7 Things to Know About the ‘Sports Illustrated’ Model

Neserin Danan

Completely her! Sports IllustratedModel and influencer Natalie Noel‘s authenticity has caught the attention of 3.5 million Instagram users — and she’s embracing every minute with pride.

The appearances of the 25-year old might make it easy for some to recognize her. David Dobrik‘s “Vlog Squad” YouTube videos, but the Illinois native has since forged her own path. Recently, she was featured in Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Issue for the second time, recapping the “surreal” accomplishment via social media.

“YEAR TWO!! OMG! STILL DOESN’T FEEL REAL!!” she commented on the publication’s Instagram post congratulating her on the Belize photo shoot.

Swimsuit model in another city Camille Kostek gushed, “NAT 😍😍😍,” while SI‘s Brooks Nader raved, “GO BEST FRIEND!!!! @natalinanoel 😍😍😍😍 insane 😍😍.”

7 Things to Know About Sports Illustrated's Natalie Noel

Natalie Noel
Neserin Danan

Noel exclusively spoke out about her career journey while reflecting on it. Us Weekly that she still has some major items she’d like to check off of her modeling bucket list. “I obsess over fashion day in and day out,” she said. “I would love to attend fashion week, be a part of a luxury fashion campaign or even start my own brand one day! Who knows!”

Keep scrolling to get to know more about Noel — from her celebrity crush to her advice for aspiring influencers:

We: What was it like to be a part of Sports Illustrated? How was it for you to be part of something so powerful?

Natalie Noel: Sports IllustratedIt was the most inspiring moment in my career. They were proud of me for being myself and appreciated my differences to a stereotypical model. I will never forget this major achievement!

Us: Was there an important moment in your life that helped you grow your followers?

NN: 2019 was the year I saw the greatest growth. This was because I was collaborating with so many people. I coordinated giveaways, surprises, and celebrity encounters for YouTube with my friends. We ate, slept, and breathed our content. I’m biased, but we made some of the most viral and epic videos on YouTube!

Us: What’s the best advice you can give on becoming an influencer?

NN: As cliché as it sounds, consistency is key! It’s important to find your niche — whether that’s a talent you have or something you’re passionate about — and tell the world. A dedicated audience will only be attracted to content that they love and are able to engage with.

We: What are three interesting facts about you that no-one knows?

NN: 1. I am likely to have broken some kind of record for chronic hiccups. For the past 10 years, I have had them without fail every day.
2. Cholula is everywhere.
3. My middle name Noel was chosen because I was supposed to have been born on Christmas Eve.

Us: Which celebrity reached out to you to discuss a collaboration and/or to become a fan? What was the conversation like

NN: I was able to meet my longtime crush on celebs HalseyThe next day, and so on [they]I was asked to be in [their] Valentine’s Day commercial for AboutFace Beauty. I grew up in [Halsey’s]Music and attending [their] concerts. It was surreal to be able to live for 48 hours.

Us: Who (celebritywise) is your biggest inspiration What do you love most about the accounts you follow?

NN: My greatest inspiration right now is Emma Grede, she’s a boss woman — [she’s]Skims is cofounded and CEO of Good American. I admire her intelligence, drive, and class as a businesswoman. Her accomplishments and motivation inspire me to do the same. I love Halsey, too. [their]Bold attitude. [They’re]Do not be afraid of anyone, and tell it as it is!

Us: What’s your goal as an influencer? What are your goals as an influencer?

NN: Fashion is what I live for. I would love to attend fashion weeks, participate in luxury fashion campaigns, or start my own brand. Who knows? Jacquemus is my favourite brand at the moment. I think a person’s style speaks loudly whether it’s over the top or minimal. I think style is best when it’s effortless and inexpensive.

Diana Cooper reporting

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