Influencer Milly Goldsmith has gained a significant following by sharing her personal struggles, including her eating disorder, acne, and challenges with dating. Her candid approach has resonated with millions, leading some to compare her to 'Gen-Z Bridget Jones.' Goldsmith recently revealed in a TikTok video that at 28, she has never had a boyfriend, a confession that propelled her online profile. She admitted to previously lying about past relationships due to shame and a feeling of not being 'good enough for anyone.'
Known online as Milly G, the Berkshire-born personality dedicates her platform to authenticity, often sharing moments of vulnerability that contrast with the polished image often presented by her peers. This approach has garnered her nearly 600,000 followers on Instagram and 40,000 on YouTube. Goldsmith expressed a dislike for the term 'influencer,' finding it embarrassing and feeling judged by others, despite her career being centered on influence.
"Sometimes I wonder whether I’ll regret sharing something," Goldsmith stated. "For example, talking openly about being single, I worried people would think it was strange or that I’d make dating even harder for myself. But every time I share something, I end up feeling seen and understood because other people relate to it. That’s always been my biggest motivation."
Her honesty extends to her new book, "Things I Told My Notes App." Goldsmith described the experience of releasing her first book as "crazy," stating she is only just beginning to process it. She has been open about her struggles with mental health, spending the past two years in therapy and discussing the impact social media has had on her well-being.
Reflecting on her career, Goldsmith noted, "It’s funny when I think about it – my career as an influencer is based on people’s opinions of me. My entire brand is built on talking about my life online and my success is very much tied to how many people care about said life."
She also addressed the resurgence of ultra-thin body ideals online, calling it "worrying" but emphasizing that body ideals are trends that change. Goldsmith recalled a moment at 15 when seeing a model's diet plan on Tumblr led her to track her own calorie intake, a behavior that quickly escalated. Her focus later shifted to fitness, where she documented workouts and built a following. Sharing her recovery journey, particularly through before-and-after posts of a reverse diet, proved life-changing, showing her that vulnerability resonated more than perceived perfection.
Goldsmith, who also co-founded the electrolyte brand SULT, remains immersed in the digital world that has fueled her success but also contributes to her anxiety. She acknowledges being addicted to her phone, constantly checking for likes and engagement. While she prioritizes authenticity, she also admits that balancing this with privacy remains her biggest challenge.
"I’m trying to be really present," she said. "I don’t want life to pass me by without appreciating moments like this."
Goldsmith's appeal lies in her relatable portrayal of navigating life in her twenties, admitting she is still figuring things out rather than claiming to have mastered relationships, social media, or self-esteem.