Willis Overcomes Childhood Hardships to Find Modeling Success
Nadine Willis endured extreme poverty and abuse growing up in Kingston, Jamaica. At just 11 years old, she had to sell juice at the local market to afford food while essentially homeless. Despite the immense hardships, her adventurous spirit led her to leave Jamaica at 17 on a trip that would change the course of her life.
Upon returning to Jamaica, Willis met model agent Kingsley Cooper, who invited the then 25-year-old to travel with him to London to meet with modeling agencies. With no prior experience, Willis was selected for London Fashion Week and quickly landed a history-making Gucci campaign.
Shooting to International Stardom Overnight
Almost overnight, Willis went from homelessness to being photographed by Mario Testino for Vogue and becoming the first Black model ever hired by Gucci.
“I was the first Black girl to model for Gucci,” Willis recalled. “You can’t unwrite that.”
For years, Willis graced runways in London, Milan, Paris and New York at the peak of her modeling career. She appeared on the covers of major fashion magazines but felt unacknowledged back home in Jamaica.
Leaving Modeling Behind After Feeling Unsupported
At 33, Willis walked away from modeling after having her third child. She moved to Florida but faced further hardships including two failed marriages. Willis and her daughters ultimately ended up homeless before connecting with nonprofit The Lord’s Place in 2021.
Finding Her Footing Once Again
With guidance from The Lord’s Place, Willis secured a job and health insurance. In late 2022, she and her daughters moved into their own apartment, achieving a dream once thought impossible given her traumatic childhood.
“For me, I’m trying to make sure my children get what I didn’t have,” an emotional Willis shared. She now has plans to write an autobiography and start a nonprofit to help others battling homelessness.
Through all the ups and downs, Willis has persevered thanks to her relentless spirit. Her story serves as inspiration that no matter how bleak things may seem, there is always light at the end of the tunnel.
