Ellie Zeiler is providing purpose to her platform, proving her longevity in entertainment and beyond. The 18-year-old digital creator, actress, podcast host, and activist has nearly 13- million followers across her social media channels. Her successful fashion, beauty, and lifestyle content has led to long-term collaborations with brands such as Fendi, Dior Beauty, Jimmy Choo, Levi's, Lancôme, Amazon, and even The White House. Partnering with a purpose, Ellie ensures the brands she represents take initiatives to make a difference in the world. Ellie is gaining experience in public speaking at industry events and recently presented ideas on how to reach Gen Z consumers at the Retail CEO Summit during New York Fashion Week.

As a creative, Ellie has enjoyed working both in front of and behind the camera. Whether she is acting, directing, or editing, she aspires to “do it all.” Earlier this year, she starred in her first on-screen role and later this year, Ellie will launch her own original podcast in partnership with Spotify’s Megaphone Program titled, “I’ll Be Your Sister.” The podcast will focus on storytelling, sharing personal anecdotes, and offering advice through Q&A with her followers. The momentum of her career shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

Structural Brown Dress by Affair @affair_warsaw

You gained enormous recognition on TikTok in such a short period of time. Where did it all begin?
I started posting on TikTok at the beginning of the quarantine in March 2020. My first few videos went viral and from there, I started posting consistently and put a ton of time into making content and learning the business of working on social media.

Why is your content successful?
Success on social media involves some luck combined with consistency and demanding work. I feel like whenever someone sees a “viral” moment on social media, they have a choice to dive into making more content right away or it can fizzle out pretty fast. When I saw my first few TikTok’s gain traction, I was lucky I had the time to devote to growing my following, and I did fall in love with TikTok. Once I got started, I figured out that I needed to show my followers more facets of who I am and how I live. I didn’t want only to make trending videos that didn’t involve showing my life or how I feel, so I started showing my personal style, what I ate, what I did in a day, my family, the sports I played, etc.

**Left:**
Outfit by Helen Anthony London
**Right:**
Outfit by Karen Sabag
Shoes by Bella Belle

Tell us about journey with acting?
I have always wanted to be in front of the camera. I did theater and made short videos all the time while growing up. I shot my first role in a series earlier this year and I loved every single thing about the experience. I’m auditioning on a regular basis and working with an acting coach as well. I’m planning to start group classes soon and want to try whatever helps me learn and grow on camera.

How do you deal with negative feedback/comments on the internet?
The answer to this question has changed so much in the last two years. When I got started on TikTok and decided to dive into social media, the hate comments were so overwhelming. There were days when I would just close up and not want to post anything. I think when I realized that anyone who says something mean on social media is obviously in pain or just clueless that a real person is reading the comments, it helped me start to ignore it. It still hurts sometimes, but over time it gets easier to block it out and not take it too seriously. And if there’s anything I’ve learned as a content creator, it’s that things can change quickly, including the days when the internet seems to hate you.

**Left:**
Jewelry by Jadore Fine Jewelry, Apede Mod, & TSEAT Jewelry
Outfit by Helen Anthony London
**Right:**
Structural Brown Dress by Affair @affair_warsaw

What is your favorite and least favorite thing about being a content creator?
They may actually be the same thing. I’m so grateful for the freedom that comes with being a content creator, but the freedom can also be super scary. When I imagined growing up and working, I just figured I would work for a company and have structure. I would have to do the work assigned to me, I would have to meet the deadlines and I would have to report to someone. But now my work life is entirely up to me. I’m incredibly grateful I get to do something that I love and make a living doing it, I just don’t know if anything can prepare you for the independence of all of it.

Who is your style inspiration?
Sarah Jessica Parker as herself and as Carrie Bradshaw would definitely be my biggest style inspiration.

What was your dream job as a kid?
After watching “The Holiday” movie with my mom in middle school, I started dreaming of becoming a movie trailer editor and planned to go to film school one day.

**Left:**
Outfit by Karen Sabag
**Right:**
Jewelry by Jadore Fine Jewelry, Apede Mod, & TSEAT Jewelry
Outfit by Helen Anthony London

What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of work?
I play golf to clear my mind, I love watching movies and spending time with my family doing anything together.

What are your goals or hopes for the coming years?
My short- and long-term goals are probably pretty similar: to continue to grow my platform and get closer with my followers, to become a working actress, and to build a meaningful podcast that helps people.

Social Media.
@elliezeiler on all socials and my new podcast, “I’ll Be Your Sister,” can be found on Spotify’s Megaphone platform.

CREW CREDITS:
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director + Photographer + Producer: Mike Ruiz + @mikeruiz.one
Talent: Ellie Zeiler
Fashion Stylist: Melvin Sanders
Hair: Ana Estela
Makeup: Raquel Moreno
Photographer’s Assistant: Ozzie Gutierrez
Fashion Styling Assistant: Kaij Fashion & Styling
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Associate Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Chloe Liu, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Location: FD Studios