love?
Yes, I remember it perfectly. We were at the Lisbon airport playing a clapping game. He laughed so much, and he looked at me in a way… that I knew I loved it. I have that moment engraved in my heart.
—Your relationship has progressed very quickly. Do you think love has set times?
No. You have to do things how you feel them. If in a week you feel something strong and you are sure, go ahead! Of course, always being on the same page with the other person. I love Carlos who is direct, who tells you what he feels without detours.
© nataliaxprAnd like in every great love story, the unforgettable chapter arrived. On August 26, 2024, under a Portuguese sunsetwhich seemed designed for them, Carliyo asked her to marry him. Between emotion and tears, Natalia said… yes!
If there is something that defines Natalia, and that we have been able to verify throughout this conversation, He is a very sentimental and familiar person.. Now, in the midst of preparations for the day when she will say ‘I do’ with the person she loves, her greatest wish is clear and moving: that her grandparents continue to be present to accompany her to the altar.
—Changing the subject, you’re getting married! How do you feel about that?
It is the dream of my life. I have always dreamed of getting married, but now more so, because it is the person I want to be with all my life. I’m very excited, looking at things all the time. My For You TikTok is full of wedding dresses!
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© nataliaxpr—How is the wedding organization going?
The bad thing is that everyone tells me that I’m running out of time. People reserve places two years in advance, and I am very disorganized. But the good thing is that everything I like can be done. I already have a place, date, Wedding Planner, catering… although there is a lot missing, like the flowers, the lighting and the videographer.
—What excites you most about the day?
May my grandparents be with me. I dream of entering arm in arm with each one of them. That moment is the one that excites me the most to imagine.
“Just as I’m not going to include One Direction in the wedding, he’s not going to include Málaga in the ceremony either. But I know he’s very excited about it, so if at some point he wants to include a detail, I won’t mind.”
—And now, Natalia, close your eyes. Imagine that moment when you arrive at the altar, dressed in white and you find Carlos dressed as a groom, how do you visualize it?
Right now I’m super calm because it’s something small and intimate, with the family. If something goes wrong, we’re sure to laugh. But, even if it is in that mood Don’t worry, when the time comes to start that walk, as you say, I think I’m going to cry. When I see him, sure. I would like it to be with the typical penguin suit… Yes, yes, I would love it! Carlos, if you see this, I want you to go with that suit (laughs).
—In a day full of confessions and emotions, Natalia has shared with us how she is experiencing every detail of this very special stage. But, as we know, one of the most anticipated moments for any bride is finding the perfect dress. So, to close our talk, we couldn’t help but ask him: Have you found your dress yet?
Yes, I have tried on several and I am already clear about which style suits me. I haven’t decided yet, but I already have a clear concept. I’m sure it will be perfect. I can’t tell you anything else, because Carlos is going to see this interview and I want it to be a surprise.