At just 13 years old, Saudi influencer Rateel Alshihri is putting Generation Alpha on the map.
Her interest and journey in social media were first sparked in 2022 purely out of sheer curiosity. “If I had never been curious, I would never have gotten into social media. I love exploring things online,” she shares.
Her mission? To spread the message that her Gen is different and that they should be involved in shaping their future rather than accepting only the solutions given to them by adults, ofc. PERIODT. Rateel has a podcast dedicated to her audience called RateelAlphaTalk, on which she discusses topics like the importance of literacy, reading, and youth empowerment.
In an exclusive interview with Cosmo ME, she details the many ways that Generation Alpha has the power to bring about impactful changes, and she’s set to lead by example. She’s in her girlboss era, babe.
Gen Alpha’s Oprah, fr
Rateel’s vision is not only clear, it’s CRYSTAL clear. Her mindset is truly what sets her apart as a young influencer. “We should take an active role in shaping our future rather than simply accepting the solutions presented to us”, she tells us. Proactive, outspoken, and optimistic leader, she is indeed carries the influence that the younger generation among us deserves.
During her time in social media, Rateel has found that she enjoys making funny and relatable content, placing a premium on light-hearted content: “I’m the kind of a person that I appreciate when people compliment my humuor more than my looks”, she says.
When it comes to who Rateel is inspired by, the answer is pretty simple: everyday moms. Rateel especially had a spark in her eye when she mentioned her beloved mother and highlighted her as a significant example. “My mom has five kids, and she can multitask. She can make the family have fun, cook dinner, and let her kids have fun.”
Positivity is the way to go
Despite all the challenges with social media, Rateel is persistent in maintaining a positive attitude. Instead of letting negativity get to her, she focuses on only the bright side of her new found stardom, “instead of feeling negative all day, staying in my room and crying about it, having a positive attitude can make a big difference”, she says.
Her key to staying happy? It all about rewarding yourself, “I like to have something to look forward to”, she tells us. “For example, when I have to study math, I tell myself we’re going to the mall today and shopping. You can do this. It’s OK.”
Isn’t she just so dreamy and perfect?
The future is now
Rateel’s influence is cementing Generation Alpha’s role in creating their own future, and her goal ahead is indeed to advocate for young women her age to make decisions and call for action. As she spreads the message, she reminds us all that we should chase after our dreams and that the sky is THE limit.
Her optimism and appetite for the world around her makes her the perfect role model for Gen Alpha and beyond. We are *obsessed*, and can’t wait to follow along.
For more inspiring queens, check out our interview with the CEO of massive beauty retailer, Watsons.