For Nimra Jacob, the journey to becoming one of Pakistan’s most sought-after models wasn’t one she meticulously planned — but rather one that unfolded organically, driven by resilience, ambition, and a deep-rooted desire to represent something bigger than herself. HELLO! sits down with Nimra for her debut feature with us to uncover the woman beyond the runway — from her Jersey girl roots to her rise as a powerful voice for representation in fashion. Read on…
The Girl Before the Glamour
Before the campaigns, the catwalks, and the accolades, Nimra Jacob was a self-proclaimed nerd. “I was a bookworm — completely immersed in academics,” she shares. “I ran track after school, did gymnastics, and swam. I wasn’t the ‘glamorous’ girl you see today. I didn’t care about makeup or outfits. I was just focused on doing well — in school, in sports, and in life.” Raised by a hardworking Pakistani mother who migrated to the U.S. for a better future, Nimra credits her strength and work ethic to her. “She taught me to seize the day and never settle for less. I’m not half the woman she is — but any good qualities I have are because of her.”
From Summer Shoots to Center Stage
Nimra’s entry into modeling was serendipitous. “I started modeling for local brands when I was younger, but it was purely for fun. When I visited Pakistan during university summer breaks, I’d take on a campaign or two — again, just for the experience.” Then, COVID hit — and everything changed. “What was supposed to be my last vacation before starting my corporate life in America turned into an extended stay due to lockdowns. I was stuck — but instead of waiting it out, I leaned into modeling. It felt natural.” That “temporary” detour soon became a full-fledged career. “Winning my first Model of the Year award at the Lux Style Awards was a defining moment. I didn’t enter with the expectation of winning — I just wanted to contribute to the industry. That win gave me the strength to keep going. It reminded me that success isn’t instant — good things take time, and your craft evolves with experience.”
Choosing Pakistan Over Global Fame
Being American, Nimra had the option to pursue modeling in the U.S., where opportunities are more abundant — but her heart chose Pakistan. “During COVID, I made the decision to take modeling seriously — and I realized Pakistan’s fashion industry had so much untapped potential. It’s dynamic, culturally rich, and evolving rapidly.” She emphasizes that it wasn’t just about convenience. “Once travel restrictions lifted, I could’ve gone back — but I didn’t. I told myself I’d see this journey through and build a career I could be proud of. For me, it wasn’t a question of ‘if’ I’d achieve my goals — it was a matter of ‘when.’ My ambition and stubbornness grounded me.”
Pageantry, Representation, and Resilience
Nimra’s career isn’t confined to modeling — she’s also a pageant veteran, having participated in Miss New Jersey USA and Miss Universe Pakistan. But for her, pageantry isn’t about the crown — it’s about the platform. “For me, the most meaningful part of my journey was being able to represent not just women, but women considered a minority in our country. As a Balochi woman myself, it was a huge privilege and honor to stand on an international platform and let the world know that I am not only representing women, but I am representing especially women from Balochistan. Representation matters, and to be able to showcase the strength, beauty, and presence of my community on a stage like this was something I will always be proud of.” Beyond that, pageantry taught her resilience. “The public eye is unforgiving. People will have opinions — good and bad — but staying authentic is what matters.” She also dismantles the common misconception that pageants are a fast track to fame. “A pageant doesn’t guarantee you a modeling or acting career. It’s not about what the platform can do for you — it’s what you can do with it. Success isn’t about a single moment; it’s about how you leverage opportunities.”
The Fight for Representation
Despite her success, Nimra acknowledges the glaring lack of Pakistani representation in international fashion. “Even when films need a Pakistani character, they often cast a generic South Asian actor. It’s not just a lack of talent — it’s a lack of opportunity. We need more Pakistani creatives in front of and behind the camera.” She urges young Pakistanis to pursue creative careers: “The world is evolving — there’s no reason we shouldn’t explore the arts. Proper representation starts when we step into these spaces and claim them.”
Social Media: A Double-Edged Sword
Nimra admits social media played a pivotal role in her visibility. “People recognized me from billboards, but social media is where they connected my work to my name. It’s a powerful tool — if used right.” However, she’s not one to chase clout. “My profile is mostly my life — my family, my hobbies. You won’t see much of my work, but despite that, I’m still one of the most booked models today. Social media helps — but at the end of the day, it’s about your work speaking for itself.” She also applauds social media for amplifying voices. “It’s a game-changer. We can now speak up about industry issues and actually be heard — that wasn’t possible before.”
Redefining the Modeling Industry
Nimra speaks candidly about the imbalance between celebrity models and career models in Pakistan. “Brands use celebrities to reach wider audiences — it’s strategic. But it takes away from fashion itself. Models are trained to embody a designer’s vision — it’s an entirely different skill set from acting.” She advocates for a balance. “Celebrities have their place in fashion, but not at the expense of models who’ve dedicated their lives to this craft.”
The Road Ahead
For Nimra Jacob, the journey is far from over. “I started this path unexpectedly, but now that I’m here — I’m staying. My goal is to have a full, lustrous career — one that uplifts other women and brings more Pakistani faces to the global stage.” With her tenacity, authenticity, and unwavering belief in representation, there’s no doubt Nimra is not just redefining success — she’s reshaping the narrative of what it means to be a model, a woman, and a trailblazer in Pakistan’s evolving fashion industry.
RAPID FIRE
1. Who are the women that inspire you, both in fashion and beyond? My mother
2. Favourite travel destination? Japan
3. What’s something people would be surprised to learn about you outside of modelling? I can speak multiple languages
4. If you weren’t a model, what other career path do you think you’d have pursued? A lawyer or a politician
5. If you had the opportunity to create a fashion campaign that spoke to a larger cause, what message would you want it to carry? I would focus on advocating against war, displacement, and the marginalization of people
6. Comfort food? My mother’s cooking. Nothing beats her biryani!
7. One TV show recommendation? The White Lotus
8. Favourite cheat meal? I LOVE a hearty desi breakfast!
INTERVIEW: SAFA ADNAN
PHOTOGRAPHY: ASAD BIN JAVED
Art Direction & Styling: Minahil Cheema
Makeup: Shainal
Outfits: Bareezé Man
Concept: Nimra Jacob