Sydney Seethal is stepping out of her Grammy-winning sister’s shadow to create her own empire. The 21-year-old South African creator, entrepreneur, and lifestyle influencer is carving a unique path in the digital and creative space.
While Tyla dominates the music charts and wins major awards, Sydney is building a multi-faceted career. She’s combining social media influence with real estate ventures and acting aspirations.
From Pandemic TikTok to 1.2 Million Followers
Seethal’s digital journey began during the 2019 pandemic. She created a TikTok page and started posting lip-syncing videos for fun.
The response exceeded all expectations. “I started with TikTok in 2019 and suddenly I had brands from the U.S. and South Africa reaching out,” she told Sowetan.
International brands quickly noticed her growing influence. She viewed these opportunities as a way to raise capital for her business goals. Today, she boasts over 1.2 million TikTok followers and partnerships with major brands.
Landing Major Brand Campaigns With H&M and L’Oréal
Seethal has worked with some of the world’s most recognizable brands. Her portfolio includes collaborations with H&M and L’Oréal, among others.
She appeared in the H&M spring/summer campaign alongside her sister Tyla. FKA Twigs also joined them for the global shoot.
“I enjoyed every moment of it. I still have to pinch myself when I think about it,” she shared. The experience felt surreal given its global reach. The accomplishment makes her proud of how far she’s traveled professionally.
Walking the L’Oréal Runway Pushed Her Limits
The L’Oréal ‘Walk Your Worth’ campaign marked a pivotal moment. Seethal walked the runway despite not being a professional model.
“That runway show pushed me out of my comfort zone,” she told Sowetan. The experience proved she belonged in major creative spaces.
She also appeared on New York billboards through brand partnerships. “I learned to own who I am,” she reflected. The confidence gained from these experiences continues fueling her ambitions.
Training as an Actor in Los Angeles
Seethal sees herself exploring multiple career paths simultaneously. Currently based in Los Angeles, she’s working with an acting coach.
“Acting is something I’m taking seriously. I’m preparing now, so when the opportunity comes, I’m ready,” she explained. She’s methodical about building skills before pursuing roles.
Her genre preferences are specific and clear. “I’d love to do thrillers or sci-fi—just not horror!” she told Forbes. The 21-year-old is laying groundwork for a future screen career.
Venturing Into Real Estate Investment
Beyond social media and entertainment, Seethal is entering the property market. She recently revealed plans to Forbes for a real estate company.
The business model focuses on leasing and designing properties. She’ll then re-rent these properties on short-term rental platforms.
“I’ve been into property for a while, but now it’s official. Everything’s registered,” she confirmed. She’s building business credit and planning to invest around $100,000. Her approach emphasizes sustainability over quick profits.
Building a Legacy Named After Her Grandmother
Seethal’s long-term vision extends far beyond current projects. She aspires to establish a global lifestyle conglomerate spanning multiple industries.
“I want to build something similar to Virgin Atlantic,” she stated. The group would include hotels, airlines, fashion, lifestyle, and real estate.
The proposed name carries deep personal meaning. “I’d call it Lorna, named after my grandmother–which is also my middle name,” she revealed. Her grandmother represents the heart of their family. “This is about legacy, not just business,” Seethal emphasized.
Family Plays Central Role in Business Success
Seethal’s family provides crucial support for her entrepreneurial ventures. Her father Sherwin, an accountant, offers financial guidance and expertise.
Her uncle serves as a tax consultant for the business. Additionally, her brother manages her career and various projects.
The youngest of four siblings—Whitney, Jasmin, Tyla, and Tyrese—Sydney benefits from family wisdom. However, she’s determined to forge her own distinct path forward.
Overcoming Self-Doubt to Embrace Limitless Potential
Seethal describes herself as a creator passionate about inspiring young people. She’s traveled a significant personal journey from doubt to confidence.
She once struggled with little confidence in herself. Now she believes in the limitless potential within everyone, she told Sowetan.
“I love exploring different creative spaces, whether in front of the camera, through acting, or via my personal content,” she shared. Her evolution demonstrates the power of self-belief and persistence.
Attending Major Events With Sister Tyla
Sydney has accompanied her famous sister to prestigious events. She attended the recent MTV awards and the Met Gala in New York City.
These high-profile appearances raise her own visibility. However, she’s careful to maintain her individual identity and goals.
The sisters share an extremely close bond. Yet Sydney is focused on developing her unique voice and creative vision.
Creating Her Own Voice While Honoring Family Bonds
Seethal embraces being Tyla’s sister without letting it define her. She sees their relationship as complementary rather than limiting.
“I’m proud to be Tyla’s sister and we are extremely close,” she said. She’s not trying to break away from that connection.
“I think we can shine together. I’ve learned so much from her journey, but I have my own voice, my own passions,” Sydney explained. Her approach balances family pride with personal ambition.
The young entrepreneur demonstrates that success can take many forms. Sydney Seethal is proving she can build her own empire. Her multi-pronged approach to career building sets her apart in the influencer space.