Nyakim was born to Sudanese parents and spent parts of her early life moving between refugee camps before eventually settling in the United States. Growing up, her appearance made her a target for bullying and pressure to conform. She has spoken openly about being encouraged to lighten her skin to fit in. Instead of giving in, she made a decision that would define her career: she chose to embrace exactly what made her different.
The fashion world eventually took notice. Designers and photographers saw something powerful in her presence — not just her striking look, but the confidence behind it. Nyakim’s work challenges long-held assumptions about what is considered “marketable” or “beautiful.” On runways and in editorials, she doesn’t blend in. She commands attention, unapologetically rewriting the rules with every appearance.
