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Unfortunately, her in-between size sometimes poses a challenge.

Natalie Nootenboom size
photo: Instagram/@natalienootenboom

At a size 12, Nootenboom is considered “too big” to be a straight-size model, but she’s “too small” to wear plus-sizes.

“I’ve always been stuck in the middle,” Nootenboom admitted. “Growing up I was bullied a lot for my size. I had one girl tell me I stretched out her clothes when I borrowed them. Then [I] have people who are like ‘You’re a plus model? You’re not a plus model!’”

Nootenboom identifies with “curve,” but she doesn’t think labels are necessary.

Natalie Nootenboom curve model
photo: Instagram/@natalienootenboom

“I love the definition of curvy and the word curve, but I think that it’s really about saying there are so many different body types,” she said. “There’s no need to separate them by saying, ‘Oh she’s plus!’ or ‘She’s too skinny to be plus.’  Because we’re all diverse. We all have different sizes, and we can celebrate them all.”

Fortunately, she found an agency with the same agenda. 

“I love working with MUSE because they not only care about my modeling dreams, but also my personal goals," Nootenboom added.

At first, Nootenboom had trouble accepting her unique build. But her curvy body combined with her distinct Asian features have proven to be her greatest asset.

Natalie Nootenboom Asian curve model
photo: Bradford Wilcox/Courtesy of Nootenboom

“I love my eye color. I think that’s what really sets me apart, [especially] as an Asian curve model, because I have green eyes,” she insisted. “Growing up, I always wanted blue eyes, but as I come to learn to love my body, I really do love my green eyes. That’s probably my favorite feature about myself.”

Nootenboom credits her older sister Yumi for her introduction to the modeling world.

“My sister is a plus-size model, and [modeling agencies] found her Instagram first," she said. "And then when they saw that she was signed, they saw me and they were like ‘Oh, wait she’s not signed? Well, we gotta sign her!’”

But her desire to break through Asian stereotypes was directly inspired by her uncle Steve.

Natalie Nootenboom with her uncle Steve Aoki
photo: Instagram/@natalienootenboom

"I’ve always looked up to my uncle because he broke Asian norms with his music," Nootenboom said. "Me, as an Asian curve model, I feel like I can use my platform as well to do that."

Determined to never lose sight of her goals, Nootenboom stresses the need to find body positivity in everyday media consumption.

Natalie Nootenboom Asian curve model
photo: Instagram/@natalienootenboom

“Listening to singers like Megan Trainor that are bold with their curves — or following women on social media with similar body types — really helps,” she suggested. “Sometimes [your] social media feed really does feed you. So always be careful what you eat.”

According to Nootenboom, surrounding yourself with positivity is key to finding confidence and self-acceptance.

“That’s really helped me learn to love myself,” she concluded. “Because I’ve surrounded myself with positivity.”