Brooks Nader is anything but your ordinary model.
Rather, the world of modeling more or less sought her out.
So, how exactly did it all happen?
Here’s how Brooks Nader transformed from ordinary Louisiana girl to Sports Illustrated cover star.
She grew up in a two-bedroom house that belonged to her grandparents.
“I grew up with super humble beginningshardworking, blue- collar family.
The model’s hometown, Maringouin, is known for its mosquito population.
(The word “maringouin” is Cajun French for “mosquito.")
“It really did have a lot of mosquitoes because it was between two bayous.
It’s really gross now that I think about it,” Nader told theNew York Post.
“Being Southern we were into bows, hair and smock dresses,” the model said.
“My mom thought it was adorable.”
As a kid, Nader stayed busy with her studies.
After graduating from the Episcopal School of Baton Rouge, she headed to Tulane University.
Little did she know that it would be a major turning point in her life.
While Nader was walking the streets of Manhattan, she was scouted by a modeling agent.
The interaction caught Nader entirely off guard, but it stuck with her.
So much so, that she decided to give the modeling thing a shot.
“[I got rejected] 99% of the time,” she told theDaily Mail.
Suddenly, she found herself surrounded by supportive people who accepted her.
“It really empowered me and brought my confidence back,” she told the Daily Mail.
Brooks Nader knows this better than anyone.
“Most agencies or clients thought I was too curvy or busty,” Nader told the Daily Mail.
Understandably, Nader continues to hold the advice near and dear to her heart.
“[She said] you have to remember that modeling is a job,” Nader recalled.
“It’s like a childhood dream of mine.
“I was confused,” she told the Daily Mail.
Once the news sunk in, she burst into happy tears.
To another she replied, “Whatever makes you feel better about yourself.”
The wedding, which took over a year to plan, received a lot of media attention.
“We will have some fun New Orleans traditions incorporated, like a line parade after the ceremony.
It’s a staple for New Orleans weddings,” she said.
Picking the venue and setting the tone was only half the work, however.
“We are also excited to just continue our adventures together.
Someone tried to stalk her in 2022
In 2022, Brooks Nader was targeted by a stalker.
“So I freaked out.
And then, of course, my phone died,” Nader said.
Turns out, someone apparently slipped an Apple AirTag in Nader’s pocket while she was out that night.
Lots of people,” she recalled.
“It was the scariest moment ever.
I just want people to be aware that this exists.”
But that’s exactly what happened.
“I was in complete shock mode,” Nader toldGrazia.
“It was an insane shock.
I literally almost fainted.”
Nader’s family was just as ecstatic at the news.
“My whole family flew in for the week-long celebration!”
she toldFox Newsin 2023.
Nader has learned a thing or two since first landing a spot in the coveted magazine in 2019. she wrote (viaSI Lifestyle).
“And what’s even better is, everyone can wear the Cindy once my collection launches!
I will forever be pinching myself over this!!”
Nader’s spokesperson toldPeoplethat they’d already been separated for a few months.
“They’re both truly amazing people.
They have just decided to go their separate ways,” they said.
In February 2024, Nader and Haire were seen vacationing together in Mexico.
In hindsight, it’s hard not to wonder if it was a last-ditch effort to salvage their marriage.
She attended the 60th Anniversary Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue launch wearing a black beaded dress that was completely see-through.
She appeared on the carpet sans her bra, only sporting a nude-colored thong under the dress.
Nader sure seemed to enjoy her blonde moment, too even if it was just a wig.
“I loved being a blonde.
I was a wild child for two days!”
she told The Daily Front Row.
Later, an eagle-eyed paparazzo managed to snap a picture of the couple sharing a kiss on a balcony.
It seems she’s ready to leave her marriage in the past and look to the future.
