Beautiful, confident, and stylish are the adjectives that best describe model Nyakim Gatwech. In simple terms, she’s a star in her own right. This black beauty has stood tall over criticism. She’s embraced her unique skin while killing it in her fashion career as a model.
If there’s anyone who has changed the face of fashion and damned naysayers, it has to be Nyakim Gatwech. Her success shows that when one puts their mind to a thing, they’re bound to succeed regardless of any hurdle. Again we ask, who is this black beauty that has taken the world by storm?
You’ll find the answer to that question as we catch a glimpse of Nyakim’s life in this article.
Who is Nyakim Gatwech?
Nyakim Gatwech is a supermodel who was born on January 27, 1993, in Gambela, South Sudan. She moved to Kenya where she lived with her parents in a refugee camp. And when she was 14 years old, she later immigrated to the United States.
Growing up, she faced various challenges due to her dark skin tone. She was subjected to hurtful comments and even experienced colorism in her community. But she didn’t succumb to societal pressure. Instead, Gatwech embraced her unique appearance and transformed it into a powerful statement of self-love.
How Nyakim Gatwech Started Her Modelling Career
Nyakim’s modeling career kicked off at age 17 when she was still in high school. Her tutor had asked her to model a dress she designed for a student fashion show. But this career path wasn’t intentional.
However, as fate would have it, Nyakim went viral over the years. She garnered a huge following for herself and earned the sobriquet “Queen of the Dark” from her loyal fans. Ever since then, she’s worked with local and international designers and photographers who want a glimpse of her gorgeous dark skin.
Furthermore, she has traveled to places like New York and Los Angeles to model both on and off the runway.
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How Nyakim Gatwech Redefines Beauty Standards
Before the Sudanese model found fame, an Uber driver once asked her if she would bleach her skin for $10,000. She had laughed it off and responded that she would never because she considered her skin a blessing. In an interview with Cosmopolitan, she shared:
“I wanted to know why he thought I should. He said that life would be easier for me. It would be easier for me to be in a relationship, or guys would be more attracted to me if I was lighter. If I was going to a job interview, I would get the job opportunities because I’m lighter. I just said, “[Even if] being lighter would make my life easier, I’d rather take the [hard] road.”
And today, the model has become a beacon of hope for those who feel they aren’t enough in their skin.
Currently, she is one of the most sought-after models in the fashion industry. She works with top designers and even co-designs projects. Furthermore, she often struts on top fashion week runways and appears on the covers of top magazines. In 2022, she co-designed a new collection for the lingerie brand, Hunkemoller and it was a success.
And when she isn’t modeling, she’s studying at Minneapolis Community and Technical College. There, she chases her dream of becoming a teacher. She loves working with kids and using her skin to teach diversity and acceptance.
Nyakim Gatwech’s Networth
Different media reports Nyakim’s net worth. For instance, Foreign Policy says it’s $4 million as (of 2021) while Popular Bio says she’s worth $20 million. We can’t say for sure which is true. But we do know Nyakim has garnered wealth for herself via endorsements, modeling gigs, and brand ambassador deals with major companies. The beautiful thing about this is she made her money from believing in herself and setting beauty standards.
Style Lessons to Learn from the Queen of the Dark
Nyakim Gatwech went from being jeered at to becoming a role model. This serves as an inspiration to young girls around the world. Through her unapologetic self-confidence, she has challenged beauty standards, championed diversity, and empowered others to do the same.
Her impact extends beyond modeling as she participates in intellectual discussions about body positivity in fashion. This has allowed her to speak to others about body peace and advocate for diversity in the modeling world.
But how does she do this? How does she transform black into a bright and appealing color? What helps her find solace, pride, and confidence in her skin tone as dark as it is? How does she give life to outfits in an admirable fashion that leaves onlookers drooling? If these questions pop into your mind, then you need to imbibe these lessons from Nyakim.
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Be Proud Of That Skin
If there’s one thing you should learn from Nyakim Gatwech, it’s to be damn proud of your skin. Rock it as though it’s your most cherished treasure no matter what anyone thinks.
Some ladies in Nyakim’s shoes would have bleached their skin color to fit in but she didn’t. Instead, Nyakim embrace her black skin and became an inspiration to many.
Do You, the World Will Adjust
Just like Nyakim, you too can damn naysayers and stay true to your personal style. It doesn’t matter what anyone thinks or says. It doesn’t matter what your industry thinks. Just keep doing you no matter the stones thrown at you.
And remember, the same people who may deem you absurd would admire you when your seeds begin to yield fruits.
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