RANKED: 30 up and coming Ipswich social media stars

As an increasing number of Ipswich residents turn away from traditional employment routes in favour of more flexible opportunities, such as social media influencing, we reveal who are the region’s 30 most promising up-and-coming content creators of 2022.

In 2022, online content creation is much more than sharing silly snaps with friends — it is a legitimate and lucrative alternative to the traditional nine-to-five.

So it is perhaps no surprise a growing number of people from across the Ipswich region are attempting to grow their follower bases, sharing increasingly candid photos, videos, and captions to their Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook profiles.

But long-time influencer, now life coach and personal trainer, Loz Antonenko has warned the industry is not all roses and free merchandise.

The Ipswich social media star’s career took off in 2017 when she started competing in bikini body sculpting competitions and sharing her fitness journey online. Several of her photos “went a bit viral”, prompting brands to reach out and propose collaborations.

Loz Antonenko launched her own fitness and health guide, The Healthy Habit Handbook, in 2020. Picture: Cordell Richardson

Ms Antonenko said she very quickly became “totally obsessed” with the numbers on her phone screen, spending more than seven hours each day scrolling and posting on social media.

She also fell into the grips of a destructive eating disorder and devoted the hours she was not on social media to the gym.

“What you have to do in exchange for (free) stuff isn’t always worth it,” Ms Antonenko said.

“I became really obsessed with numbers.

“I had a distorted view of the world.”

She has since pulled back on her social media use and now teaches how to avoid experiencing the same burnout she did.

Her advice to those interested in pursuing a career in social media is simple: Choose your target market wisely, know your values and stay true to them and be prepared for criticism.

From fitness gurus to sustainability warriors, The Queensland Times has identified who in the local influencer space are the ones to watch.

See the full list.

30. karlees_journey

Instagram reach: 1795 followers

Self-love advocate Karlee Deane has built a solid foundation for a career in content creation, sharing everything with her followers from fashion and makeup tips to recipes and empowering messages.

“I grew up in a household where ‘fat girls don’t have fun’ was a regular phrase to encourage diet culture and the constant struggle to be smaller,” she wrote in a recent Instagram caption.

“I’m so bloody proud of how far I’ve come. There’s no shame in taking up space.”

The social media manager and Airbnb owner has been praised by her followers for her confidence and vulnerability.

29. ___tyreece

Tyreece Da’costa, 22, has built a following on Instagram with photos of himself at the gym and relaxing with friends.

He now has more than 2000 people following his journey online.

28. kloejayne

Instagram reach: 2091 followers

A coach and personal trainer at Fitstop North Ipswich, Kloe Jayne now has more than 2000 people following her journey.

Her Instagram grid is all about movement and mindset and features more than 100 inspiring pictures and gym tips.

Details of her workout routine are often included in the captions of her posts, much to the appreciation of her followers.

27. tjohn116

Instagram reach: 2163 followers

World Gym Ipswich manager Travis John’s candid sharing of what is important to him has earned him a follower base which is steadily growing in size.

His online community is particularly interested in his bodybuilding progress shots, which he has previously posted in the lead-up to competitions, as well as his lifestyle content.

26. savannahmaree233

Instagram reach: 2239 followers

With more than 2000 Instagram followers, Gatton Hawks player Savannah Maree is one to watch in the local influencer space.

Many of her posts depict her in the uniform of her rugby league club, while others show her dressed up and attending events.

25. _courtneymears_

Instagram reach: 3100 followers

TikTok reach: 3054 followers

@_courtneymears_. Picture: TikTok

Ipswich-based influencer Courtney Mears has worked in the content creation space since 2018, representing a number of prominent brands including Hismile, Luxe Fitness, Body Blendz, and Alya Skin.

The 21-year-old is set to launch a business at the end of the year called Collab with Creativity, which has been advertised as a “new and fun way” for content creators, small businesses, and photographers to connect.

24. jonathan_aiulu_

Instagram reach: 3365 followers

Facebook reach: 1400 followers

Professional K1 and Muay Thai fighter Jonathan Aiulu is loved online particularly for his fighting videos and photos.

The self-proclaimed “prodigy” has teamed up with float and wellness centre City Cave Ipswich to promote the business and help him recover from intense training and fight sessions.

He has also worked with Richlands barbershop Royal Fadez.

23. katieprimrosee

Instagram reach: 3724 followers

Ipswich’s Katie Sheahan is growing more popular by the day on social media, her Instagram profile now boasting more than 3700 followers.

The up-and-coming influencer posts a variety of photos ranging in theme from lifestyle to fitness.

22. bonnie.applegate

TikTok reach: 3759 followers

Instagram reach: 2343 followers

At just 21, bartender Bonnie Applegate is only becoming more popular online as the years progress.

Her TikTok videos — which pertain to friends, love, tattoos, beauty, and everything in between — each attract tens of thousands of views, with her most-watched post now viewed more than 456,100 times.

Ms Applegate’s Instagram also receives plenty of love and features photos of her at local hangouts such as Falvey’s Hotel Yamanto.

The young star has recently used her platform to tease the impending opening of her own beauty bar, Halo.

