The story of Nini Amerlise: redefining beauty through diversity
From personal struggles to pioneering change - this is the story of The True Faces of Diversity Campaign.
Nini Amerlise is on a mission to transform the modelling industry with The True Faces of Diversity Campaign, a movement challenging beauty standards and advocating for authentic representation. The campaign creates opportunities for overlooked models and talent - those with unique features, underrepresented backgrounds, and unconventional beauty.
For Nini, this mission is also deeply personal. Her own journey - from enduring bullying and racism to becoming a champion for change - fuels her passion for diversity advocacy. Over Zoom, we discuss the challenges she overcame, the Faith that guides her, and why The True Faces of Diversity Campaign is a movement the industry desperately needs.
A journey of strength, purpose, and change
Despite the miles and screens between us, our conversation is effortless and open. Nothing is off-limits, as Nini shares the struggles that shaped her - including racism, bullying, parental trauma, and sexual abuse.
Her warmth and enthusiasm make it difficult to comprehend the hardship she has endured, but it is precisely those challenges that have driven her to launch a campaign that seeks to redefine the industry’s perception of beauty. The True Faces of Diversity Campaign is not just about representation, it is about rewriting the narrative for future generations.
An unexpected journey into modelling: Bullies, beauty, and racism
As a child, Nini was made to feel that her looks were something to be ridiculed. She was relentlessly bullied, facing both verbal and physical attacks. She recalls being bullied as early as kindergarten and, later, when she first attended a predominantly white school. However, puberty marked the worst of the bullying.
Qu. Can you tell me more about your experiences of being bullied?
“I had an afro, and people were always like, ‘Why do you have an afro? Your hair doesn't move like ours?’ They said I belonged to the ugly group. They made fun of my nose, lips, and complexion. They’d say, ‘You’re so Black and ugly’. When I told them I was mixed race, they called me a liar.”
These experiences planted the seed for what would later become The True Faces of Diversity Campaign. Nini understands firsthand how the industry’s rigid beauty standards can reinforce feelings of inadequacy. Her campaign exists to change that.
Identity and sexuality
Of all the names Nini was called, being referred to as a man weighed heaviest on her; especially because her earliest experiences with men were not fond memories and she did not have a father figure growing up. Nini was left feeling confused about her identity. She struggled with her self-image and, over time, questioned her own worth.
Qu. What are your earliest memories involving male figures?
“At the age of three, I saw my father beat my mother. From then on, my perception of men was tarnished. I pushed people away, especially men, and I didn’t know why.”
Through her campaign, Nini wants to ensure that no one is made to feel unworthy or ashamed of who they are. By challenging outdated industry norms, she hopes to create a future where all models - regardless of their background - are given equal opportunities.
Anorexia, sexual abuse, motherhood, and finding faith
Nini became acutely aware of societal beauty standards, and her desire to be "skinny" turned into a dangerous obsession. Influenced by shows like America’s Next Top Model, she developed an eating disorder and became anorexic. In an attempt to be as thin as possible, Nini eventually stopped eating altogether. During this period, she also suffered further abuse that led her to discover Faith for the first time in her life.
Qu: Tell me more about this time in your life?
“I was frustrated with my existence. I was struggling with my academia because the bullies were targeting me every day. I couldn't focus on academics at all, all I could focus on was ‘are they going to beat me up’. They even tore my hair out.
When I got to the age of 18, my virginity was taken by a rapist. I got raped again at the age of 21 in 2015. That was very, very torturing to me, because I conceived a child this time, my first child. Then I got trichomoniasis and chlamydia. I struggled for months and I was really at my lowest.”
Finding faith
Hearing Nini recount this time in her life is heartbreaking. Not only was she in severe physical pain, tormented by all she had endured, but she also felt profoundly lost. It was in her darkest hour that something extraordinary happened - she felt God’s presence. Nini had not grown up in a religious household. In fact, she describes her upbringing as “atheist,” with her family holding deep occult beliefs.
Qu: How do you feel God spoke to you?
“An angel appeared. Before I found out I was pregnant, an angel actually appeared when I was in the clinic, to get the results to see what's happening in my body. I was confused. I didn't understand that angels could be real. It was a message from God. He was sorry for all that had happened, and told me that he had a better life for me planned. He wanted me to do something unique and empower people.”
An agency of change
That moment changed Nini’s life. She wanted to follow Jesus, explore her Faith, and live in alignment with God’s guidance. One of the biggest ways she applied this transformation was by launching her own talent agency. NA Management is built on Faith (not religion) and exists to help individuals in the industry recognise their self-worth and value their unique gifts. Nini and her team are passionate about representation and advocacy, leading a dedicated diversity campaign to champion inclusivity.
Qu. Can you tell me more about NA Management and your views on the current beauty standard?
“NA management is a creative, Faith-based agency, birthed in 2020 during the pandemic and on my birthday! We represent and manage talent, along with media production, PR and communications. So all those different envelopes help proliferate the message of love and understanding your self worth and your purpose. By utilising these tools, you can reach the masses to also shift the narrative towards positive beauty standards.
We are not what you would say ‘religious’. We are more Faith based, meaning that we care about the relationship one has with God and the relationship with each other. Because of those two factors, we would never judge anybody’s story or where they come from. We come to empower and educate, and we give scriptural references on what God says about who we are; helping models to be their authentic selves and come out of their comfort zone.
Right now, in terms of the beauty standard, what you see in the media is excelling, growing and evolving. But years ago, especially when I first was modelling, you found a lot of racism, colourism and identity issues - and there’s still a need for growth.
If we don't see representations of our diverse looks on a consistent basis, our notion is to appeal to one ideal look or standard, and it really puts us in a reverted idea of what we believe our unique perception of self is. With the rise of injections, silicones, rhinoplasty and all these different things to want to look like to an ideal standard, it really keeps us in a box.”
Hopes for the future
With a focus on representation, advocacy, and career development, The True Faces of Diversity Campaign is committed to ensuring that creatives from all backgrounds are not just seen - but valued. NA Management are passionate to promote self-love, high self-esteem, and confidence in both mind, body and spirit - especially important in an industry known for its selective and often ruthless standards.
Qu. What are your hopes for the future?
“Ultimately, I want to see authentic representation on the grandest scale. From decision-makers to casting directors, I want them to give a chance to everybody. They may not realise that booking a unique look could actually take their brand to the next level - and, long-term, the impact is like no other.”
To learn more about the campaign and NA Management, follow the link below.
Thank you Nini for sharing your story, and your vision for a more diverse and inclusive fashion and modelling industry.
I was smiling throughout all of this, thank you for introducing me to Nini and her story! I hope her agency continues to flourish!