Felipe Prior, one of the most memorable participants in the reality show Big Brother Brasil, won a legion of fans for his controversial personality within the program. But off-screen, the former BBB reveals his entrepreneurial side, surprising the public with his successful projects. In addition to being a renowned architect and engineer, Prior also invests in the food sector, with the famous Pizzaria Salt ZN, located in the north of São Paulo.
Opened in 2019, the pizzeria stands out for its Neapolitan tradition, with long natural fermentation doughs, high edges and high quality ingredients. The house, with industrial style decor, can accommodate up to 90 people and quickly became an absolute success in the region. Now, Felipe Prior expands his horizons and reopens Salt Burger N’ Bar, after three successful years in the Serra da Cantareira region. The new gastronomic spot, located in the Santana neighborhood, has a modern atmosphere, varied menu and promises to be another successful venture from the former BBB.
Always keeping an eye on opportunities in the business world, Prior shows that his entrepreneurial streak is constantly growing. With successful projects in both architecture and engineering and gastronomy, the former BBB stands out as a true successful businessman, gaining not only public attention, but also respect in the business world. Recently, Prior was also enjoying the 1st edition of The Town music festival, in São Paulo.
You had an intense experience on BBB and gained a loyal fan base. How do you deal with the responsibility of being an idol to many people and how does this influence your business decisions?
Oh, yes! I had an intense experience on Big Brother, where I basically ended up being myself inside. So for me, I cope the same way I was before. I’m the same person, of course, today with much more responsibility because I have to influence a lot of people. But I continue to be me, with a fun face, doing the things I like with my friends and influencing in the way I like, in relation to architecture and being a fun guy. Basically, that’s it. So, I end up making the same investments I made before, that is, I show people that life is not a lie, that life really is real and that you have to work.
You mentioned that you have been learning a lot about finances from your girlfriend, who is a financial educator. What are the key lessons you learned and how have they influenced your approach to business?
So, my girlfriend works at one of the biggest investment banks, and in the past, I basically only invested in construction. Today, I invest a little in construction and also invest a little in the investments they have within the bank. So, I think the biggest learning I’ve had is knowing how to do this part of diversifying. I’ve always been a person who cares about saving money, being simple, I’m not the type to spend unrestrainedly, I’m not one to spend money.
When you left BBB, you gained instant fame and became a public figure. How did you adapt to this new reality and what were the biggest challenges you faced in this transition process?
Now, after I left the program, it was still in the middle of the pandemic, but even so, wherever I went, whether in the market or anywhere, to this day, there is always harassment. But I manage it well, it’s a little different, but I can say that I know how to deal with it very well. Everyone is doing great, I don’t have many problems, but it is a shock when you leave the program and completely lose your privacy. There’s a good side and a bad side to it, but you learn to manage it.
Unfortunately, in the same way that you make many friends within the house, the reality show is known for its bullshit, at the time with many pointing at you. In this case, what were your tactics to maintain your psychological balance and balance with the other participants?
Regarding the program, I think I’ve said it several times, but basically I was there to have fun and win the cash prize that was worth it. So, there were moments that made me angry, but my tactic was to show that the world was perhaps not the way people were talking about it. That was it.
Going back to talking a little about the business universe, both here in Brazil and abroad, it is “common” for us to see that many ventures end up not going ahead due to administration and financial problems. With your continued success, what tactics have you used to better manage your business?
I believe that ventures that end up not working are the result of poor management or when the entrepreneur wants to take a bigger step than he can handle. Therefore, I believe that the best way to manage a business is to focus a lot on what is being done and surround yourself with the right and competent people to be part of the venture. Working hard is essential and there are no secrets, just the need for dedication and effort to achieve success in business.
Despite having a degree in architecture from Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie, today you have shown great dedication to the gastronomic sector through the pizzeria SaltZN. What made you take this turn and spark your interest in cooking?
It was a venture that was already growing before Big Brother Brasil, but after my participation in the program, it gained even more visibility. I often joke that I was the one who did the work there and was involved in the construction. After I left the program, the pizzeria gained a great identity and became one of the largest and most followed in Brazil. My dedication also focused there, especially in relation to publicity. Today, I work a lot on this project, in addition to other projects.
Many people have the false impression that the internet is a lawless land and that because you are public figures, this situation ends up getting worse. In your case, it was revealed that in addition to your girlfriend helping you financially, you have also been helping her deal with online harassment. What is your opinion on this issue – do you believe things are getting better or worse?
Jéssica and I, regarding harassment, are on good terms. Jéssica also has her followers, who are very engaged. So, basically, what we do is live our lives and not show everything. We post what we think is cool and we both know how to deal with it well. Maybe she has to adapt much more than I did, due to the harassment from people who keep sending her things that have nothing to do with her. Sometimes, it’s a bit of pretending you didn’t see it, that’s how I deal with it. She sometimes gets angrier, but she’s adapting because this internet world is a little complicated. Sometimes people don’t even mean anything, but they are jealous or act out of malice. Yes, people are very jealous of what you post. The best way is to pretend you didn’t see it. Things are definitely getting worse when it comes to the internet. People are going a little crazy, I believe.
In relation to your life in the general context, do you believe that today there is a Felipe before and after BBB?
Ah, I can say that there is a post-Big Brother Felipe, calmer and who knew how to adapt to this world that was completely different from what it was before. I’m dating now, and it’s a lot, it’s much more, it’s very different, actually. But yes, I am more relaxed and focused on working and earning my money. I always have been, but today I’m thinking more strategically.
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