From Louisiana Finance Student to New York City Supermodel
Brooks Nader has become one of New York City’s most recognizable faces, changing from a finance student in Louisiana to a Sports Illustrated cover model and reality TV star. Her journey represents the modern American dream – complete with determination, family values, and strategic career moves.
Quick Facts About Brooks Nader:
- Born: February 7, 1997, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- Career Breakthrough: Won 2019 Sports Illustrated Swim Search (beating 10,000 applicants)
- Major Achievement: 2023 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover model
- Social Media: 1.8+ million followers across platforms
- Current Base: New York City
- Family: Eldest of four sisters, all models
- Recent Projects: Dancing with the Stars contestant, upcoming reality show “Love Thy Nader”
Nader’s story begins in the Louisiana bayou, where she grew up with three younger sisters before heading to Tulane University for a finance degree. But fate had different plans when she was finded by a modeling agency during a New York City internship.
What makes her particularly fascinating for New York’s social scene is how she’s built an empire around authenticity. From winning the Sports Illustrated Swim Search against her agency’s advice to bringing her entire family to Manhattan, she’s redefined what it means to be a modern influencer.
As R. Couri Hay, I’ve watched countless models try to make it in New York’s competitive fashion world, but Brooks Nader’s combination of Southern charm and Manhattan ambition makes her story uniquely compelling. Having covered the city’s elite social circles for over four decades, I’ve seen how genuine family bonds and strategic career moves create lasting success in our demanding cultural landscape.
Brooks Nader vocab explained:
From Baton Rouge to the Big Apple: A Star is Born
Every great success story has humble beginnings, and Brooks Nader’s journey from Louisiana finance student to New York City supermodel is no different. What makes her story special isn’t just where she ended up – it’s the determination and fearless spirit that got her there.
Early Life and Education
Brooks Nader grew up in Baton Rouge as the eldest of four daughters to Dr. Sam Nader. Her Louisiana roots run deep, starting at St. Joseph’s Academy before moving on to the Episcopal School of Baton Rouge. You can still see glimpses of that Southern charm in everything she does today.
At Tulane University, she focused on her finance degree with the same intensity she’d later bring to modeling. Picture this: while other students were partying, Brooks was studying balance sheets and market trends. That business background wasn’t wasted – it gave her the sharp mind she’d need to steer New York’s competitive fashion world.
Her family instilled values of ambition and determination that would prove essential. Growing up as the responsible oldest sister taught her leadership skills that shine through in her career today.
The Big Break in NYC
The magic happened when Brooks Nader made the bold move to New York City for finance internships. Like so many dreamers before her, she came to Manhattan with one plan and finded something completely different.
Being scouted while interning sounds like a movie plot, but that’s exactly what happened. A top modeling agency spotted her potential right here in the city. But here’s where the story gets interesting – when she wanted to enter the 2019 SI Swim Search, her own agency told her not to bother. They said Sports Illustrated wouldn’t be interested in her type.
Talk about an “I told you so” moment! Brooks decided to trust her instincts instead of their advice. She entered anyway, competing against 10,000 applicants from around the world. The result? She won the entire competition.
As she recalled later, that victory was pure vindication. It proved that sometimes you have to bet on yourself, even when the experts doubt you. The ReUKnighted: Brooks Nader ’15 feature from her old school shows just how proud Louisiana is of their homegrown star.
Winning the SI Swim Search against all odds launched her from finance intern to Sports Illustrated model overnight. Not bad for someone who was supposedly “not their type,” right?
The Unstoppable Career of Brooks Nader
After her stunning victory in the 2019 Swim Search, Brooks Nader didn’t just ride the wave – she became the wave. Her career exploded in ways that even seasoned New York fashion insiders found impressive. What started as beating 10,000 hopefuls turned into a modeling empire that spans major brand campaigns, runway shows during New York Fashion Week, and collaborations that have made her a household name.
A Sports Illustrated Icon
Brooks Nader’s relationship with Sports Illustrated reads like a fairy tale, but one she wrote through sheer determination. After her rookie debut in 2020, she became a fixture in the magazine’s pages, appearing annually in 2021, 2022, and 2023. Her seven total photo shoots with Sports Illustrated speak to something rare in the modeling world – staying power.
The crown jewel came in 2023 when she landed the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Shot by James Macari in the Dominican Republic, her Baywatch-inspired cover shoot was everything she’d dreamed of since childhood. As featured in “Meet Your Cover Model: Brooks Nader”, this achievement made her only the second Swim Search winner to grace the cover.
