Meet Nimu King | Model & Corporate Baddie

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nimu King and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nimu, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I think about risk similar to how Zuckerberg does; He once said “The biggest risk is not taking any risk… In a world that is changing really quickly, the only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks.” As a spontaneous person, it is within my nature to be a risk-taker, whether it’s jumping off a cliff in Hawaii with no gear, or packing my bags and moving to Houston on a whim during the pandemic, risk fuels my wanderous spirit. While taking risks has been extremely fulfilling for me, I understand that it can be scary for some, and to them I say: TAKE CALCULATED RISK!

Impulsive risks in my younger years proved that I could do anything I put my mind to, but calculated risks have been a catalyst for success, and a fuller, more vibrant life. I look at it this way, death is inevitable, and when I leave here, I want to be completely empty, having done, shared, created and given everything in me. I believe that graveyards are the richest places on earth — so many people, because of fear, die before sharing their gift(s) with the world… how sad is that? I am committed to dying empty, having taken all the risks, and all the opportunities in alignment with my purpose and the greater good.

Another thing, there is so much beauty in risk, you just never know what’s on the other side of allowing yourself to get familiar with discomfort; ask that guy out, buy that bitcoin, take that solo trip, fall in love deeply, do all the things! I am more afriad to reach the end of my life and ask myself “what if i just …” than I am to do the thing and learn that said thing wasn’t for me.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
This has truly been a journey! I hail from Nairobi Kenya, and I moved to the States when I was a teen; I’d already fallen in love with modelling, as I watched ‘The Tyra Banks Show’ every single day after school. I knew I was destined for the runway. When I discovered Naomi Campbell, I felt like I’d found my long-lost-sister! I didn’t understand it at the time, but what I was witnessing was representation! Someone who looked like me, was actually THE BEST IN THE WORLD??? (I’m not arguing this fact!!!) I knew where I belonged. I would “catwalk” everywhere I went, and everyone, including my family would make fun of me… I didn’t care. Well, the story takes quite a sour turn, so brace yourself.

After moving to Texas in 2010, I discovered modelling agencies and casting calls that were happening near me, and signed up — unbeknownst to my mom. I was in a new land, with new people, so I knew that I would have to tell her, so that I could make the casting call. Long story short, she said ABSOLUTELY NOT. The stigma attached to the modelling industry had gotten the better part of my moms judgement. Because she didn’t know much about the industry, and everyone she talked to had a negative opinion, she felt it was best if I just focused on my studies.

I was incredibly disheartened and on the surface, felt like I’d lost my passion for modelling, but deep within me, I knew that’s what made me happy, truly happy. I didn’t bring it up again until I was a senior in highschool, and by then, I could make some decisions on my own. I found an online casting, took an introductory video, and did my first photoshoot, with a real photographer. That feeling when I was in front of the camera is indescribible to date! I didn’t make the cut that time, but after joining Texas State University, I became involved in the campus activities, on of them being “Fashion Forward” – An extracurricular fashion club aimed at connecting diasporans via way of fashion. This was an incredible time for me.

Post university, I got a bit lost in the corporate and e-commerce world! As a philomath, this new world of generating income online was all I could think about. When I closed down my first business, Iris Barn, is when I rediscovered my passion for modelling. I took time to really learn about the industry, and though I feel as passionately about it as I did as a child, I decided to treat it as a hobby. Maybe it was my past trauma showing up as fear, or maybe it was the false idea of having missed the mark – so many people will say that you have to start at thirteen, otherwise you WILL NOT make it. That is just not true. After discovering commercial modelling, I understand now that I have found my place. It’s quite perfect because it merges different artisic mediums like modelling and acting, both of which I love. I am now in acting and runway classes, pursuing that dream as it is never too late.

I tell this story in its abbreviated entirety to learn you a couple of lessons: 1. Never, EVER, give up on your dream, it will haunt you – Beside God, I fear one thing, to reach the end of my life and wonder why I didn’t utilize all my gifts and talents, the things that come so naturally to me. To this, I say, do it scared, do it broke, do it happy, DO IT ANYWAY. Lesson 2: Block out the outside noise, whether family or friends, your desires and passions are YOURS, not for anyone else to understand and help you pursue. You are in charge, so take charge! My passion, my resilience, my heart are what set me apart from everyone! Just stay tuned in!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I LOVE to explore and discover and I absolutely love hosting. My bestie and I love all things food, art, nature, relaxation so here are a few places I would take her:

– Breakfast at The Breakfast Klub – A houston staple.

– Visit the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH)- Collections ranging from ancient to contemporary art.

– Lunch at Lucille’s: Southern cuisine with a modern twist in the Museum District.

– Explore Hermann Park: Take a stroll through the McGovern Centennial Gardens and ride the pedal boats.

– Spa Day at Trellis Spa at The Houstonian: Relax and rejuvenate with luxurious spa treatments.

– The Original Frenchy’s Chicken: Some of Houston’s best fried chicken.

– Explore Graffiti Park: A vibrant area full of street art and murals.

– Cooking Class at Central Market Cooking School: Learn to make local Texan dishes (a true fave!).

– Visit the Menil Collection: A unique collection of art housed in a serene setting.

– Live Music at Axelrad: A vibrant beer garden with live music and a great atmosphere.

– Visit the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center: Enjoy a walk through beautiful native habitats.

– Brunch at Phil & Derek’s Restaurant: Enjoy a jazz brunch with delicious Southern fare.

– Take a day trip to Galveston Island!

This is just a snippet of all there is to explore in beautiful, humid Houston.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost, I give God all the Glory! We could end here, but …

As cliché as it may be, I’d like to dedicate my shout out to my mom. With dignity, integrity and grace, my mom has carried me through every season of my life! She believes in me more than I believe in myself sometimes, and has supported me in every way you can think of; To-date, my mom is my best friend and biggest cheerleader. She is as strong as she is beautiful, and trust me, she’s a total-knockout-babe! Thank you for your constant, unconditional love, mom, thank you for being my voice of reason and for ALWAYS keeping it real with me, even when I just want you to be on my side. Thank you for modeling the habits you’ve preached to us, not just talking the talk. I love you entirely, bestie!

Instagram: realnimuking

Image Credits
Photography By:

Josh Alex of Josh Alex Visuals

Ras of VOCE Images