Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Evlian.
Hi Nicole, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am a curve model, content creator, and full-time student based out of San Diego. I am Armenian, and I am the first generation born in the United States in my family. I was born in Las Vegas, Nevada, and moved to Carlsbad when I was one year old. After growing up in Carlsbad, I moved to Encinitas in 2021, where I really began to focus on my life goals and purpose.
I want to say I started modeling as a little girl, playing dress-up and striking poses for the camera every chance I got. I was always a confident girl, and that confidence has carried me through to the life I live today. Even now, I’m the person family, friends, and others turn to for encouragement, to help them feel better about themselves, gain confidence, and believe they can go after whatever they want. This eventually led me to take modeling seriously a few years ago. I started following an amazing curve model named Gabriella Halikas and realized this is something I could do, and it would guide me and assist with other goals I have in life. The modeling industry has a significant gap in inclusivity, and with the various body trends that come and go in and out of fashion, it is an incredibly challenging industry. One of the industries that I knew I wanted to dominate. Change is needed. Women need to know their body is not a trend, and they should not limit themselves. One thing about me is that I despise fitting in and conforming to the typical mold of an industry. With that said, I started planning photoshoots, posting on social media, messaging brands, and putting myself out there. Doing this made me realize that modeling could be more than just looks and appearance; it could be my platform to inspire and uplift others.
I’ve spent countless hours reaching out to brands, agencies, and people, putting myself out there even when it felt intimidating. Every message, every photoshoot, and every connection has been a step toward building my platform, which is bigger than just modeling; it’s about inspiring confidence, uplifting others, and creating opportunities for the future I’m working toward. In 2023, I was fortunate enough for Coral Shaw, owner and designer of Coral Swimwear X, to reach out and ask me to shoot with her brand. I couldn’t tell you how excited, nervous, and grateful I was at that moment. It was my first opportunity to get involved in the industry beyond just taking photos myself and posting them. After that, it served as a reminder that this is what I was meant to be doing, and it ignited something in me that pushed me to become more consistent and continue, even when many people would tell me “no” or that I couldn’t do it.
At the same time, I was balancing school, work, and personal challenges. I would be lying to you if I said this has been an easy journey, especially since, in my opinion, it is just beginning. There were many days when I doubted myself, questioned if I could juggle it all, or wondered if I truly belonged in anything I was doing. Through all these obstacles, my purpose was reinforced, and I was reminded that this is what I need to do. My purpose is to break down barriers and show others that self-love and empowerment are achievable, regardless of your journey.
In addition to modeling, I plan to pursue a career in sports and entertainment law. A male-dominated field where I aim to make an impact. My modeling platform, voice, and experiences are all part of building a stable foundation to break into the industry, advocate for fairness and inclusion, and open doors for others. My ultimate goal is to inspire confidence, challenge societal expectations, and utilize my education, creativity, and resilience to leave a lasting impact.
Today, I continue to grow as a model, student, daughter, sister, and friend while staying committed to my purpose: to encourage people to embrace themselves fully and confidently. My story isn’t finished yet, and I know there’s so much more I want to accomplish. But I’m proud of the progress I’ve made, the people I’ve inspired, and the impact I’m building through modeling and my life.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Has it been a smooth road? Not at all. I am a full-time student, a nanny, and my own manager, advocate, and the model, working long hours trying to figure it all out on my own. Through balancing modeling, school, work, and personal life, there have been many challenges and moments of self-doubt. I am in a stage in life where I need to figure out where I want to live, what school I want to attend, and how to navigate the trials and tribulations that come with it all. At the same time, I am building my modeling and social media presence, often putting in hours on content creation late at night, some of the work not even getting seen by many. Although I have the support of my family, I have often found myself pushing to do everything on my own.
On top of all that, in 2024, I was faced with a spinal injury that sent me in and out of the hospital the entire year. At the beginning of the year, doctors and professionals did not take my symptoms seriously since I was young and they thought it would pass over. Pushing through the pain had led me to not being able to get out of bed for three months. I felt defeated. I ended up getting a minimally invasive procedure to numb the pain and calm my nerves. This helped for a few months, until one night I woke up unable to move. I was terrified and was rushed to the hospital, where I ended up getting spinal surgery. Through this entire process, I ended up getting a post-surgical infection and made a few more trips back to the hospital. Recovery definitely wasn’t easy; it required patience, physical therapy, and a lot of mental resilience. Going through it taught me how to listen to my body, prioritize self-care, and remain determined even when life throws unexpected setbacks in my path. Every struggle along the way, big or small, has reinforced my purpose and strengthened my drive to break barriers, inspire others, and keep moving forward no matter the obstacles.
I have this saying that I tell everyone in my life: “Do the hard thing,” no matter what it is. I could have given up after my injury, thrown in the towel, and walked away, but that wouldn’t be me, and it wouldn’t reflect the values I want my family, future children and husband, friends, or myself to live by. I believe everything happens for a reason, and experiencing the lowest of lows has prepared me to keep moving forward, grow, and use my platform to empower others while figuring out my own path in life. Growing closer to God has given me a deeper sense of purpose and direction. My faith has become a foundation for my decisions, my work, and the way I show up in the world. It reminds me to approach every challenge with grace and helps me stay grounded as I continue to pursue my purpose.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a curve model, content creator, full-time student, and a nanny, and I wear all of these hats while managing my own career and advocating for myself. I specialize in creating authentic, empowering content that celebrates confidence, self-love, and inclusivity. What I’m most proud of is the impact I’ve had on others, helping women and girls feel seen, heard, and confident in their own skin, even in small ways.
What sets me apart is my combination of creativity, resilience, and purpose. I approach modeling not just as a career, but as a platform to inspire and uplift others while also pursuing my academic and professional goals, including law school and a future in sports and entertainment law. I want my work to open doors for myself and for others, proving that success isn’t just about appearances, it’s about authenticity, dedication, and the courage to break barriers.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Risk-taking is a bridge between where you are and where you want to be. For me that looks like putting myself out there, reaching out to brands, planning photo shoots, and sharing my story online, even when only a few people were watching or really believed in me. It also meant balancing school, work, and modeling, while figuring out what exactly my next steps in life were going to be. In the coming months, as I write this, I am deciding where I want to continue my education and where I want to settle down in my early twenties. Taking that risk isn’t about being reckless; it’s about trusting yourself, leaning into the discomfort, and doing the hard thing that pushes you closer to your goals. I often remind myself that the only thing standing between me and my dream is myself. Every risk that I have taken has taught me the power of believing in my vision and shaping the path I’m building for myself and for others.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://evliannicole.wixsite.com/nicoleevlian
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicoleevlian/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@nicoleevlian?_t=ZT-90MytHcikr9&_r=1
Image Credits
Sheridan Dyches & Lauren Murken
