Elwa Saleh is a full-time social media blogger, whom we were lucky enough to catch up with recently. With over 500k followers on Instagram, Elwa is quite the sensation across social media platforms, and for good reason. Her engaging content, and unique style definitely set her apart as one of the most exciting social media personalities of the year.
Of course, we had to start by talking about Elwa’s specialty – social media, namely the role it’s played in her career.
“Social media has opened many doors for me. Through my platforms, I have been fortunate to work with the best of the best brands and artists. Being a social media blogger and model has also allowed me to build a deeper connection with my audience and connect with fellow artists across the world.”
To date, Elwa has worked with some of the biggest brands in the beauty market, including Sephora, Fenty Beauty, and TooFaced. As a model and actress, Elwa has also collaborated with musicians Post Malone, Ty Dolla, Diljit Dosanjh, among others.
Like so many out there, Elwa started by posting her own beauty content, mainly hair tutorials to her social media. From there, she got her first gig with a hair extension brand.
“If I were to go back and start over, I would do the same exact steps. I remember starting it as a hobby and wanting to share my passions as an artist.”
Although Elwa has no regrets, looking back over her career, she admits she wishes she hadn’t cared so much about growing on social media. However, she then admits that anxiety was a double-edged sword.
“That same anxiety did motivate me to make a brand and succeed as a content creator. So, all in all I wouldn’t change a thing. Now I am more relaxed and have faith in my path.”
In time, Elwa has learned to navigate anxiety and difficult situations better. An adept of self-help, Elwa enjoys spiritual therapy, such as Tae Chi therapy, and chakra alignment. A firm believer in holistic healing, her spirituality isn’t something Elwa talks about a lot on her social media, but it is an important part of her personal life.
She also enjoys sports, being a skillful volleyball player, a hiker, and a paddle boarding enthusiast. But most of all, she enjoys her work, since she’s one of the lucky people who do what they love for a living. Speaking on the differences between modeling and acting, Elwa says that actually, modeling is a lot harder.
“As a model you have to tell a story without speaking a single word. In acting there is more to play when it comes to telling a story.”
For Elwa, being a model and social media personality is about spreading positivity. She takes comfort in knowing that at this point, she can empower and inspire young girls who enjoy fashion, much like she once was. She also hopes that in the future, she may open an NGO with a focus on empowering women. Her positive attitude shines through in her love for her supporters, whom she credits for supporting her and helping her share her passions.
Elwa is also deeply encouraging of anyone who dreams of working in fashion and social media:
“Focus on yourself. Share what you are passionate about. Do not compare yourself to others and KEEP GOING.”