But Brooks Nader wasn’t done making history. In 2024, she earned induction into the prestigious SI Swimsuit Legends class – a recognition that celebrates her significant impact on the brand’s 60-year legacy. From rejected casting call to legend status? That’s the kind of New York success story we love to see.
Beyond the Swimsuit: Fashion and Red Carpet Moments
While Sports Illustrated made her famous, Brooks Nader’s fashion sense made her unforgettable. Her approach to red carpet dressing is nothing if not bold – she’s become known for daring style choices and sheer dresses that consistently generate buzz in New York’s fashion circles.
Of course, pushing fashion boundaries sometimes comes with learning moments. At the ESPY Awards, her dress had an unfortunate shift that resulted in a wardrobe malfunction. As she recalled, this wasn’t her first experience with revealing attire – she’d previously had an incident with a sheer dress where her underwear showed through.
But here’s what makes Brooks Nader special: she handles these moments with grace and humor. She’s openly discussed how she’s been planning red carpet looks since she was a child, and her confidence has only grown through her Sports Illustrated experience. Her philosophy? Live and learn from experience.
Her fashion instincts have translated into smart business moves too. Her Hudson Jeans collection features a range of pants, skirts, and jackets that bring her red carpet sensibility to everyday wear. It’s this ability to pivot from high-glamour to accessible chic that shows her versatility as both a model and entrepreneur.
Nader in the Spotlight: Television and New Ventures
Brooks Nader has never been one to rest on her laurels. After conquering the modeling world, she set her sights on television and business ventures, proving that her talents extend far beyond posing for cameras. Her strategic expansion into new territories shows the business acumen she developed during her finance studies at Tulane.
Dancing and Reality TV: The Next Chapter for Brooks Nader
The bright lights of television called, and Brooks Nader answered with style. In September 2024, she stepped onto the dance floor for season 33 of Dancing with the Stars, partnered with professional dancer Gleb Savchenko. While she finished in 9th place, her journey on the show revealed her competitive spirit and willingness to push herself outside her comfort zone.
But the real television excitement is just around the corner. Brooks Nader and her three sisters are about to take over our screens with their family reality series, which premieres in summer 2025. Executive produced by Jimmy Kimmel, the show will follow the four Nader sisters as they steer life, love, and careers after trading Louisiana’s bayou for New York City’s lifestyle.
The sisters have promised complete transparency, with Brooks Nader saying “everything’s on it, no limits.” From sister drama to dating mishaps to career challenges, viewers will get an unfiltered look at what it really takes to make it in Manhattan. Having watched countless reality shows come and go in this city, I can tell you that authentic family dynamics always resonate with audiences.
Building an Empire in New York
Brooks Nader has masterfully transformed her modeling success into a diverse business empire right here in New York City. With over 1.8 million followers across social media platforms, she wields significant influence that extends far beyond fashion.
Her strategic brand partnerships read like a who’s who of major companies: Victoria’s Secret, Celsius, Smirnoff, Samsung, Clarins, and Charlotte Tilbury. These collaborations showcase her ability to authentically connect with different audiences while maintaining her personal brand.
The entrepreneurial spirit runs strong in this Louisiana transplant. She launched a jewelry collection with Electric Picks and created her own interior design brand, Home by BN. These ventures demonstrate her understanding that successful influencers must diversify their income streams and build lasting businesses.
Her media presence extends beyond social platforms to prestigious publications like Daily Front Row, Ocean Drive, Hamptons Magazine, and Venice Magazine. This multi-faceted approach to content creation keeps her relevant across different audiences and age groups.
From my decades of observing New York’s social scene, Brooks Nader’s approach to building her empire is particularly smart. She’s not just riding the wave of her Sports Illustrated fame – she’s creating multiple revenue streams that will sustain her long after her modeling career evolves. For those looking to build similar influence, strategic partnerships and authentic content creation remain key. More info about our branding services.
The Woman Behind the Brand: Family, Philanthropy, and Legacy
While Brooks Nader impresss on red carpets and magazine covers, the woman behind the brand is deeply grounded in family ties and meaningful causes. Her personal story reveals a Southern belle who never forgot her roots, even as she conquered the competitive world of New York City fashion.
The Nader Sisters: A Family Affair
Brooks Nader may be the face everyone recognizes, but she’s never forgotten she’s part of something bigger – a tight-knit family of four sisters. As the eldest, she shares an unbreakable bond with Mary Holland, Grace Ann, and Sarah Jane, all born within five years of each other.
