The Scoop on MTV’s AYTO Carolina Duarte
Born in Brazil, to then moving to Ireland, and now finally landing in Washington, Carolina Duarte is no stranger to change! Her biggest move yet has been the leap into MTV’s reality dating show Are You The One? From there she thought she would find love and forever friends. To find out what exactly happened check out our Q&A together below! Get the scoop on all things Carolina:
Where did you grow up?
I was born in Sao Paulo, Brazil, I moved away when I was six and moved to Dublin, Ireland where I lived for 2 ½ years, and after that we moved to Washington where I have lived ever since. The reason my family moved so much is because of my dad’s job.
What was your childhood like?
I was say my childhood was pretty different than most, for a big part of my childhood I had to learn how to speak English so I could communicate with my friends and that was a big struggle for me. Also living in America and being raised in a foreign family with Latin culture it was hard to fit in sometimes.
What were you involved in growing up?
I don’t really know how to answer this question, I was never much into sports and didn’t really do any recreational activities to be honest.
What is your favorite childhood memory?
I would have to say probably my favorite childhood memory is when my little sister was born.
What did you do after high school?
In high school I was a big partier and I hung with the wrong crowd so I got in trouble a lot. I ended up getting expelled from high school so I had to get my diploma at a technical college, where I also got my associates degree in video editing. After high school or I guess college I found myself in a serious relationship, playing housewife. I was working alot and living with my boyfriend at the time and our two dogs.
Let’s talk a little bit about AYTO, what inspired you to go on the show?
I was always a big fan of are you doing one, and one night me and my girlfriend were watching it I believe it was season four, and something came up on the screen saying to apply on the website for next season. I had just broke up with my boyfriend of three years because I found out he cheated on me again, and me my friend were both like why not do this for fun not thinking at all that we had a chance.
Did you go in with a strategy to find your match?
After watching many seasons of are you the one, I knew I didn’t want to be the girl that stayed with her no match, so basically that was my only strategy, if I knew someone wasnt my match or had a feeling that they weren’t I was going to Move On even if it was hard.
Did you go into the house thinking you knew exactly who your match was?
Obviously no, it’s funny did look back at it now though because I did ask the matchmakers for someone exactly like Hayden. But initially I had no idea and I was really confused because I kept overthinking everything. After getting two no matches I stepped back and took things a little bit slower and stopped overthinking.
How did you mentally and physically prepare?
Honestly there’s no way you can mentally prepare for it. I had no idea it was going to be as mentally challenging as it was. I had thought it was going to be like a free vacation but it was everything but that. Physically I did go to the gym a lot more before leaving because I want to be in the best shape for the challenges.
What would you say was the hardest part of the show for you?
I think the hardest part of the show for me was being so out of my comfort zone being away from my family and friends and not being able to communicate with them whatsoever and not really being able to relax the entire time I was there.
I see that you are still very close to many of AYTO alum. What would you say was the best friendship the show gave you?
It sucks because my best friendship in the house was with Kari, but after we all got back home she didn’t stay in touch with me the way I thought she would and we just drifted away. I also heard she talked sh*t about me to people so that’s really upsetting to hear. It just sucks because as the show airs there is just so much more drama in between the cast now which makes it hard for me to get along with a lot of the people I got along with in the house. But I definitely cherish meeting every one of them.
Were you surprised at your match?
No I wasn’t really surprised because I had sat with him for six weeks prior to finding out, but you never really know you could be almost completely sure and have the truth booth tell you no.
What’s your favorite memory from the show?
I think my favorite memory from the show would definitely have to be getting perfect match in the truth booth with Hayden, because after being such a big fan of the show I always wanted to know how it felt to know you got it right, and having experienced that I know I got to experience almost every aspect of are you the one.
Favorite funny moment from the show?
Oh gosh, there is just way too many funny moments to pick just one.
Once the show was over, what were you most excited to get back to?
My dog, definitely my dog. But also of course my family & friends and my bed.
What advice would you give to yourself now before going on AYTO?
Don’t do it. Lol.
What is your go-to everyday beauty product?
My pimple cream lol I use eradicate by Kate Somerville. But honestly I can’t live with just one beauty products I use at least three a day.
What is your staple fashion item for any look?
I am not fashionable whatsoever, you can always catch me in leggings and a flannel.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Candy, I have the biggest sweet tooth. I buy candy in bulk online and go through it faster than you think..
What is the best piece of advice you have received?
“be patient” – my grandma.
What’s a quote you live by everyday?
“if it’s meant to be, it will be”
To keep up with Carolina Duarte follow her @carooduartee