21. mindbodysoultransformation

Instagram reach: 3792 followers

Facebook reach: 1500 likes

Mum and triathlete Donna Parker is a sports influencer who is inspiring thousands to push their limits and exercise for enjoyment.

She speaks candidly in her Instagram and Facebook captions about her achievements and her struggles, which many of her followers have expressed they appreciate.

Ms Parker is an ambassador for brand RunFaster and often trains at Fitstop North Ipswich. She raced the Sunshine Coast 70.3 Ironman at the weekend and the Guzzler ultra-marathon in July.

20. isabellacollihole 

Instagram reach: 3860 followers

Up and coming influencer Isabella Collihole has a steadily-growing follower base that is invested in her posts, most of which depict her active lifestyle.

The young athlete recently competed at the 2022 CAPO Powerlifting National Championships and is involved with popular gym Fistop North Ipswich.

19. thecuriouscaravan

Instagram reach: 4316 followers

Owner of The Curious Caravan Naja Burton uses her Instagram platform to promote various, largely creative local businesses.

Her own business operates from the gardens of Pullenvale Hall between the hours of 6.30am and 12pm Monday to Friday, where she sells goodies including coffee, pastries, and pottery.

18. kirracsurhes

Instagram reach: 4561 followers

With an Instagram grid filled with photos and videos of food, gym workouts, and loved ones, former Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School student Kirra Csurhes is making waves online as an up and coming influencer.

She is currently working with sports supplements company Revival and workout clothing brand Born Primitive.

Having recently started a YouTube channel, it is safe to say people can only expect to see more of Ms Csurhes in the future.

17. brooklin_barrett

Instagram reach: 5089 followers

Self-declared “gym rat” Brooklin Barrett, 18, has a follower base that is growing by the day, as she shares more and more photos of her fitness journey.

A member of Ipswich gym CrossFit Western Front, Ms Barrett promotes an active lifestyle and the importance of sticking to goals.

“Power is defiant,” she wrote in a recent Instagram caption.

16. charliefarrowfit

Instagram reach: 5141 followers

TikTok reach: 1235 followers

Personal trainer Charlie Farrow is an influencer and coach who is dedicated to helping women elevate their confidence and mindset.

Her posts range from promotional shots to lifestyle, gym, food, and other happy snaps.

Ms Farrow is currently working with a number of brands including workout clothing line LSKD, vitamins and supplements seller Rule 1 Proteins Australia, and Global Nutrition Australia.

15. Maniiakz

Facebook reach: 7800 followers

Maniiakz. Picture: Facebook / Maniiakz

After launching his career in June 2020, gamer Maniiakz quickly rose to a level of success which now allows him to work full-time as a Facebook content creator.

As well as streaming his games, the young influencer has used his platforms to promote businesses such as Springfield barbershop Spasifik Cuts.

14. ross.varnam

Instagram reach: 7989 followers

Bodybuilder Ross Varnam is inspiring thousands online with his fitness journey, promoting discipline, patience, and perseverance.

In a recent Instagram caption, he said his reason for pursuing and sticking to his sport ran much deeper than ‘aesthetics’.

“The constant pursuit of optimal health and athleticism. The desire to improve and learn. To grow stronger physically and emotionally. To be part of a community that understands the dedication involved,” he wrote.

“The list goes on…”

13. monique.steel

Instagram reach: 12.4k followers

TikTok reach: 3636 followers

Owner of clothing brand SteelFit Apparel, influencer, and nail technician Monique Steel has made an impressive name for herself in the corporate world for someone just 19 years of age.

As well as running multiple businesses, she has worked in content creation for some time — using her social media profiles to promote well-known brands such as Hey Bud Skincare.

Ms Steel is best known online for her fitness and fashion.

12. _therubyknight_

TikTok reach: 13.4k followers

With more than 13,400 followers on TikTok, pole dancer Ruby Knight is a strong voice for body positivity.

Her profile description reads: “Just a chubby girl. Standing in front of a pole. Asking it to hold her.”

Ms Knight uses hashtags including #curvytiktok, #thicktok, and #bodypositivity on videos of her performing tricks on poles, which her followers say they are “thoroughly impressed” by. Her posts are inspiring thousands to pursue similar forms of exercise.

11. sarahmanias

TikTok reach: 14k followers

@sarahmanias. Picture: TikTok

TikTok influencer and mum Sarah Manias, 30, is well-liked online for her entertaining videos, each of which attract hundreds of views.

She is transparent with her followers, sharing intimate details of her life as well as stories and struggles others say they relate to.

Ms Manias’ videos about mental health seem to resonate particularly well with her fans.

10. Thomas Anderson

YouTube reach: 14.4k subscribers

Thomas Anderson's most popular video on YouTube is of him climbing around a table. Picture: YouTube

Ipswich local Thomas Anderson is one of the region’s most powerful up-and-coming stars with more than 14,000 subscribers on YouTube.

Since joining the platform in June 2008, his videos — which predominantly feature him “climbing around things for fun”, as well as games and challenges others can try — have attracted millions of views.

His most popular video is just one minute and 42 seconds in length, shows him climbing around a table, and has been viewed more than 4.2 million times.

