Leonie von Ungern-Sternberg: A Modern Baroness on TikTok
At a prestigious boarding school in Switzerland, Leonie von Ungern-Sternberg witnessed extraordinary events, such as a 15-year-old boy proposing to his 13-year-old girlfriend with a Cartier diamond ring and classmates flaunting expenses in local pubs. These experiences inspired her TikTok account, “Modern Baroness Diaries,” where the 29-year-old German strives to present a different perspective of aristocracy.
Background and Education
Currently residing in Madrid, Leonie is pursuing an MBA at IE Business School. Her relationship with Spain runs deep; she spent part of her childhood living in Marbella, influenced by her father's affection for southern Spain. Fluent in Spanish, German, English, and some Arabic, she recalls having to translate for her sister during family dinners.
The TikTok Phenomenon
Leonie has garnered over 93,000 followers on TikTok, where she addresses her audience's perceptions of aristocracy. “My last name carries both good and bad connotations,” she asserts, recognizing the darker aspects of her heritage. “I felt compelled to give back by debunking the unrealistic portrayals in shows like Bridgerton. I'm a regular woman striving for education and context—values that should be accessible to everyone.” Her audience is primarily female, with about 70% coming from the United States, reflecting a desire for nuanced discussions amidst a polarized political climate.
Challenging Stereotypes
In her discussions, Leonie explores the realities of aristocracy. She explains, “Nearly all European aristocratic families faced significant losses throughout history, and my parents taught me the importance of education, which is a genuine value among aristocrats.” While she acknowledges the stereotype of an arrogant aristocrat, she maintains that such traits aren't exclusive to any class.
Personal Aspirations and Feminism
As she nears 30, Leonie shares her desire for family and a quest for professional independence, recognizing that societal pressures exist for both women and men regarding parenting. “Women are often judged no matter what path they choose regarding family,” she notes. Emphasizing the importance of feminist principles, she aligns herself with the movement, advocating for women's autonomy.
Dating Experiences and Historical Legacy
Leonie recounts her limited dating experiences within aristocratic circles, highlighting the contrast between her values and those who prioritize bloodlines. She expresses indifference to questions regarding Spanish royalty and historical controversies affecting the former king. Leonie's family history, including connections to Roman von Ungern-Sternberg—known as the “Bloody Baron”—led to viral discussions on TikTok, where she explained her family's complicated past.
Family History and Resilience
Leonie's family has a rich yet tumultuous history, marked by losses during both World War II and earlier conflicts. Her maternal great-grandparents were victims of the Nazis, choosing to protect their Jewish friends at the cost of their own lives. Leonie's grandfather, a survivor of these events, rebuilt his life after losing everything, a legacy that she cherishes over her family's darker chapters.
Impact of Social Media
Leonie has not shied away from discussing personal struggles, including an eating disorder that left her in a wheelchair for a year. Recognizing her responsibility as a social media figure, she has opened up conversations about mental health, supporting followers facing similar challenges. “Sharing our stories helps us all,” she emphasizes.
Work Ethic and Career Aspirations
From the age of 18, Leonie embarked on multiple jobs, including roles in counterfeit detection and startups focused on luxury branding. She believes in the value of hard work and service, a lesson she plans to impart to her future children. Additionally, her work as an artificial intelligence consultant taught her about personalizing customer interactions while grappling with ethical concerns regarding biases in AI.
Future Vision
Looking ahead, Leonie remains uncertain of specific career paths but expresses a desire to serve as a voice for her generation, blending her aristocratic heritage with contemporary issues.
