Ellie Thumann

In the dazzling world of fashion and beauty, where trends shift with every blink of an eye, Ellie Thumann has emerged as a breath of fresh air. At just 21 years old, this IMG model, and newly-minted Sports Illustrated rookie, has defied convention to become a true icon for the Gen-Z generation. Her journey began as a 13-year-old YouTube sensation, crafting beauty, lifestyle, and fashion content that resonated with millions. Since then, she’s not only built her personal brand but has also worked with renowned names like Marc Jacobs and Chanel. With over 2 million YouTube subscribers and 1.6 million Instagram followers, Ellie has an uncanny ability to connect with her audience. Behind her girl-next-door appeal lies an authentic and endearing personality, while her advocacy for mental health adds depth to her influence.

Ellie, your journey from YouTube sensation to IMG model is truly inspiring. What’s the one fashion piece that you feel best represents your unique style evolution?

I think when I was younger, it was really fun to tap into all the different trends that have evolved over each year. Unfortunately, some of my biggest fashion mistakes have been broadcasted online – looks that I liked when I was maybe 14 or 15 seemed iconic, but now will haunt me forever! I think, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned that less is more in terms of how I like to style myself with crazy patterns and such. I love wearing simple colours or anything neutral with a big pair of jeans and a fun baseball hat or my cowboy boots! Keeping it simple has been super enjoyable!

Balancing a thriving modelling career, content creation, and your personal life can be quite a challenge. How do you manage to maintain a healthy work-life balance??

It’s hard at times and I think it kind of goes in waves. Sometimes I think I have it figured out down to a T and other times I feel like I don’t know what I’m doing at all. The line between my personal life and work can get really blurry because my work shows my personal life and all the ins and outs of it, so as a young girl doing this, since I was newly a teenager, that line can be very confusing. My work has become my identity in a sense, so I think it takes the people closest to me to keep me in check and remind me that I don’t have to show everything, and I don’t owe anybody anything! Having hobbies or interests that are strictly mine, such as my workout classes, crafts, or just activities I do with the people closest to me, helps keep me grounded!

You’ve become a role model for many young women. What’s your secret to maintaining a genuine and endearing personality in the fast-paced world of modelling and social media?

I truly believe it’s my family. They were with me before any of my social media work and know me for who I really am, and they keep me grounded in that. I’ve learned so much about what it means to be a role model and I don’t take that role lightly, so I think I’m always very intentional in the lessons I show and how I present myself because it’s very important to me to always stay true to myself and be kind.

Speaking of your YouTube channel, what’s been the most surprising or memorable moment you’ve shared with your 2 million subscribers so far?

I think being able to show my journey with Sports Illustrated and finding out that I was going to be a 2023 rookie was one of the most special moments! It’s something I’ve talked about for many years and seeing it happen and being able to share that experience with so many girls was special!

Your work often addresses mental health. Could you tell us about a project or partnership that’s particularly close to your heart in this regard?

Something special for me when I was going through a really hard time with my mental health back in 2022 was normalizing my mental health issues with a pair of headphones that I called my ”therapy headphones.” I bought them back at the beginning of the year and during a time when I really struggled, they became something I felt attached to. I talked about them on all my social media platforms as my escape from all my anxiety and a way to listen to helpful podcasts and music, especially Taylor Swift, who kept me calm and in a good space at that time. It became a trend for girls to go on walks with their “therapy headphones “ and it warms my heart to see how many girls this was helping with their own mental health!!

In the age of Gen-Z influencers, what advice would you give to young women looking to build their own personal brand and find their unique voice in the fashion and beauty industry?

More than ever, finding what makes you truly unique and embracing it is important. Showing up as authentically you, and not being scared to step out of your own box or shell is something that I can’t preach enough! It can be a super vulnerable feeling, but I think the confidence that exudes from the inside out is so necessary! Manifesting and affirmations are something I didn’t believe in for the longest time but my mom and sister have always sworn by them and it’s crazy that the things I’ve written down and repeated in my head at random times have truly come into my life! Having a goal and being determined is so necessary in this industry – you have to always vouch for yourself!

Your Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue debut is remarkable. What was your initial reaction when you found out you’d be featured as a rookie?

It’s funny because I was actually touring the apartment that I live in now the morning that I got the email that I was going to be a rookie. I literally couldn’t believe it because I was already accepting a cross-country move on that same day back in January 2023, on top of my biggest career goal – it was a feeling I’ll remember for the rest of my life!

We’ve seen your stunning Instagram posts and your connection with your followers. Could you share a fashion or beauty trend that you predict will be a hit among Gen-Z girls this year?