9. shimmyy

Instagram reach: 16.1k followers

Nail artist Brooke Hagen runs a successful business Instagram account which features photos of her work, her salon, and all of the latest nail trends.

Her thousands of fans are obsessed with her art, especially her gel work, often expressing awe at how talented she is and asking her to share her tips and tricks.

8. damiangibbs5

TikTok reach: 16.9k followers

Ipswich man Damian Gibbs has earned more than 16,000 followers on TikTok by posting entertaining videos about being a single dad, his 30kg weight loss, mental health, and various other parts of his life.

His most popular video has been viewed more than 78,000 times and is about being a single, “tatted”, dad in his 30s.

7. callumshawfmx

TikTok reach: 19.9k followers

Instagram reach: 6813 followers

Freestyle motocross rider Callum Shaw has gone viral online with videos of him performing tricks on his bike.

He now has more than 6000 Instagram followers and 19,000 TikTok followers watching his impressive journey, with his most-watched video attracting more than 266,000 views.

His many fans regularly express how impressed and inspired they are by his success.

“I appreciate how hard that would’ve been to overcome the fear and practice heaps, good job,” one TikTok user wrote on a video of him performing a ramp flip.

6. rhiana_webber

Instagram reach: 40k followers

As well as pursuing a career in nursing, 24-year-old Rhiana Webber has made a name for herself as an Instagram influencer.

She is currently working with brands including TMJ Apparel, the Oodie, and Acrylique, all of which offer her followers discounts on purchases.

Ms Webber’s online content includes happy snaps with loved ones, gym selfies, and professional photo shoots.

5. xmorgannnnn

Instagram reach: 52.7k followers

TikTok reach: 51.3k followers

Ipswich influencer Morgan is adored by her more than 50,000 followers on Instagram and TikTok for her vulnerability and confidence.

She understands what her audience wants, sharing content she knows will resonate, and is now teaching others to do the same.

The young star has created a ‘beginner’s guide’ to social media and OnlyFans which shows its readers how they too can explore and understand the social media platforms they use to have the best chance at growing their accounts.

4. lozantonenko

Instagram reach: 62.9k followers

Facebook reach: 1527 followers

Loz Antonenko launched her own fitness and health guide called The Healthy Habit Handbook in 2020. Picture: Cordell Richardson

A celebrity among Ipswich locals, life coach Loz Antonenko has an impressive following of more than 62,000 people on Instagram.

Her goals as an influencer include helping businesspeople prioritise healthy eating, sleep, movement, and breathing habits so they can avoid burnout and perform to the best of their ability.

Ms Antonenko is set to host a ‘Retreat Yo’self’ event at City Cave Springfield on Tuesday, September 13 which she said will connect attendees to themselves with a flow yoga session. A grazing platter and hi-tech meditation session will also be on offer.

3. thefatmechanic

TikTok reach: 63.7k followers

The Fat Mechanic. Picture: Facebook / The Fat Mechanic

With more than 60,000 followers on TikTok, The Fat Mechanic — a motosport team boss and driver — is one of Ipswich’s most influential content creators.

He posts informative videos about vehicle maintenance, with his most popular video exposing ways in which mechanics can overcharge their customers.

“Just be careful when you go to these places that offer free inspections,” he said in the TikTok video, which now has 616.5k views.

“The whole idea of the free inspection is to get more work.”

He advised his followers to “stay vigilant”.

2. sherreemorris

TikTok reach: 410.1k followers

Instagram reach: 264k followers

YouTube reach: 4230 subscribers

Bellbird Park makeup artist Sherree Morris has steadily built her Instagram following over the years by sharing photos and videos of her work on clients, but it has been her TikTok content which has caught the eye of online makeup lovers as of late.

The influencer has received a total of 14.5 million likes on videos of her work. Just two months ago, a single video she posted was viewed 1.6 million times.

Ms Morris also recently created an Instagram account for adult content related to her OnlyFans account called @sherreemorrisplus which currently has about 11,800 followers.

1. breeelenehan

Instagram reach: 670k followers

TikTok reach: 414.4k followers

YouTube reach: 47.4k subscribers

Ipswich’s top influencer Bree Lenehan is adored by people across the country, as evidenced at the weekend when her followers travelled from every-which-where to attend her first-ever ‘meet and greet’ event at the Gold Coast.

Aptly described in her Instagram bio as her followers’ “Aussie internet BFF for health, self love, and positivity”, Ms Lenehan is a person of refreshing candour who often accompanies her ‘picture-perfect’ shots with less curated, more realistic images and helpful captions.

“Just your weekly reminder that it’s okay to exist with cellulite, fat on your body, loose skin, rolls, pimples, softness, and in all of those ‘less flattering’ angles,” she wrote on Instagram last week.

Ms Lenehan currently represents a broad scope of well-known brands including Gymshark, Macro Mike, Lounge, Showpo, Petal and Pup, and Goli Nutrition and is only growing in popularity.

Have we missed someone? Nominate yourself or someone you follow by sending an email to [e-mail].

Originally published as RANKED: 30 up and coming Ipswich social media stars