About

Erika Costell first captured the public's imagination as a stunning model, but she has since proven to be a multi-talented force in the digital age. Represented by esteemed agencies like Wilhelmina International and DAN Talent Group Inc., she built a formidable portfolio centered on swimwear, fitness, and lingerie modeling. However, her ambition didn't stop at the photo studio. Embracing the new frontier of social media, Costell became a key member of the massively popular content collective, Team 10, which cemented her status as a prominent internet personality. Today, she is not only a model and influencer but also a savvy entrepreneur, leveraging her experience and business acumen into her own successful ventures.

Before Fame

Long before she was a household name on social media, Erika Costell was a young girl in Toledo, Ohio, with a clear and powerful dream. She would spend hours poring over fashion magazines, not just admiring the images but imagining herself as the model in the pictures. This childhood fascination wasn't just a fleeting phase; it was the seed of a lifelong passion. At the age of 16, her dream began to materialize. Her manager at the time, Larry Murdock, recognized her potential and guided her to her first professional photo shoot, officially launching her modeling career. To fortify her natural talent with a solid foundation, she later pursued higher education, studying business administration at Middle Tennessee State University—a decision that would prove invaluable in her future entrepreneurial endeavors.

Career Highlights

Erika Costell's career is a masterclass in modern brand-building. After establishing herself in the competitive world of modeling with top-tier agencies, she made a pivotal move in 2017 by joining Team 10. This decision catapulted her from the world of traditional modeling into the stratosphere of internet fame. Alongside other digital creators, she became a central figure in a whirlwind of daily vlogs, viral challenges, and music videos, which brought her a massive and dedicated following.

As her influence grew, so did her business ambitions. In 2020, demonstrating a keen understanding of her audience and brand, Costell launched her own clothing line, Akire Sport ("Erika" spelled backward). This venture was more than just merchandise; it was the culmination of her years in fitness modeling and her business administration studies, creating a brand that was both authentic and aspirational. The successful launch marked her evolution from influencer to full-fledged entrepreneur, proving her prowess extends far beyond the camera lens.

Trivia

• Before she was a model, she was dedicated to another disciplined craft: cheerleading, which she practiced for 11 years.
• She holds a degree in Business Administration from Middle Tennessee State University.
• In 2020, she channeled her entrepreneurial spirit into founding her own fitness apparel company, Akire Sport.

Family Life

Originally from Ohio, Erika maintains close ties with her family, including her half-brother JC and half-sisters Morgan and Dani. Her personal life became a topic of public interest during her time with Team 10 through her high-profile relationship with the group's founder, Jake Paul. What began as a strong friendship in 2017 officially blossomed into a romance in April 2018, a relationship heavily documented across their social media channels. The couple, often referred to as "Jerika," eventually announced their amicable split in November 2018. She was also previously friends with fellow model Alissa Violet, who also had a well-publicized history with Paul.