Yumi Nu Biography: Age, Parents, Height, Net Worth, Modeling, Music, Fashion

Olivia Yumi Nootenboom, known professionally as Yumi Nu, is an American model, singer-songwriter, and entrepreneur who made history as the first plus-size Asian-American model to appear on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in 2022.

Renowned for her advocacy for body positivity and racial diversity, Nu has graced the covers of Vogue Japan and American Vogue, walked runways for designers like Jacquemus and Jason Wu, and launched her size-inclusive clothing line, Blueki.

Profile

• Full Name: Olivia Yumi Nootenboom
• Stage Name: Yumi Nu
• Born: 23, September 1996
• Age: 28 years old
• Birthplace: Englewood, New Jersey, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Model, Singer-Songwriter, Entrepreneur
• Height: 1.80m
• Parents: Kana Grace Nootenboom, Brent Nootenboom
• Siblings: None
• Spouse: None
• Children: None
• Relationship: Not married
• Net Worth: $1 million

Early Life and Education

Olivia Yumi Nootenboom was born on September 23, 1996, in Englewood, New Jersey, to Kana Grace Nootenboom, a former model and daughter of Benihana founder Rocky Aoki, and Brent Nootenboom, of Dutch descent.

She is the niece of DJ Steve Aoki and model-actress Devon Aoki.

At age seven, her family moved to Maryland, where she faced racism as one of two Asian-American students in her school, including being called derogatory names like “Godzilla” and “Yao Ming.”

At 14, they relocated to Newport Beach, California. Nu attended local schools but specific educational details beyond high school are not publicly available. Her ethnicity is Japanese and Dutch, and her religious beliefs are not disclosed.

Career

Yumi Nu began her modeling career at the age of 14 in 2010, navigating an industry that often favored narrow beauty standards.

After a brief hiatus, she returned in 2016 with a renewed sense of self, signing with Wilhelmina and The Society Management. Her major breakthrough came in 2021 when she became the first plus-size Asian model to appear in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, earning the title of Rookie of the Year.

She made history again in 2022 as the first plus-size Asian-American cover model for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, with the cover shot in Montenegro by James Macari. That same year, she graced the cover of Vogue Japan as its first plus-size model and appeared in both American Vogue and British Vogue.

Nu has walked the runway for high-profile fashion houses such as Jacquemus, Jason Wu, and Chanel, and has been featured in campaigns for global brands including H&M and Victoria’s Secret.

In addition to modeling, Nu has built a music career rooted in emotional expression and cultural identity.

She began writing songs at age 12 and released her debut single in 2016. Signed to her uncle Steve Aoki’s Dim Mak Records, she introduced her first EP in 2019, followed by her second EP, Hajime, in 2022.

Her sound, influenced by alternative R&B and indie styles, explores themes of race, body image, and vulnerability. Songs like “Pots and Pans” reflect her journey of self-discovery and resilience. Through her music, Nu brings a unique voice to conversations around identity, artistry, and emotional honesty, carving out a space where personal narrative meets genre-defying sound.

In October 2022, Nu expanded her creative reach by launching Blueki, a size-inclusive, ethically sourced knitwear brand designed to address the lack of fashionable options for mid- and plus-size women.

Blueki reflects Nu’s ongoing commitment to representation, with each piece carefully designed to suit a wide range of body types. Her efforts in fashion, music, and entrepreneurship are closely tied to her advocacy for diversity and body positivity.

In recognition of her influence, she was invited to the White House in 2022 for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Through her multifaceted career, Yumi Nu continues to challenge conventional beauty norms while using her platform to inspire self-acceptance and inclusivity.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @_yumi_nu
• Facebook Handle: Yumi Nu
• Twitter Handle: @_yumi_nu

Personal Life

Yumi Nu is single, with no publicly reported romantic relationships or children.

Based in Silver Lake, Los Angeles, and splitting time with New York City, she is a vocal advocate against anti-Asian violence, addressing the issue on social media in 2021 amid rising hate crimes.

Nu faced fatphobia and racist bullying growing up, experiences that fuel her advocacy for representation. She enjoys online shopping, listening to Megan Thee Stallion for confidence, and creating music.

Discography

• EP (June 2019)
• “Pots and Pans” (2021, single)
• Hajime (May 2022, EP)

Net Worth

Yumi Nu has an estimated net worth of $1 million.

Her income stems from her modeling career, with high-profile campaigns for Sports Illustrated, Vogue, and brands like H&M and Victoria’s Secret.