As news has broken that Jennifer Hawkins will be leaving her million dollar per annum contract with Myer in November, there has been a common sentiment among reports.
While Hawkins has been rightly lauded for her incredible contribution to the company over 12 years, there is an air of snobbiness discussing her replacement. Many seem to think that Elyse Knowles is just another Instagram model who used to be on The Block.
In fact, on Friday The Sydney Morning Herald referred to the 25-year-old as a “comparatively [to Hawkins] unknown reality television star.”
To be clear, Knowles has an Instagram following of 891,000. That’s more than Hawkins.
Futhermore, she is the face of Seafolly and Davidoff Cool Water, and an ambassador for brand Vital.
Knowles also did not simply appear on a reality television show, she won The Block alongside her partner Josh Barker in 2017.
On top of that, Knowles modelled for Myer for the first time almost 10 years ago, at just 16.
Opening up about being named as an ambassador for Myer on her blog last month, Elyse Knowles excitedly shared her history with the brand.
“I’m truely honoured that Myer have extended this invitation, as it’s an opportunity I’ve worked towards since my very first Myer booking when I was 16 years old,” she wrote.
“An entire decade ago!! Hard work will get you to where you want to be – trust me on this,” she added.
Elyse Knowles is a worthy successor for the equally brilliant Jennifer Hawkins – and it’s time we stopped dismissing her.
Top Comments
She is also a distant relative of Beyonce Knowles. They share a common ancestor from the late 1700s.
Oh well - then increase her salary immediately!
Ali, how many of these details did you know without research? None I’d bet. She is relatively unknown to the majority of us. Hence why her pay cheque is considerably lower then Jen Hawkins’.
Good luck to her - but she has big shoes to fill.
Exactly. Fact is, a great many don't watch The Block or follow SM "influencers". Best get a more realistic perspective on what it takes to become a *real* household name. You need more than clicks and followers.