Model and television personality Brooks Nader has opened up about her challenging early career days in a recent interview. The 28-year-old Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover star revealed that she once reached a desperate point while trying to make ends meet in New York City. Speaking to Bustle, Nader recalled asking her agency for work and jokingly describing her request as “hand jobs — but not those kind,” referring to hand modeling gigs.
Her candid story sheds light on the determination and perseverance that helped transform her from a small-town Louisiana girl to one of the most recognized faces in fashion.
From Louisiana to Sports Illustrated Cover
Who: Brooks Nader, 28, model and TV personality
What: Opened up about her early career struggles and first modeling jobs
When: In a recent interview with Bustle (November 2025)
Where: New York City, USA
Why: To share her journey from financial hardship to international fame
How: Through persistence, hard work, and resilience
Nader explained that after moving from Louisiana to New York in 2017 to pursue her modeling dream, she soon faced financial difficulties. Desperate for work, she requested her agency to find her any available gig, eventually landing a hand modeling job for BareMinerals in New Jersey.
She recalled telling her agency, “I’m desperate; I need a job. I’m talking hand modeling. Hand jobs — but not those kind.” The opportunity allowed her to stay in New York and continue chasing her modeling ambitions.
Quotes and Reactions
In the Bustle interview, Brooks Nader described herself as a “hyper sheltered little girl” growing up in Louisiana, unaware of the challenges of the outside world. She shared that despite early discouragement from others, she applied for the 2019 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit open casting call, eventually winning that year’s Swim Search.
Nader emphasized the importance of action over wishful thinking, advising her sisters:
“You can’t just manifest. You need to get out there and f—king do the work.”
Inspiring Career Growth
Nader’s story highlights the resilience required to break into the fashion industry. Her success with Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, appearing in multiple editions between 2019 and 2023, demonstrates how persistence can overcome rejection.
Her journey also serves as a motivational example for aspiring models facing similar financial and emotional challenges in competitive industries like modeling and entertainment.
What’s Next for Brooks Nader
Brooks Nader continues to expand her professional portfolio, balancing her modeling work with new ventures in fashion and media. Following her cover success in 2023, she has hinted at future collaborations and public appearances, maintaining her position as a rising figure in the modeling world.
Sources
Bustle Interview: Brooks Nader Opens Up About Her Career
Sports Illustrated Swimsuit (2019–2023 Archives)
People Magazine Entertainment News Desk
