Elle Smith captivates people around the world with her stunning beauty, sharp intelligence, and inspiring journey. She grabs attention as the woman who claimed the Miss USA title in 2021. Today in 2026, she continues to shine as a successful model, content creator, and supportive partner in a high-profile relationship. People search for Elle Smith because they want to know her full story—from her early days to her latest adventures. This article dives deep into her life, career highlights, personal growth, and current status with the most up-to-date details available. Elle Smith stands out as a role model who balances pageantry success, journalism roots, modeling gigs, and meaningful personal connections. She shows that Chelsea Women Fixtures determination and authenticity lead to exciting opportunities. Let’s explore everything about her in detail. Early Life and Background Elle Smith enters the world on June 19, 1998, in Springfield, Ohio. She grows up in a supportive environment that encourages her to pursue education and passions. Elle attends Shawnee High School, where she excels as an honors student and graduates in 2016. Her drive pushes her toward higher education right away. Elle chooses the University of Kentucky for her college years. She majors in broadcast journalism and adds a minor in political science. Professors and peers notice her talent quickly. Elle serves as vice president of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) chapter during her senior year. This role builds her leadership skills and opens doors in media. Elle graduates in 2020 with strong honors. She lands a job as an on-air reporter at WHAS-TV, the ABC affiliate in Louisville, Kentucky. Elle reports Mason Greenwood on local news stories with confidence and clarity. Her journalism career starts strong, but a new opportunity soon changes her path forever. The Path to Miss USA Victory Elle Smith decides to try pageantry for the first time in 2021. She competes in Miss Kentucky USA and wins the crown in May. Friends describe her as genuine, warm, intelligent, and determined. Elle views pageantry as a platform for personal growth and empowerment for women. Elle heads to Tulsa, Oklahoma, in November 2021 for the Miss USA competition. She represents Kentucky with poise and grace. On November 29, 2021, Elle Smith wins Miss USA 2021. She becomes the second woman from Kentucky to claim the national title. The victory marks a historic moment for her state. Elle earns a six-figure salary and moves to Los Angeles during her reign. She prepares to represent the United States at Miss Universe. The international event takes place in Eilat, Israel, on December 12, 2021. Elle advances to the Top 10. She competes Annie Kilner strongly in swimsuit and evening gown segments but does not reach the Top 5. Harnaaz Sandhu from India wins the crown that year. Elle uses her platform to advocate for important causes. She focuses on education, media representation, and empowerment. Her Miss USA journey proves that first-time competitors achieve greatness with preparation and heart. Journalism Career and Transition Elle Smith builds a solid foundation in journalism before pageantry calls. She works at WHAS-TV as a reporter. Colleagues praise her ability to connect with people and deliver news professionally. Elle credits her NABJ involvement for helping her secure the role through networking. After her Miss USA reign ends, Elle steps away from full-time news reporting. She explores new opportunities in media and entertainment. Elle keeps her journalism skills sharp through content creation and storytelling. She shares insights on social media about mental health, wellness, and personal development. In recent years, Elle focuses more on modeling and influencing. She maintains ties to her broadcast roots while evolving her career. Elle proves that diverse experiences create a well-rounded professional life. Modeling Success and Brand Partnerships Elle Smith signs with top agencies after her pageant win. She works with Wilhelmina Models in New York, Los Angeles, and other markets. She also partners with The Source Models in Miami. Agencies value her height of 5 feet 10 inches, striking features, and confident presence. Elle appears in fashion campaigns, editorials, Cole Palmer and brand collaborations. She promotes skincare and wellness products. For example, she shares her January 2026 skincare routine featuring Clarins products like Total Eye Lift. Fans appreciate her honest reviews and tips. Elle travels frequently for work. She posts from cities like New York, London, and Los Angeles. Her Instagram bio highlights these locations and agencies. Elle builds a following of over 156,000 on Instagram with authentic posts about life, travel, and self-care. Elle embraces a rebrand in late 2025 into 2026. She teases exciting changes on TikTok with captions like “2026 I’m coming for you #2026 #rebrand #newyear.” Fans watch eagerly for her next moves in modeling and content. Personal Life and High-Profile Relationship Elle Smith keeps much of her personal life private, but recent years bring public attention to her relationship. Speculation starts in 2024 about her connection with Leah Williamson, the captain of England’s Lionesses soccer team and an Arsenal star. The pair appears together more openly in 2025. Elle supports Leah during the Women’s Euro 2025 tournament in Switzerland. She wears a Leah Williamson custom “Live, Laugh, Leah” shirt in the stands. She cheers as England defends their title successfully with dramatic wins. Elle and Leah enjoy romantic getaways. They spend time in Majorca before the Euros. After England’s victory over Spain in the final, Leah heads to New York for a break with Elle. Photos show them enjoying the city, attending exclusive clubs, watching WNBA games, and relaxing. In September 2025, they attend the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris together. Media outlets call it their “power couple era.” They walk the red carpet and confirm months of speculation through visible affection. By late 2025 and into 2026, Elle and Leah continue to share moments. Leah visits New York in December 2025 while recovering from a knee injury. Elle shows her around the Big Apple. The couple prioritizes health, joy, and support. Elle focuses on her own wellness journey, mentioning in posts that 2025 healed her and helped her work on mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Elle rings in 2026 on a red-eye flight, sharing grateful reflections on TikTok. She embraces new adventures, including possible moves or time abroad like London. Recent Updates in 2026 Elle Smith stays active on social media in early 2026. She posts about