Ella Halikas

Gabriella Athena "Ella" Halikas is an American curve model, digital creator, and body-positivity advocate. Gaining national recognition as a finalist in the 2021 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Open Call, Halikas has emerged as a prominent voice in size-inclusive fashion and modeling. Represented by major modeling agencies including Ford Models and Natural Models LA, she leverages her platform to challenge standard beauty norms and promote self-worth under her signature branding as the "CEO of Confidence."

Early Life and Education

Born on April 15, 1997, in Walnut Creek, California, Halikas grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area within a Greek-American family. Active in sports from a young age, she played soccer for 15 years while harboring childhood ambitions of modeling. She attended Washington State University before transferring to the University of Hawaii at Manoa, where she earned her bachelor's degree in journalism in 2019. During her time in Hawaii, she began capturing bikini and lifestyle content on beach trips, building an initial social media following that inspired her to pursue modeling professionally.

Modeling Career and Swimwear

In mid-2020, following job disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Halikas relocated to Los Angeles to focus full-time on modeling and digital content creation. After being scouted via social media, she quickly booked commercial campaigns for brands like JCPenney and Snapchat. Her major career breakthrough arrived in 2021 when she was selected for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue after multiple submission attempts. Shot by fashion photographer Yu Tsai in Atlantic City, New Jersey, her spread established her among the magazine's notable curve models. Halikas went on to walk high-profile runways during Miami Swim Week for swimwear brands such as Berry Beachy, Cupshe, and VDM The Label, establishing a strong presence in curve swimwear.

Content Creation and Advocacy

Beyond traditional editorial and runway modeling, Halikas has cultivated a significant digital presence across platforms including Instagram and TikTok. Her content centers on outfit inspiration, self-love affirmations, behind-the-scenes modeling footage, and lifestyle vlogs. Brand partnerships include SKIMS, Savage X Fenty, Revolve, Levi's, and Fabletics. In addition to commercial campaigns, she has advocated against size discrimination in nightlife venues through initiatives like the #NotTonight movement and regularly appears on digital media platforms to discuss body confidence and mental health awareness.