Elle Rayias, a 21-year-old social media influencer, is gunning for glory at the annual TikTok Awards after earning a nomination for Creator of the Year.
The Melburnian with roots from Cyprus, Lemnos and Missolonghi has made a name for herself on social media (TikTok, Instagram), amassing over 750,000 followers through her content (many of whom are aged 25 and under).
She admitted her great enthusiasm in getting nominated, noting the immense pleasure she feels in being selected alongside her peers at the awards.
“Honestly, I was ecstatic and very surprised! Being nominated is huge, I feel like it is a win in itself,” Rayias told Neos Kosmos.
“I share this nomination with my TikTok community. Without their love and support this nomination would not be possible…My fellow nominees are incredible creators and I feel privileged to be nominated alongside them.”
The social media influencer stated that the nomination caps off a remarkable year for herself which has featured numerous highlights, such as covering the Brownlow Medal ceremony and interviewing Hollywood stars Margot Robbie and Zendaya.
“There have already been so many highlights of my 2024 on TikTok. Now this nomination is the perfect icing on the cake,” she said.
Rayias began her social media journey as a teenager, explaining that she saw TikTok as the “perfect platform to express myself”.
The social media influencer posts content that is mostly beauty, fashion and lifestyle orientated, which has resonated with her audience to whom she tries to be “a big sister and best friend”.
“TikTok is a platform where I can be myself and share my life and experiences with my audience. It is real and raw,” Rayias said.
The 21-year-old also makes videos with her family and has “made it” on GreekTok through her pranks and Yiayia content.
“I love that I can represent the Greek Australian community on the platform as I am very proud of my Hellenic roots,” she said.
Rayias elaborated on the tremendous support her family have shown in her social media journey, explaining that it felt very natural given that she and her brothers often worked on commercials or TV shows as a result of having a talent agent for a mother.
“The type of content I create has definitely evolved especially in the last couple of years and has really aligned with my studies,” said Rayias, who is currently studying Journalism and Public relations at Deakin University.
“My family and friends are extremely proud of my achievements and celebrate my success.”
The 21-year-old has also utilised her platform to speak openly on her experiences with Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and trichotillomania (a mental health condition that causes people to compulsively pull out their hair).
“PCOS is something that I shared very early on in my journey as it has a big impact on my daily life,” Rayias said.
“I had a number of women of all ages reach out saying that they were going through the same thing and that my videos made them feel seen and understand their symptoms better. Knowing that sharing my experience has helped even one person means the world.”
The social media influencer admitted that speaking on her trichotillomania, which she suffered from for four years before stopping in March of this year, took longer for her to be open about.
“I was so worried about posting it online, for some reason I was under the impression that I was the only person in the world going through it,” she said.
“I am so glad that I shared the content not only for myself, but for anyone else that was suffering so they know we are in it together.”
Rayias hopes to grow her channels even further and conduct more interviews, attend more red-carpet events and one day even host her own show.
“TikTok has given me opportunities with media accreditation to really put myself out there as a journalist and trusted me the whole way through.”
Rayias is now waiting anxiously for the TikTok Awards at the Horden Pavilion in Sydney on 27 November, where she will hope to be named Creator of the Year.