Eli Rallo is the voice of pop culture, advice and all things growing up that Gen Z did not know they needed. This TikTok star is more than just an influencer you swipe past. Rallo posts CONSTANTLY, whether she’s sharing her thoughts on the Grammys, her latest Taylor Swift conspiracy or just her thoughts as she walks through New Jersey. Her relatable content leaves her loyal viewers with the sense of a parasocial relationship between themselves and this social media icon.
Rallo is a 25-year-old post-grad living in New Jersey and is the big sister many wish they had. She’s not afraid to discuss traditionally taboo topics on her social platforms, including her podcast “Miss Congeniality.”
On her podcast, she gives advice on all things friendship, relationships, sex, career goals, first dates, and so much more. Rallo has created a safe community for her followers to ask her questions she then answers on her Instagram story, coining the phrase “WWED – What Would Eli Do?”
While Rallo is accomplished enough as a 25-year-old, she is also a recently published author. Rallo wrote the book “I Didn’t Know I Needed This,” released in Dec. 2023. The book is a collection of essays on Rallo’s “rules” for different areas of your life. My interest in (cue: obsession with) Rallo is cemented by all of the niche experiences she talks about that are somehow TOO relatable to my life.
Rallo decided to take the book on the road, traveling to 13 different cities to share her advice and love for her followers. Luckily, I got tickets to the St. Louis show and was able to attend this past Friday. This is the first time I have attended an event such as this one. Going to a book tour was something I never really thought I would experience, but I am so glad I did!
Rallo was an excellent performer on stage, which is unsurprising, knowing her theatre performance background. She interacts with the audience, reads passages from her book, talks with guests about all things pop culture and even reads work she’s never shared before (my favorite part). The book tour was a great way to spend my Friday night with some great friends! Rallo has such a way with words that she makes you feel heard as an individual.
Rallo is a breath of fresh air online, especially for women navigating college and post-grad life. The depiction of having every aspect of your life together at all times can be so harmful to your well-being. Thus making me ever more grateful for Eli Rallo as a creator, person, and my online role model.