I’ve already seen the takeover of ribbons, but I think the accessory being on more than just your hair is going to be huge! I’ve been putting them on my own headphones, boots, or hats, and I think it’s such a fun accessory! I also see the trend of simplicity with style coming back because, after so many years of everything being very intense and bright, I could see it being a way to bring us back to basics, alongside the more natural makeup look that has made a comeback.

You’ve collaborated with a diverse range of brands. Is there one particular brand or project that stands out as a dream come true for you?

Working with Sports Illustrated Swim was definitely a huge dream come true for me! It’s something I’ve always dreamed about so not much could top that! Working with Victoria’s Secret Pink is also something very near and dear to my heart!!

Ellie’s Holiday Rules

What Do You Love Most About Los Angeles?

I love that when I’m there I feel very productive with my work and there are a lot of really cool opportunities that come from being in the city. Whether that’s in-person work, meetings, or just knowing you’re around similar people doing similar things, that helps keep me motivated and inspired! And I also love being near the ocean!

Favourite Hotel?

My favourite hotel is the 1 Hotel in West Hollywood. It’s been tradition for me for the last two years to stay there, and it’s been something that has healed my relationship with LA and made my trips something to look forward to. I feel it’s a unique hotel in Los Angeles, and I feel very at peace there!

Top Spa and Best Treatment?

Attain Med Spa in Charleston, South Carolina is my favourite. Especially Shelby, a BSN/RN who works there, has helped me and my sister transform our skin by giving us amazing, amazing monthly hydra facials! With so much heavy makeup on my face, I try and focus on facials! I also love Face Gym in West Hollywood because it has a nice lymphatic drainage massage that helps with any inflammation or puffiness on my face.

Favorite Restaurants?

Where I live in Charleston, my favourite restaurant is Darling Oysters or Franny & the Fox. It is very homey seafood with oysters (my favourite food), so on my weekends (or any day) you can find me there at the oyster shucking table!

Where Do You Love to Shop?

Honestly, it just depends but I would say some of my favourite places to shop would be Kith, Essentials, Motel Rocks, Madewell, Zara, Reformation, Ralph Lauren, Levi’s, or Are you Ami!

What Is Your City Style?

I would say my city style is a little bit all over the place. Living in South Carolina, I love to keep it very simple and always lean toward throwing on a pair of cowboy boots, so I try and incorporate that when I’m in the city! Normally that involves some sort of parachute pants with a crop top or some comfy low-waisted jeans and a simple New Balance sneaker!

How Do You Stay in Shape while Travelling?

I love using the app ClassPass because it helps me no matter where I am to find some sort of pilates class, which is my favorite kind of workout! I feel my best when I stay in a routine even when I’m travelling because to me consistency is something that helps my mental health when it seems I’m always on the go!!

Packing Essentials?

Packing cubes, full skincare (even if it makes my bag overweight, it is so worth it), walking shoes, Advil (lol), sweatpants, jeans, and a trucker hat!!!

Your Packing Advice?

Learning to use packing cubes efficiently has been such a game changer for me because I used to feel like I needed to have 1 million suitcases to fit everything but it’s crazy that the cubes can condense things – sometimes even a carry-on! Spending that little bit of money on them goes a long way!

Skincare Tips When Traveling?

Being consistent with my skincare, even if that means having to pack a larger bottle or investing in travel-size tubes or containers. I know a couple of products that I keep with me no matter where I am, and I do think that staying consistent with them, especially when being jetlagged and in new time zones, helps me.

What Is Your Airport Style?

It honestly depends – I would say if I’m leaving to head on a trip, I try and style my outfits out whether it’s a matching sweatsuit or something with a fun leather jacket. But normally by the end of a trip, it’s whatever clean clothes I have left, which sometimes can be mixed and matched with a baseball hat to try and hide myself in my embarrassing outfit!

Do You Have Any Beauty Tips for Flying?

If I’m feeling up for it, I love to have an eye mask or sheet mask on the plane with me! I always have super dry skin and get very inflamed and puffy after a flight, so bringing my gua sha and a facemask for extra hydration is so helpful!!

Where Is Next on Your Travel Bucket List?

The Maldives & Thailand are next on my list! I have always dreamed of going to these places with my mom and being able to explore a whole new part of the world that I’ve never been to! They look absolutely beautiful, and I would love to experience the culture!

Photography @veronicasams
Styling @danielleandalix
Hair @ericka_verrett
Makeup @robrumseymua
Stylist Assistant @styledbyreecev

Shop looks inspired by Ellie’s shoot below: