Ella Halikas
Ella Halikas is a 2021 Top 13 finalist Sports Illustrated Swimsuit magazine, a curve model and content creator with over 430,000 combined between TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. As a vocal body-positive activist, she speaks on inequity within the modeling industry.
Sunday Edit: What is your advice or things that have personally worked well for you when it comes to seeing triggering content (let’s say an article about weight loss or an ad that only features thin bodies)?
Ella Halikas: I remind myself that a lot of the people that are posting this triggering content are probably suffering from their own insecurities themselves, and projecting it onto others. Like when I see an influencer or model post something that’s clearly very photoshopped, it can be triggering — but I try to remember that it’s just a reflection of their own insecurities, and to not take it personally.
Also when I see an ad that only features thin bodies, or only has smaller sizes for their clothes, it makes me eager to keep going with my mission, because it shows me just how far we still need to go and do within the industry.
SE: What are your tricks for deciding if you feel comfortable in a bathing suit before you get to the beach?
EH: I look in the mirror and become my own hype woman. I’ll give myself compliments and basically hype myself up while wearing a bathing suit before I go to the beach. Sometimes I’ll even play music just to get my spirits up first so that it takes away from any negative self-thoughts I may have.
SE: Are there certain bathing suit brands you feel especially good in?
EH: I love Blackbough Swim, 437 and White Shore Swim!
SE: A lot of people, including myself, follow body-positive accounts, but then still feel shy or ashamed when it comes to taking off their coverup. Any advice?
EH: Remember how confident those accounts (that account) looked and felt when you saw their photos/videos on their page, and channel that same energy! Also, remember that everyone is usually focused on how they look, and 99% of the time they’re not focusing on how you look. So don’t worry about how others will perceive you!
SE: What do you do if you start to feel insecure?
EH: If I start to feel insecure, I like to get outdoors and move my body. When I move my body, I can think more clearly and it makes me come from a place of gratitude towards my body, rather than insecurity and sadness. Also, I will surround myself with people in my life that make me feel good and confident in my skin.
SE: What are you most looking forward to about TheBodCon TALKS: Beach Bodies?
EH: I’m looking forward to connecting with the audience, and inspiring those listening to put on the damn bikini this summer! I’m really looking forward to speaking and listening with the other speakers because it’s interesting for me to hear different perspectives and viewpoints within this industry.
