Our Picks - Top Influencers of 2024
In recent years, many influencers have become disconnected from their audiences, showcasing picture-perfect, staged lives. However, a new wave is emerging, embracing authenticity and offering a fresh, more genuine perspective.
Our MD, Lisa has picked her top five influencers - people who are not only breaking down stigmas but also bringing diversity to social media.
Louis Davis
If you haven't come across Louis Davis on TikTok, it’s time to tune in. Louis has had massive growth this past year, captivating audiences with his unique content about life in a secluded town in Aotearoa. As a father of two (soon to be three), Louis shares the highs and lows of raising a young family while staying grounded in his rural lifestyle.
Lisa is especially drawn to Louis' genuine and relatable vibe. He’s not just posting for the likes—he’s sharing his real, unfiltered experiences. Whether he's navigating the chaos of family life or out for a fishing trip, Louis embodies authenticity, making him a standout in the influencer space.
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Blue-Eyed Kayla Jade
If you're looking for an influencer who embodies both openness and authenticity, look no further than Blue-eyed Kayla Jade. Kayla unapologetically shares the realities of her life as a sex worker, breaking down countless stigmas in an engaging way. She first gained widespread attention with her viral "money counts" videos, a perfect example of a great visual hook—Lisa describes as ‘the best she’s seen this year’.
Kayla has created a space for raw, honest conversations about the sex work industry. Her content is a blend of real talk, empowerment, and fun, making her not only an influencer but also a trailblazer in breaking down barriers on social media.
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Ilona Maher
Ilona Maher is more than just a professional rugby player—she's a force for change in the sports and fitness community. Ilona has captivated audiences with her powerful athleticism and unfiltered social media presence. What sets Ilona apart is her advocacy for mental health, body positivity, and breaking stereotypes around women in sports.
Ilona is a role model for anyone seeking authenticity in the often image-driven fitness world. Her candid approach to social media has made her a true leader in challenging beauty standards.
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Danae Mercer
Danae Mercer is a trailblazer in the body positivity movement, using her platform to challenge beauty standards. As a self-love advocate, Danae has built a massive following by sharing raw, unfiltered content of herself—showing not only the polished moments but the imperfections as well.
Her content is all about transparency, from revealing the reality behind Instagram-worthy photos to openly discussing her personal struggles with body image. Lisa admires how Danae uses her voice to encourage others to embrace their bodies, imperfections and all.
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Jess Waterhouse
Jess Waterhouse is a breath of fresh air in the influencer world, quickly rising to prominence for their unapologetic approach to vulnerability. As a mental health advocate and content creator, Jess uses their platform to shed light on the complexities of living with anxiety and depression, while also offering practical advice on how to manage those challenges.
Lisa appreciates Jess’s willingness to share their personal struggles with such openness, as it not only fosters a sense of connection with their audience but also helps to normalize conversations around mental health.
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Embracing Diversity: A New Era of Influencers
All of these influences provide a refreshing, positive perspective on life. By embracing diversity and sharing their stories in a genuine way, they’re reshaping the influencer landscape and offering a more real, relatable perspective.