Paula Fullerton is an influential voice in fashion, food, and lifestyle. Known for her effortless elegance and creative vision, she shares the moments that shaped her journey and how she blends style with authenticity
Paula, you are a prominent influencer and an expert in the worlds of fashion, food, and lifestyle. Do you remember a moment in your childhood that became a turning point, transforming simple curiosity into a passion for these worlds?
I’ve always been on the move—whether on the road, in airports, or in hotel lobbies, which often felt like my second home. Family time wasn’t spent around a kitchen table but at a restaurant one. Over time, these restaurants became more than just places to eat; they felt like a second family. It wasn’t just about the food but also the people behind it. That’s where my passion for restaurants began—not as a diner but as someone who understood the magic of creating fleeting moments.
As a curious and precocious child, I didn’t just crave food—I craved the stories and the people behind it. I’d wander the halls of historic hotels, asking questions that often made strangers laugh, but they always answered. Those conversations shaped me, leading me into a career as both a food and fashion connoisseur.
What lessons from your early experiences in restaurants and hotels have shaped your approach to building your culinary empire? What role do storytelling and human connections play in the restaurants and hotels you create? What challenges have you faced in bringing your ideas to life, and how have those challenges contributed to your growth?
I’ve had the privilege of learning from chefs and fashion designers—artists who taught me that this world is tough, unforgiving, and demands everything from you. But that’s exactly what makes it beautiful.
Fashion has always been part of the equation, shaped by the cities I’ve lived in—where boutique windows felt like works of art. I was raised to dress for dinner, with clothes as integral to the evening as the food itself. This sparked my passion for merging food and fashion—two expressions of who we are and what we value.
You’ve successfully turned your passions into a career. Where do you find inspiration when creatively combining food, fashion, and lifestyle themes in your content?
Marbella reignited the spark that first inspired my travels. It’s the perfect blend of old-world glamour and modern sophistication—where designers shaped the fashion world we know today. I’m drawn to the contrasts: elegance set against a tropical backdrop, a laid-back luxury where smiles are genuine, and the vibe feels like a year-round vacation.
In a world that’s often too fast and too hectic, I want to offer an antidote, even if just for a moment.
Central America has also had a profound influence on me, especially El Salvador. One of my favourite places, Paradiso Escondido, has inspired me to expand there. It’s a hidden gem—magical, serene, and still under the radar. It’s the kind of place where you can truly disconnect, and that’s exactly what we need.
How do you define happiness in a life that is so fast-paced and constantly demanding?
I feel incredibly fortunate. I get to share these experiences and this vision with people all over the world. I’m working on projects that allow me to do just that—tapping into that sense of discovery and connection.
For me, that’s happiness.
