Model Diaries with Ellie Thumann
Photographed by Andrew Day
There’s an undeniable ease to Ellie Thumann. Effortlessly cool, endlessly curious, and guided by an instinct all her own, she has carved out a space where fashion, beauty, travel, and the everyday become part of a distinctly personal world. From her work as a model to stepping onto the pages of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, Ellie continues to expand her creative universe while bringing her signature sense of authenticity and style to every new chapter.
At this moment, Ellie seems poised for an exciting new era. Her evolution as a model and creative reflects a growing confidence in her point of view, an adventurous spirit, and an ambition that continues to take her in new directions. With each milestone, she is defining success on her own terms while inspiring a generation to dream boldly, embrace possibility, and follow what feels true to them.
In her exclusive interview with Modeliste, Ellie reflects on her journey in modeling, the style and people who inspire her, and the dreams she’s ready to bring to life.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in a small town north of Phoenix, Arizona. I would say my personal Western style and love for horses was shaped from my hometown.
How did you first get your start in modeling, and when did you realize it could become a career?
I give all credit to my mom. She was a model growing up, so I think I just automatically got kind of put into it from doing things with her, and then I just really fell in love with it.
If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?
Three words to describe myself. I would say impatient, determined, and very passionate.
Who is inspiring you most at the moment?
I would say my sister, purely because she wakes up at like 5:00 a.m. every day and just makes most of her day. And it’s really making me want to do the same.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
I’ve received a lot of advice. One that sticks out is, “Rejection is redirection.”
What’s the most-played song on your playlist right now?
Ooh, most played. I would say anything right now, Ella Langley.
What does your perfect day look like from morning to night?
My perfect day would probably be at home, probably sleeping in, get my favorite coffee in Charleston, maybe walk at the beach. And honestly, just like a really long walk, whether that’s with my friends, my family, my boyfriend, and then end the day with a Ninja Creami and a scary movie on the couch. I love scary movies.
What’s one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?
I feel like people that know me really well know that I can be very stubborn and sarcastic, but I don’t feel like that’s something you would see or notice at first glance.
What’s the one piece in your closet you could never part with?
I would say my first pair of Tecovas that I got for my 21st birthday. I have fully outgrown them, but I am so attached to those boots, I still manage to wear them when I can.
What beauty product is always in your bag?
Ooh. Well, let’s find out here. I’m always carrying the goods with me. We have my Pixi Beauty right here. This is like the little blush stick. I love this because it just adds a perfect amount of little color. I also always have some sort of lip balm for as much as I travel. This one is tinted, so it’s a perfect little touch-up.
If you could raid anyone’s closet for a day, whose would it be?
To raid anyone’s closet? I would say Bella Hadid’s closet. I think she has a really good range of things that I really, really love.
What’s your dream destination you haven’t visited yet?
I’ve been very blessed to hit a lot of the places that I’ve wanted to go. I would say Iceland or Bali are two that I would love to go to. Very different ends of the spectrum there.
What’s something you’re completely obsessed with right now?
Something I’m completely obsessed with. True crime, scary movies, all things skincare, and the show Ransom Canyon.
You’ve built your career and audience from such a young age. What are you most proud of so far?
I would say I’m most proud of how I’ve adapted and grown up with my audience. I feel like I’ve done this for a very long time through a lot of pivotal ages of my life. So I think just how I’ve been able to handle it and stay true to myself and remain really close to my family and friends from my hometown.
What upcoming project or new chapter are you most excited about right now?
I love a challenge, and I feel like for the first time in a long time, I’m finally having that and doing things completely out of my comfort zone, whether that’s taking acting classes, figuring out this new love for hosting, interviewing, and kind of being more on that side of things than always being the one maybe on camera.
Is there something you haven’t done yet—whether in fashion, beauty, acting, business, or beyond—that you’d love to explore next?
I would love to shoot a beauty or hair campaign. That has been something I’ve always dreamt of, and I think that would be so special, especially with all this hair we got going on.
What’s at the very top of your bucket list at the moment?
Bucket list. Ooh, I actually know. I want to visit all the national parks with my sister. She’s gotten me really into that, and we’ve hit a lot of the ones in the U.S., and I think it would be so fun to check them all off.
What advice would you give to someone who dreams of becoming a model?
I think leaning into the nos and the rejection is so important because it’s really easy for that to kind of steer you away, but just figuring out what works for you and truly not giving up.
What’s one thing you’re most excited about in this next chapter of your life and career?
I would say I’m excited to be doing these new avenues and getting myself out of my comfort zone.
Why are you excited to be Modeliste’s next Cover Star?
I am incredibly excited. I think it gives me a platform to kind of reintroduce myself and really show and explain this new chapter for Ellie as I’ve gotten older. And I think they’ve done a really great job highlighting that and making it very authentic and true to me.
