Today we’d like to introduce you to Noelle Nurmi.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started a little over a decade ago… 2016 is when I had my first professional photoshoot. Before that I had just been posting outfit of the day looks on Instagram and was getting some attention. Brands were reaching out to work with me or send PR. It really took off from there. I have always incorporated my art in all or most of my work too. I draw, paint, make vintage inspired chalkware, and table in costuming. I consider makeup and hair an art form too. I love getting ready and styling looks for events and photoshoots. I have really elevated my look, although I haven’t gone far from where I started. Middle school I started getting into the goth/emo looks and really started honing in on that through high school when I worked at Hot Topic. I dabbled in the vintage (but still goth) look in high school and through college really focused on that. When I was young and especially when I was a teenager I found a love for lingerie and haven’t looked back. It’s so pretty, feminine, and makes you feel good. I think thats become a big part of who I am now. My collection is a little insane haha.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not always. I grew up with a single mom who did everything she could for me. She is still to this day one of my best friends. I remember being in high school and I got in trouble for an outfit. The assistant principal said “does your mother know what you are wearing?” I responded and looked him dead in the eyes “yeah, she bought it for me. Call her… I dare you.” In high school my mom had an accident and became disabled. That changed my whole life but I am glad she’s still here. Life isn’t how I planned it to be but you can only take it one day at a time.
Once I got into social media and professional modeling (which I have done all on my own) its tough. Nobody wants to pay you. But there are those that do and they get what they pay for. It is still tough, I work a full time job during the day, come and do basically another full time job on top of that and life. It’s not easy but I love what I do and would hope to have it be my full time job one day.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am mostly known for my modeling which includes me doing my own hair and makeup along with styling. I pre myself on knowing vintage fashion, makeup, hairstyles, and even posing. My hair color, never dyed sets me apart as there aren’t many girls with natural hair, which is fine. One day I’ll dye it lol. I am known for being a “Glamour Ghoul” which mixes gothic and vintage fashions/looks. I pretty much wear mostly black with a couple other colors thrown in. My dark aesthetic but vintage vibe is a hit with every age and I get looks everywhere I go.
I have recently been on stage for the first time working with burlesque legend Roxi D’Lite and that has been a highlight for sure. (I was and still am a big fan)
My work does set me apart from the others. The work and years of dedication to my brand really shines and you can see how comfortable and happy I am in what I am doing. It brings me so much joy. My poses are rarely posed, I know how to pose myself and photographers Love that. That way it’s really getting the best at what we do!
As for my artwork my drawings and paintings are mostly pinups or glamour shots of my favorite icons. Graphite realism is what I try to aim for. My chalk ware is vintage inspired but with a twist and of course rhinestones!
What were you like growing up?
Like I said I grew up with a single mother and the only help she had were my grandparents. I spent a lot of time with them and I am so grateful for that. I love my grandparents and those summer weeks I spent with them when school was out. I think thats where a love for vintage started unconsciously. I am so close with my mom and I would not be where I am without her and her support through out my whole life. To this day, even years after her accident, when life got harder, we will always have each other. Family has always been important.
Personality wise I have always been confident in who I am. I am a very introverted extrovert. Once you get to know me I am wild and have the mouth of a sailor. I have pretty much been into the same things since middle school. Changing slightly or growing. My style is an elevated version of what I have always worn. I know my mom got a lot of shit for how I looked over the years but she was always proud of me and let me be me. I think that so important and helped with my confidence.
When I was very young I used to watch her put her makeup on in the morning and do her hair. It was like a ritual and she always did the same look, and same perfume. I loved watching her and couldn’t wait until I got to wear makeup.
Later in middle school I started finding bands like My Chemical Romance, Marilyn Manson, and The Cramps and that really changed my life. I wanted to look how they looked and sounded. Once I got into vintage I still wanted that part of me to stand out and was able to mix them. A lot of rockabilly like Wanda Jackson, and rock n roll bands of the 50s and 60s really impacted me and found a lot of cross over with bands like The Cramps.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noellenurmi/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/nnoellenurmi
