Who Is Ella Halikas?
In an industry long dominated by unrealistic beauty standards, Ella Halikas stands tall—both literally and figuratively—as a bold advocate for inclusivity. From walking the runway in a bikini to commanding attention with powerful speeches about self-worth, Ella has made it her mission to redefine what it means to be beautiful, successful, and confident in one’s skin.
Born in 1997 in Walnut Creek, California, Ella’s rise to prominence is a compelling mix of hustle, authenticity, and resilience. She’s not just another pretty face on Instagram; she’s a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model, a TikTok content creator with millions of likes, and a powerful voice for body acceptance in the fashion and wellness industries.
Let’s dive into Ella Halikas’s journey—her roots, struggles, triumphs, and the legacy she’s building for the next generation of women.
Early Life and Education
Ella grew up in a Greek-American household where strong cultural values shaped her worldview. Her parents were supportive of her ambitions, but like many young girls, Ella struggled with body image during her teen years. She often talks openly about not fitting into the stereotypical mold and how it affected her self-esteem.
After high school, she attended the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, where she studied communications. It was here that Ella began to explore her voice more deeply—not only as a student but as someone passionate about helping others break free from societal beauty norms.
“My journey to self-confidence didn’t happen overnight. It’s been years of unlearning what I was taught to believe about my body.” — Ella Halikas
From Influencer to Industry Disruptor
Ella’s modeling career didn’t start with agencies knocking on her door. She began by sharing bold, unfiltered content on Instagram and TikTok, showcasing her fashion flair and body confidence. Her social media posts often combined humor, vulnerability, and empowerment—qualities that made her relatable and magnetic.
She gained major attention when she was selected as a finalist in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2021 Open Casting Call. Her audition tape—where she confidently walked in a bikini and spoke about body acceptance—went viral. Soon, she was featured in the coveted SI Swimsuit Issue, joining the ranks of icons like Ashley Graham and Kate Upton.
Key Milestones in Ella Halikas’s Career
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2021 | Finalist & featured in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue |
| 2022 | Walked Miami Swim Week for multiple body-inclusive brands |
| 2023 | Launched podcast on confidence & mental health |
| 2024 | Named one of Forbes’ Top 10 Body Positive Influencers |
Modeling With a Mission
Ella’s modeling isn’t just about fashion—it’s about breaking stereotypes. As a size 14 model, she has become one of the most recognizable faces challenging the narrow definitions of beauty perpetuated by media and fashion conglomerates.
She has walked runways during Miami Swim Week, posed for inclusive brands like Savage X Fenty, and partnered with major retailers such as Revolve, PrettyLittleThing, and Aerie—all of which now offer size-inclusive options in part due to influencers like Ella.
She’s also been outspoken about the lack of diversity in traditional modeling and how being a plus-size woman often means you need to “do twice as much to be noticed.”
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On TikTok, where she boasts over 700k followers, Ella is a blend of body-positive fashion hauls, self-love mantras, and unfiltered lifestyle content. One of her most viral videos features her confidently strutting in a swimsuit with the overlaying text: “If you’re waiting to wear the bikini until your body is ‘ready,’ this is your sign to stop waiting.”
On Instagram, she curates a feed that is part editorial, part motivational. She uses her captions to talk about everything from eating disorders to self-doubt, making her page a safe space for followers navigating their own journeys toward body confidence.
“I want every woman who sees my content to feel like they belong. You are enough—as you are. Right now.” — Ella Halikas
Advocacy & Mental Health
Ella’s authenticity shines brightest when she speaks about mental health. She has openly discussed her battles with anxiety and the pressure of being in the spotlight while trying to remain authentic.
In 2023, she launched a podcast titled “Confidence Is Not Sizeable”, where she interviews fellow influencers, mental health experts, and fans about self-love, social media toxicity, and the importance of representation.
Her advocacy goes beyond buzzwords. She partners with organizations that focus on eating disorder recovery, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and youth mental health, aiming to uplift communities often overlooked in mainstream wellness narratives.
Personal Life & Core Beliefs
Despite her fast-growing fame, Ella remains grounded. She often credits her family, Greek heritage, and spiritual practices like journaling and meditation for keeping her balanced.
She’s currently based in Los Angeles, where she balances shoots, speaking engagements, and brand collaborations. In her downtime, she enjoys hiking, beach days, and trying out new plant-based recipes.
What stands out most about Ella is her refusal to conform. Whether she’s calling out toxic beauty trends or inspiring fans to embrace their stretch marks, her voice cuts through the noise.
Why Ella Halikas Matters
Ella Halikas isn’t just changing how plus-size women are seen—she’s changing how they see themselves. Her career is more than a personal win; it’s a cultural shift toward acceptance, empathy, and individuality.
Through her campaigns, modeling, and media appearances, she reminds us that:
- Confidence is not a size.
- Beauty is not one-dimensional.
- Social media can be a tool for good.
Related Content You’ll Love:
- Ashley Graham Biography – From Model to Mogul
- Tess Holliday’s Activism in Fashion
- Top Plus-Size Models to Follow in 2025
External Resources
- Read Ella’s profile on Sports Illustrated Swimsuit
- Follow Ella Halikas on Instagram
- Watch her viral SI Casting Call on YouTube
Final Thoughts
Ella Halikas isn’t just a model—she’s a movement. In an age where filters and perfection dominate the feeds, Ella’s unfiltered confidence, openness, and advocacy serve as a refreshing reminder that authenticity always wins.
She’s proof that change doesn’t start with brands—it starts with bold individuals. And Ella Halikas is one of the boldest.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ella Halikas
Who is Ella Halikas?
Ella Halikas is an American model, influencer, and body positivity advocate known for her appearance in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue and her social media presence promoting self-love, inclusivity, and mental health awareness.
What is Ella Halikas famous for?
Ella gained widespread recognition after being selected as a finalist in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2021 Open Casting Call. She’s also known for her empowering content on TikTok and Instagram, where she promotes body confidence and challenges traditional beauty standards.
How old is Ella Halikas?
Ella Halikas was born in 1997, which makes her 28 years old as of 2025.
Where is Ella Halikas from?
Ella hails from Walnut Creek, California, and has Greek-American roots. She later moved to Los Angeles to pursue her modeling and influencer career.
What size is Ella Halikas?
Ella is a plus-size model and typically wears a size 14. She proudly represents curvier women in an industry historically centered around smaller body types.
Has Ella Halikas been in Sports Illustrated?
Yes, Ella appeared in the 2021 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue after being selected through their open casting call. Her feature was a major step forward for body representation in mainstream fashion media.
Is Ella Halikas on social media?
Absolutely! She is very active on:
She uses these platforms to promote body positivity, share fashion tips, and speak about mental health.
What is Ella Halikas’s mission?
Ella’s mission is to empower women to feel confident at any size, challenge unrealistic beauty standards, and advocate for mental health awareness in digital and real-world spaces.
Does Ella Halikas have a podcast?
Yes, in 2023 she launched a podcast called “Confidence Is Not Sizeable”, where she discusses body image, self-love, and interviews thought leaders on mental wellness and inclusivity.
What brands has Ella Halikas worked with?
Ella has collaborated with multiple inclusive fashion brands such as:
- Savage X Fenty
- Aerie
- Revolve
- PrettyLittleThing
- And walked in Miami Swim Week for body-diverse brands.