Who Is Ellie Thumann

By Caroline Albert

ALYSSIA ORNELAS / @alyssiaornelas via Pinterest 

Ellie Thumann is a young, relatable influencer and Sports Illustrated model who uses her platform to advocate for mental health. Thumann has not only grown her personal brand but has collaborated with multiple name brands, such as Victoria’s Secret, Chanel and Marc Jacobs.

Thumann started posting YouTube videos about crafts, fashion, beauty and lifestyle when she was about 13 years old. She has posted vlogs of her travels, GRWMs, behind-the-scenes modeling footage and more.

A few years ago, Thumann opened up in one of her videos about her mental health journey. In the video, she talks about how she needed to spend time with her best friend and fellow YouTuber Hannah Meloche, who happened to live in Hawaii at the time. This video marked the start of Thumann using her platform to speak up about mental health-related topics.

For example, Thumann began posting on social media about how she would go on long “Hot Girl Walks” to help cope with her anxiety. She would put on her “therapy headphones” — a pair of Beats she took everywhere — and listen to a helpful podcast or calming music. Taylor Swift was one of the artists Thumann listened to often because her music kept her calm and in a good space. Through her Hot Girl Walks, Thumann was able to help many other girls with their own mental health.

Additionally, Thumann became a Sports Illustrated rookie in 2023, achieving one of her biggest career goals. She has attended multiple fashion weeks in New York, Milan and beyond. Around the same time, Thumann moved with her sister Erin to Charleston, falling in love with oysters and life on the East Coast.