Kamala Harris’ stepdaughter shocked internet users with her photo in swimwear exposing her tattoos

The US vice president is a dedicated stepmother to two grown children who have kindly given her a distinctive nickname that she wears “proudly.” Only one of her stepchildren has pursued an artistic career or attended high-profile events.

When Kamala Harris married attorney Douglas Emhoff in August 2014, she became stepmother to his sons Cole (born in September 1994) and Ella (born in May 1999). Ella, her stepdaughter, is an experienced knitter who has spoken candidly about her struggles with poor self-esteem while pursuing her artistic interests.

Kamala’s job as a stepmother comes with a beloved title: “Momala.” In a July 2024 interview, she stated, “It’s the name the kids gave me, and I wear it proudly.”

In her memoir “The Truths We Hold: An American Journey,” Kamala expresses that she feels most at ease when surrounded by her family. She spoke to her stepchildren as “an endless source of love and pure joy” and expressed pride in watching them develop, signing off as their dedicated “Momala.”

Her public actions demonstrate her profound fondness for her stepchildren, the mother of whom, film director Kerstin Emhoff, was married to Douglas from 1992 until 2008.

When Ella turned 20 in May 2019, Kamala commemorated the event with an emotional post on X, including a photo of them at the beach. She wrote, “Happy birthday to our daughter, Ella. My heart is entire, and my life is complete with you in it.” Love, Momala.”

The attorney’s enthusiasm for Ella was evident again in May 2021, when she celebrated her stepdaughter’s graduation on X. “Congratulations to our daughter Ella on her graduation!” I am really proud of you. Keep dreaming with ambition, and there is nothing you cannot do. “Love, Momala,” she wrote.

Her husband expressed his satisfaction in Ella’s accomplishments, saying, “My beautiful Ella, we are such proud parents! We adore you and eagerly await your future endeavors.

A year later, Douglas remembered Ella in a poignant birthday message. Sharing a selfie with his family, he commented, “People approach me all the time and ask whether I’m Ella Emhoff’s father. I wouldn’t want it any other way. Happy birthday, Ella; we’re very proud of you.

In a 2021 interview, Ella discussed her parents’ parenting style. When the reporter added that Kamala found her tattoo on Instagram, Ella said she didn’t always keep her parents up to date on personal matters. She also decided not to shave her armpits.

“When it comes to anything like that, I believe they all have competing notions—and all of their thoughts are like, ‘EL-LA.’ So I do not inform them.” And luckily, Doug and Kamala don’t see my Instagram,” she continued.

The popular personality, who displayed her tattoos in a bikini, also discussed how their parenting has changed now that she and her brother are grownups.

Ella characterized their approach as supportive: “With hair and tattoos and things like that, I think they’re all in the realm of like, ‘I don’t understand it, but I want you to be who you want to be.'” She commended their approach, describing them as “a three-person parenting squad” with excellent communication and mutual understanding.

Outside of her family life, Ella has a successful job as an artist and fashion designer. In 2024, Ella showcased her work on Instagram, launching an exhibition featuring “never-before-seen pieces by the textile artist” and introducing her unique knitwear collection.

Ella reflected on her early love of knitting during an interview, noting that her mother taught her the craft at a Disneyland hotel when she was six years old. “Young Ella was a very crafty kid who just couldn’t sit still,” she told me.

When she was younger, she found that knitting helped her focus her energies and regulate her hyperactivity. Over time, the craft blossomed into a source of stress release and creativity, culminating in her decision to pursue fine arts and textiles at Parsons School of Design.

In addition to her creative hobbies, Ella has dabbled in modeling, which she originally found difficult to embrace. “All of my life, I had really low self-esteem and self-confidence, so this kind of felt like a way for me to take that back,” she told me.

Ella welcomes her originality in the modeling industry, pointing out that her tattoos and body hair distinguish her from the stereotypical model. On the runway, she maintains her composure by adopting a concentrated “Zen state,” joking that she avoids making eye contact with Anna Wintour.

Ella rose to new heights in the fashion industry when she attended the 2021 Met Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The next year, Harper’s Bazaar named her Icon of the Year, solidifying her popularity.

While Ella’s business achievements have earned her tremendous accolades, she has also sought advice on how to navigate personal issues. When asked about the finest advice she’s ever received, Ella mentioned her therapist’s counsel, “Compare and despair,” which reminded her to focus on herself rather than judging her value against others, since comparisons only lead to emptiness.

Ella’s private life has also sparked public interest. She announced her relationship with GQ journalist Sam Hine in a 2021 interview. Ella, who is known for visiting fashion events with her partner, characterized their perfect date as exploring unique market finds.

Meanwhile, Sam loved her genuineness and personality, referring to her as “a true individual” and admiring her reluctance to bend to standard modeling ideals.

The pair underlined the value of honest communication in their relationship, with Ella stating, “In a relationship, you’re sharing a life.” Despite their friendship, their romance terminated in the summer of 2023.

Aside from her public life and previous romance, Ella gives glimpses of her personal delights, such as her pet puppy. In February 2024, she introduced him to her Instagram followers with a humorous post containing his portrait and the caption, “This is Jerry, and his favorite color is orange.”

Ella Emhoff has established her own career as an artist, model, and designer, all while remaining loyal to her personality and principles. Whether via her artistry, familial ties, or personal delights, she continues to inspire by living authentically in all aspects of her life.