Martin Ehmele: 'Plants ground me'

Martin Ehmele, now a prominent content creator, reflects on his early days in Vienna, which presented initial challenges after he moved from Ravensburg in 2011. During his teenage years, Ehmele was deeply involved in competitive dressage riding with his horse Vilano. His move to Vienna was prompted by a relationship with a man from the region, leading him to leave his equestrian pursuits behind.

Vienna, known as a hub for dressage with institutions like the Spanish Riding School, initially felt overwhelming with its prevalence of horse-drawn carriages. However, Ehmele moved on, pursuing studies in journalism and sociology. His early career involved working for fashion magazines and contributing to the burgeoning blogosphere, though these initial online footprints have since become difficult to trace.

By 2017, Ehmele launched his Instagram presence, quickly becoming an influencer with a notable following of around 10,000 on the platform. This digital venture has since evolved into a full-time career, even during the pandemic, with his audience now exceeding 100,000.

Navigating the demands of being a public figure while protecting his private life remains a delicate balance for Ehmele. While he has largely avoided online hate, a recent incident where he commented in support of a queer couple drew negative attention, highlighting the potential for online hostility. He consciously refrains from engaging in political discussions online, preferring to focus on creative content.