What makes their story particularly heartwarming is how Brooks Nader used her success to lift up her sisters. She played a pivotal role in bringing all three younger sisters from Louisiana to New York City, helping them launch their own modeling careers. Talk about sisterly love!
The Nader sisters have become a modeling dynasty in their own right. They’ve graced the cover of Ocean Drive magazine together and made history as the opening act for the SI Swimsuit Runway Show at Miami Swim Week in 2023. During her Dancing with the Stars journey, all three sisters appeared on Dedication Night, performing a salsa together that had audiences in tears.
Brooks Nader calls them her “built in besties,” as she wrote on Instagram, and it’s clear this isn’t just social media fluff. Their upcoming reality series, ‘Love Thy Nader,’ will showcase their authentic relationships as they steer life in Manhattan together.
It’s worth noting that Brooks Nader went through a separation from advertising executive Billy Haire in 2022, reminding us that even supermodels face personal challenges. But through it all, her sisters have remained her constant support system.
Using Her Platform for Good
Living in New York City has given Brooks Nader a front-row seat to both privilege and need, and she’s chosen to use her influence wisely. As a celebrity ambassador for City Harvest, she’s actively fighting food insecurity right here in our community. It’s refreshing to see someone who could easily just focus on glamorous causes instead roll up her sleeves for practical local impact.
Her advocacy extends far beyond charity events. Brooks Nader has become a powerful voice for body positivity and inclusivity in fashion, challenging the industry’s narrow beauty standards. She speaks openly about respecting people regardless of gender or appearance, using her platform to amplify marginalized voices.
Environmental conservation is another cause close to her heart, along with supporting education and healthcare initiatives. What we find most compelling about her philanthropic approach is how genuine it feels – there’s no performative activism here, just a woman who understands her responsibility to give back.
Brooks Nader has expressed her desire to expand her charitable work even further, proving that her legacy will extend far beyond magazine covers. In a city where influence can be fleeting, she’s building something lasting through compassion and authentic commitment to making a difference.
Frequently Asked Questions about Brooks Nader
How did Brooks Nader become famous?
Many people wonder about the incredible rise of Brooks Nader! Her journey to fame truly kicked off when she won the highly sought-after 2019 Sports Illustrated Swim Search open casting call. What makes her story even more inspiring is that she bravely went for it, even when her own modeling agency initially told her it wasn’t the right fit. Talk about trusting your gut! Her amazing persistence paid off, as she beat out a whopping 10,000 other hopefuls to secure her spot. This big win quickly led to her becoming a beloved rookie in the 2020 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. And, as we all know, she eventually graced the cover in 2023! This incredible path solidified her status as a top model and a vibrant personality here in New York City.
Is Brooks Nader in a reality show?
Oh, absolutely! If you’re hoping to see more of Brooks Nader and her wonderful family, you’re in luck! She and her three sisters are indeed starring in their very own family-focused reality series. It’s called ‘Love Thy Nader’, and it’s set to premiere in the summer of 2025. This exciting show will give us an insider’s look into their lives, careers, and all the ups and downs of their relationships. Get ready to watch them steer the dazzling and sometimes chaotic world of New York City after making their big move from Louisiana!
Who are Brooks Nader’s sisters?
Brooks Nader is the eldest of four fantastic sisters, and their bond is truly special! Her three younger sisters, who are also making waves in the modeling world, are Mary Holland, Grace Ann, and Sarah Jane. You’ll definitely be seeing more of them, as they’re not only often by Brooks Nader’s side in various photoshoots and events, but they also co-star with her in their upcoming family reality show, ‘Love Thy Nader.’ It’s a true family affair, and we can’t wait to see them shine together!
Conclusion
What an incredible ride Brooks Nader has taken us on! From her days as a determined finance student, she’s blossomed into a true New York City supermodel and a sharp entrepreneur. Her story is a shining example of grit and vision. She didn’t just conquer the fashion world; she built a powerful brand. This brand is deeply rooted in her family values, her unique style, and a strong sense of social responsibility.
Brooks Nader has this amazing way of navigating big events with such grace. She’s launched successful businesses and always uses her huge platform for good. This truly makes her stand out from the crowd.
Here at R. Couri Hay Columns, operating from our New York City headquarters, we love to share the stories of society’s most influential people. Brooks Nader’s journey is definitely one of those. It’s a modern guide for anyone looking to achieve lasting success. Her mix of Southern charm, big city ambition, and genuine spirit is captivating. We can’t wait to see what she does next, both in front of the camera and behind the scenes. If you’re curious about how remarkable careers like hers are built and amplified, you can find more info about our publicity services.