NextSharkNextShark.com

Steve Aoki’s Niece is Redefining the Fashion Industry as a Curvy Asian Model

Steve Aoki’s Niece is Redefining the Fashion Industry as a Curvy Asian Model

September 15, 2017
SHARE
Plus-size Asian model Natalie Nootenboom doesn’t just want to be known as the niece of popular DJ Steve Aoki — she hopes to redefine the way people perceive beauty. The 16-year-old signed with model management Muse as they help her use modeling as a platform to dismantle beauty stereotypes.
Nootenboom admitted that she grew up to be “taller, bigger, more awkward” than what people expected her to be, according to Huffington Post. However, that didn’t stop the plus-size model to use her modeling as means to inspire others by making the industry more diverse and inclusive.
Subscribe to
NextShark's Newsletter

A daily dose of Asian America's essential stories, in under 5 minutes.

Get our collection of Asian America's most essential stories to your inbox daily for free.

Unsure? Check out our Newsletter Archive.

“We’re all different. We can’t build a mold and expect people to all fit that mold,” Nootenboom added. The 16-year-old wants to break the stereotype of “petite, cute and skinny” Asian girls by introducing more diversity to the modeling scene, something that she believes goes “beyond ethnicity and size.”
In an interview with Billboard, the teen model explained that size doesn’t have to be a factor in determining beauty. “We just all need to empower each other of any size and say, ‘You know what? You’re beautiful, no matter if you gain weight or lose weight.’ I hope we can really capitalize diversity,” Nootenboom exclaimed.
It’s safe to say that Nootenboom is brimming with ambition as she hopes to be more than just a model by aspiring to be a musician and novelist at the same time. In fact, the plus-size model is already writing her first fiction novel about women empowerment which focuses on overcoming trauma and beauty ideals.
Nootenboom also wants to form her very own female metal band where she hopes to incorporate her “deep vocals”. The aspiring musician has also showcased her diversity by taking on different genres as well and has already worked with electronic band The Hype.
A force to be reckoned with in modeling, music, and media at just 16? There’s no telling what else Nootenboom could accomplish next.
Image source: Instagram/ natalienootenboom
MOST READ
    HAPPENING NOW
      Kyle Encina

      Kyle Encina is a contributor at NextShark

      SHARE THIS ARTICLE:

      RELATED STORIES FROM NEXTSHARK

      Support
      NextShark's
      Journalism

      Many people might not know this, but NextShark is a small media startup that runs on no outside funding or loans, and with no paywalls or subscription fees, we rely on help from our community and readers like you.

      Everything you see today is built by Asians, for Asians to help amplify our voices globally and support each other. However, we still face many difficulties in our industry because of our commitment to accessible and informational Asian news coverage.

      We hope you consider making a contribution to NextShark so we can continue to provide you quality journalism that informs, educates, and inspires the Asian community. Even a $1 contribution goes a long way. Thank you for supporting NextShark and our community.

      © 2023 NextShark, Inc. All rights reserved.