Social media starlet, Elz the Witch, has made a name for herself, not only as a result of her YouTube channel (with 93k+ subscribers), but also as a bold, young woman in the UK gaming industry.

She’s a self-proclaimed game addict, with a love of sarcastic humour and witty opinions, and also now as a result of her presence on YouTube, is an Instagram influencer as well. Fortunately for us all, I got a chance to ask Elz some questions about how she came to start Elz The Witch and what the future holds for this, game-loving female whirlwind.

You rose to fame through YouTube as so many young people have these days, what made you first start adding gaming videos to YouTube? Almost two years ago now, I discovered my unexpected love for watching people play games on YouTube. I've been a gamer myself since I was eight, but I lost touch with it during University and whilst working an office job because I just didn't have the time. I became hooked on watching 'Let’s Plays', where people play through a game (The Sims being my favourite to watch) and out of curiosity I got my phone out and googled 'top 10 female gamers on YouTube' - and that was when I had a light bulb moment. I found some amazing female gamers from the UK on YouTube and across the world, however most of them tend to focus on playing one specific game to an amazing level. I saw a gap in the market for a commercial female gamer in the UK, and as someone who has often been told throughout my life that 'I don't look like' a gamer, I wanted to squash the stereotype of what people typically envision a female gamer to be...and the rest is history. Six months later, I launched my gaming channel which is now almost eighteen months old!

You're known for being a big gamer from your YouTube Channel, what's your favourite game ever? My favourite game ever is Final Fantasy VII! I love it so much, it came out in 1997 and shaped a lot of the games that we see today. I could talk about it all day, honestly. I also enjoy playing The Sims as it allows me to be creative. On my YouTube channel I've recreated the entire Love Island Villa (as well as the contestants), along with Wembley Stadium, The Staples Centre and most recently a Big Brother style house. 

Does, or did it, ever feel like you were in the minority when posting and being involved in the gaming world as a woman? Being in the minority is one of the main reasons I started my YouTube channel. I want young people to know that you should never be placed into a box, or made to feel like you shouldn't enjoy something based on what you look like. Women in gaming are often pre-judged, and statistically we are the minority, but A LOT of females love gaming, and I want the world to see that!

Which women inspire you? I don't know how she does it, and I aspire to take a leaf out of her book at some point, but Rihanna has become such a powerful business woman over the past decade - whilst seeming so calm about everything. She inspires me to be confident in all my decisions, and to just be myself despite having so many eyes on you. I also used to love the Apprentice when I was younger, and I always admired Karen Brady and her story within the football industry. 

You've already collaborated with the likes of KSI playing The Sims (a personal favourite of mine back in the day, along with Theme Hospital), who else would you love to collaborate with? I would love to collaborate with another YouTube called Plumbella, she plays the sims and is from the UK - she is hilarious. And someone like Cardi B, I think she is hilarious and it would be funny to see her trying to play some games. Theme Hospital was great - they released a remake recently called Two Point Hospital.

You also host and present for Uncut for the Premier League, Rinstagram Drive Show and JD Sports podcast, but what's next for the future?  I definitely want to start doing some more work in the TV space, a lot of my presenting has been online based, so it would be good to break into TV and to keep on showing the world that female gamers exist!

I've got to ask, why Elz the Witch?! I got the nickname at school because I complain quite a lot, so whenever I used to complain my friends would call me witch, and it just stuck from there!

Liked this Q&A and want to know more about Elz and her gaming? Check out her YouTube Channel, or give her a cheeky follow on Instagram or Twitter.