Sydney Seethal is proving that she is more than just the sister of Grammy-winning star Tyla. While Tyla continues to top charts and collect major awards, including a win at the 68th Grammy Awards for Best African Performance, Seethal is quietly building a powerful brand of her own in digital media, fashion, acting and real estate.
At just 21, the South Africa-born creator has turned social media fame into business moves. With over 1.2 million followers on TikTok, brand partnerships with global fashion houses and a new property venture in motion, Seethal is focused on long-term success. Rather than chasing quick wins, she says she is building something sustainable.
“I don’t just want to make quick money—I want to build something sustainable,” she told Forbes.
From TikTok Fame to Global Brand Collaborations
Seethal’s journey began during the pandemic when she created her TikTok page in 2019. At first, she posted lip-sync videos for fun. However, her content quickly gained attention, and brands from both the United States and South Africa began reaching out.
“I started with TikTok in 2019 and suddenly I had brands from the U.S. and South Africa reaching out,” she said. “I didn’t expect it, but I saw it as a way to raise capital for my business goals.”
Since then, she has worked with major brands such as H&M and L’Oréal. She also appeared on New York billboards and walked in L’Oréal’s “Walk Your Worth” campaign. Although she does not consider herself a model, she says the experience changed her mindset.
“That runway show pushed me out of my comfort zone. I’m not a model, but that experience gave me the confidence that I belong in big spaces.”
Acting Training and Creative Growth in Los Angeles
While social media opened doors, Seethal is not limiting herself to one lane. She is currently based in Los Angeles, where she is training with an acting coach and preparing for future film and television roles.
“I’d love to do thrillers or sci-fi—just not horror!” she shared with Forbes. “Acting is something I’m taking seriously. I’m preparing now, so when the opportunity comes, I’m ready.”
Additionally, she describes herself as a creator and entrepreneur who enjoys exploring different creative spaces. Whether she is in front of the camera or building her personal brand, she sees creativity as a tool for growth.
“I love exploring different creative spaces, whether in front of the camera, through acting, or via my personal content.”
Real Estate Investment and Business Expansion Plans
Beyond entertainment, Seethal is stepping firmly into the business world. She recently revealed plans to launch a real estate company that focuses on leasing, designing and re-renting properties on short-term platforms.
“I’ve been into property for a while, but now it’s official. Everything’s registered. I’m building my business credit and planning to invest around $100,000,” she told Forbes.
Her long-term goal is even bigger. She hopes to build a global lifestyle conglomerate, similar to Virgin Atlantic, expanding into hotels, airlines, fashion, lifestyle and real estate. She plans to name the company “Lorna,” after her grandmother.
“This is about legacy, not just business,” she said. “I want that name to live on in something powerful.”
Family Support and Stepping Beyond Tyla’s Spotlight
Although Seethal often appears alongside Tyla at major events like the MTV Awards and the Met Gala in New York City, she makes it clear that she is not trying to compete. Instead, she believes both sisters can succeed together.
“I’m proud to be Tyla’s sister and we are extremely close,” she said. “I’m not trying to break away from that—I think we can shine together.”
Her family plays a key role in her business journey. Her father, an accountant, her uncle, a tax consultant, and her brother, who acts as her manager, all help guide her decisions. As the youngest of four siblings, Seethal says she has learned from watching her sister’s rise but remains focused on her own voice and passions.
From social media to real estate, Sydney Seethal is building more than a following. She is building an empire—one that stands strong on its own.
