While Palos Verdes High School is known for its star athletes and student scholars locally, there’s a few students here who’ve gained national – or even international – attention.
Meet sophomore Ava Kordich, whose unexpected rise to fame as an influencer on TikTok has came as a surprise to everyone – including herself.
“I started it like a year ago and I really just started it for fun, like I didn’t think it was gonna go anywhere and it did,” Kordich said.
“It’s not that big a deal, it’s just something I do for fun.”
What might have started as a lighthearted pastime has resulted in some serious success.
Her TikTok account has almost 60,000 followers – enough people to sellout a professional football stadium.
“I don’t really know why it got so popular. I think I just got kind of lucky in that sense and the algorithm just kind of picked me,” Kordich said.
The popularity comes with some appreciated benefits.
“I get PR and brand collaborations like Pure Vida jewelry,” she stated.
“I get clothes from brands like Rip Curl and City Beach Australia… Converse, sunglasses, shark watches…”
Kordich is quick to play down the free swag, and very much wants people to know she is extremely appreciative of everything she’s received.
“It’s not like a real thing, it’s fake,” she said of the idealized lifestyle of surf, sand and sunsets portrayed on social media.
Despite her demure attitude, the popularity is undeniable.
Some of Kordich’s videos have over a million views. When asked if that could make her one of the most famous people on the Peninsula, she scoffed at the thought.
“Please, that’s just like a joke, don’t even…”
While free clothes and merch sounds like a dream come true for most high schoolers, Kordich isn’t sure about her account’s long term future.
“I don’t really know how long I’m gonna do it. I don’t really have a set plan, like I know it can’t be a job for me, but I think I’ll do it for as long as it’s still fun. I’m not gonna do this the rest of my life.”
But for now, if you haven’t already, check out @avaajuliette to get a look at how one of our own turned the Palos Verdes lifestyle into a growing phenomenon.