holiday season starts in December 2025 and skincare in January 2026. Elle feels grateful for 2025’s healing and looks forward with optimism. She continues modeling work across major cities. Elle partners with brands like Clarins and shares routines that resonate with followers. Her content mixes Coleen Rooney glamour, authenticity, and wellness advice. Elle supports Leah through her recovery and Arsenal’s season. The couple inspires fans with their bond and individual successes. Elle’s journey shows growth, love, and ambition. Elle maintains a positive, engaging online presence. She connects with fans through stories of self-improvement and gratitude. As 2026 unfolds, Elle promises more exciting chapters. Why Elle Smith Inspires So Many People Elle Smith rises from a journalism student to Miss USA winner, model, and influential figure. She overcomes challenges with grace and determination. Elle advocates for mental health and personal growth openly. Her relationship with Leah Williamson adds a layer of visibility to LGBTQ+ representation in sports and entertainment. They show supportive partnership without constant public declarations. Elle balances careers while prioritizing well-being. She reminds everyone that success comes from authenticity and hard work. Elle Smith’s Bright Future Ahead Elle Smith continues to evolve in 2026 as a multifaceted star. She moves from pageant stages to modeling runways and personal fulfillment. Her story motivates people to chase dreams boldly. Whether through journalism roots, beauty achievements, or current adventures, Elle captivates audiences. She embraces change and gratitude. Fans Clara Chía Martí watch eagerly for what comes next in her inspiring journey. Elle Smith proves that one person creates lasting impact with talent, heart, and resilience. FAQs About Elle Smith 1. What is Elle Smith’s full background and where did she grow up? Elle Smith, born Ellen Elizabeth Smith on June 19, 1998, grows up in Springfield, Ohio. She excels in high school as an honors student at Shawnee High School, graduating in 2016. She then attends the University of Kentucky, earning a degree in broadcast journalism with a minor in political science in 2020. Her early life emphasizes education, leadership through NABJ, and a strong work ethic that shapes her future successes. 2. How did Elle Smith win Miss USA 2021, and what made her victory special? Elle Smith enters her first pageant ever in 2021 and wins Miss Kentucky USA in May. She competes at Miss USA in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and claims the national José Mourinho crown on November 29, 2021. Her win marks the second time Kentucky produces a Miss USA winner. Elle’s poise, intelligence, and genuine personality stand out during the competition, making her victory a testament to preparation and authenticity for first-time participants. 3. What happened during Elle Smith’s Miss Universe experience after winning Miss USA? Elle Smith represents the United States at Miss Universe 2021 in Eilat, Israel, on December 12, 2021. She advances to the Top 10 after strong performances in swimsuit and evening gown rounds. Although she does not reach the Top 5, her international showing highlights her grace under pressure and boosts her visibility in modeling and media circles worldwide. 4. What does Elle Smith do for her career now in 2026? In 2026, Elle Smith focuses on professional modeling with agencies like Wilhelmina in New York and Los Angeles, plus The Source in Miami. She creates content on Instagram and TikTok about wellness, skincare, and travel. She partners with brands such as Vanessa Perroncel Clarins and shares authentic routines. Elle also emphasizes personal health and rebranding efforts for new opportunities. 5. Who is Elle Smith dating, and how did their relationship become public? Elle Smith shares a relationship with Leah Williamson, captain of England’s Lionesses and Arsenal player. Speculation begins in 2024, with more visibility in 2025 through Euro support, holidays in Majorca and New York, and a red carpet appearance at the 2025 Ballon d’Or in Paris. They show affection through posts and joint trips, inspiring fans as a supportive power couple. 6. How does Elle Smith support mental and physical health in her daily life? Elle Smith prioritizes mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health. She reflects on 2025 as a healing year and continues focus into 2026. Elle shares skincare routines, wellness tips, and grateful messages on social media. She encourages followers to invest in self-care and balance amid busy careers and travel. 7. Where does Elle Smith live or travel most often these days? Elle Smith travels frequently between New York, London, Los Angeles, and Miami for modeling work. Her social media highlights these cities. She spends time in New York with Leah Williamson and explores London possibly for longer stays or adventures, embracing an international lifestyle. 8. What brands and partnerships does Elle Smith work with recently? Elle Smith collaborates with Clarins for skincare promotions, sharing routines like using Total Eye Lift in January 2026. She works with Wilhelmina Models and The Source Models. Her content features authentic endorsements in wellness, beauty, and lifestyle categories that align with her personal values. 9. How has Elle Smith’s social media presence grown and what does she post? Elle Smith builds a following of over 156,000 on Instagram with 158+ posts. She shares travel photos, skincare advice, holiday moments, and reflective captions about gratitude and growth. On TikTok, she posts fun videos like New Year’s celebrations on flights and rebrand teases, keeping content engaging and relatable for fans. 10. What can fans expect from Elle Smith in the rest of 2026 and beyond? Elle Smith hints at a rebrand and exciting projects in 2026 through TikTok and Instagram. She continues modeling, brand work, and content creation while supporting Leah Williamson. Fans look forward to more wellness insights, travel adventures, and personal milestones as she embraces new chapters with optimism and determination. To Get More Lifestyle Insights Click On: William Saliba: The Defensive Dynamo Dominating Arsenal’s Backline and Inspiring a New Era in Football Sarina Wiegman: The Unstoppable Force Revolutionizing Women’s Football José Mourinho: The Special One’s Epic Journey from Glory to Grit in 2026 Clara Chía Martí: From Barcelona Waitress to Global Spotlight – The Full Untold Story in 2026 To Get More Info: Yorkshire Herald Post navigation Jakub Kiwior: The Polish Defender Thriving on Loan at Porto Warren Zaïre-Emery: The Prodigy Redefining Midfield Mastery in Modern Football