“The most important thing is to be authentic – you are your personal brand.”
– Ellisiv, coach and influencer
How do you build a brand that people don’t just follow — but genuinely feel something for?
In the latest episode of The Talk by Mentorguru, I sit down with Ellisiv, a young and newly certified coach with a lifestyle that quite literally makes you stop and stare. She takes an outdoor ice bath — every single day — all year round. At the same time, she has built an Instagram account with over 155,000 followers, and is now a semifinalist for Personal Brand of the Year in the SHE network.
But this isn’t just an episode about cold plunges.
It’s an episode about courage, mental strength, and how to build a powerful brand by being unapologetically yourself.
It Started with Ice Baths – But Became So Much More
For Ellisiv, it all began with a simple decision: to do something that challenged both her body and her mind. Ice bathing became a daily ritual — and a metaphor for life itself.
To stand in discomfort.
To find strength in stillness.
To face yourself in the reflection of a frozen lake.
She started documenting her journey on Instagram — not to become an influencer, but to share real, unfiltered moments. And it clicked.
From Zero to 155,000 Followers – On Her Own Terms
Many people ask: How did you get so many followers?
Ellisiv doesn’t have a quick fix — she has something better: authenticity.
She never tried to be “liked.” She just chose to be herself. And in a world full of filters, that might be the most powerful thing you can be.
In the episode, she shares:
- How she found her visual and verbal style
- What actually works on Instagram
- How she builds real connections with her audience
- What happens behind the scenes when you go viral — and how it can take a toll
A Growing Brand – And a Grounded One
The fact that Ellisiv is now a semifinalist for Personal Brand of the Year is no coincidence. It’s the result of consistent work, the courage to show vulnerability, and the ability to stand firm in her values — even when social media storms blow hard.
We also talk about:
- What it really means to be a personal brand — not just to have one
- How to handle the pressure of always being «on»
- Where to draw the line when it comes to sharing, privacy, and mental health
Advice for Anyone Building Their Own Brand
Toward the end of the episode, Ellisiv shares her best advice for coaches, creators, and entrepreneurs who want to grow their own platform:
✅ Get clear on what you truly stand for
✅ Share what feels real — not just what you think will sell
✅ Don’t be afraid to be weird, raw, or different — that’s where the magic lives
✅ Remember: a small, engaged community beats a big, indifferent one. Every time.