In the ever-evolving world of social media, few personalities manage to capture the hearts and minds of millions quite like Darla Bundus. A multi-talented model and social media sensation, Darla has taken the internet by storm with her hilarious cosplay skits amassing an impressive 8 million followers on TikTok and garnering nearly 430 million likes since she launched her page in 2019. Her unique blend of talents and her captivating online presence have made her a standout figure in the realm of comedy and entertainment.
Today, we delve into the world of Darla Bundus to discover the secrets behind her phenomenal success and what lies ahead for this rising star.
Follow Darla on IG @darlabundus & TikTok @darlaeliza
Hi Darla, please tell us a little about you?
I’m 24 years old, originally from Cleveland Ohio and I have been a full-time content creator for the past five years.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Nerdy, sarcastic, a empathetic.
We’re sure you have been asked this a million times but how did you get in the industry?
In 2020, during the pandemic, I started posting sketches and comedy videos on TikTok, and after those received millions of views, I started posting more lifestyle content. Before doing content creation, I was a real estate agent in northeast Ohio and realized that a big part of a successful real estate career was a successful social media page. And then found that it was possible to monetize your social media without any licensing behind you.
How has this changed your life?
Not only has this given me an opportunity to become financially free at a very young age, it has also given me a community of people who are like-minded like me to come together in this little corner of the Internet to feel safe and welcome.
Who influenced you and why did you choose to be a content creator and a cosplay gamer?
Growing up, I always watched cartoons and from the moment I could wear clothes, I would wear costumes instead. I think playing dress-up for a living has given me a creative outlet to express myself and also reconnect with my inner child.
How many hours a week do you dedicate to playing online?
I spend over 50 hours a week creating content for multiple platforms, and then another 15 to 20 hours editing and uploading. And then, of course, there is the bookwork and the administration aspect as well!
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
The messages and the support I get from dozens of people every day say how much of a positive impact my journey has had on people’s lives personally. To actually see that the silly things I do online make a very serious impact in people’s daily lives for the better, hopefully. 🙂
As a popular influencer, you are followed by so many people. How do you feel about the pressure of always doing the right thing and encouraging people to follow their dreams?
When I first started content creation, I felt there was a pressure to not really speak my mind and stay silent about the things I believed in, but as time went on, I realized that it’s important to be firm in our personal ideologies and to not be ashamed of the things we are passionate about!
Can you share with us how you began your career in modeling and what inspired you to become an influencer?
I did theater as a teenager and started modeling in college, but it wasn’t until I was 23 years old that I really decided to embrace my femininity and not be ashamed of my body for once in my life and so that was really inspiring and encouraged me to take this seriously!
Can you name a few of the brands you are working with or have worked with?
I have worked with Spotify, Burt’s Bees, Hot Topic, Neutrogena, Paula’s choice, Revolve, Pretty Little Thing, Virgin Voyages, Bose, half a dozen conventions across the country, and many more! All of which I’m so grateful to have worked with!
The most important thing when you are shooting is:
Confidence. Every time I go into a shoot, I feel like there’s some part of me that I’m going to pick, but I have to remember that when people look at us, they don’t see your biggest insecurities right away; most of the time, they don’t notice at all!
Where do the talents come from and how do you get inspired for new content?
I grew up being a big fan of stand-up comedy, and so being quick witted and sarcastic was something I picked up at a very young age. That’s where the comedy aspect comes in and I have always been a mega fan of miss Pamela Anderson. And how she never let anybody make her feel small and flipped the script into creating a name for herself aside from all the tabloids and publicity.
Who are your comedic role models or influences, and how have they shaped your style and approach to comedy?
Old-school Joan Rivers and Kathy Griffin were definitely two of them. There’s a fine line with women, specifically where being stern, confident, and sarcastic comes off as being cruel, bitter, and a plain old b*tch. But to me, there is something absolutely hilarious about being quick-witted enough that someone takes offense to how sharp you are.
What’s next for Darla Bundus in 2024?
At the end of 2022, I decided to get into the world of real estate investing, and hopefully I will be able to grow my investment portfolio as well as take advantage of more opportunities within the entertainment industry!
What is your own definition of happiness?
Unapologetically doing what brings you success as long as it doesn’t harm anybody around you, and especially being able to support and help those who have helped you your entire life.
Where can we follow you?
Tiktok: @darlaeliza
Instagram: @darlabundus
YouTube: @DarlaEliza
Playboy: Darla Eliza
