Olivia Yumi Nootenboom[1] (born September 23, 1996), known professionally as Yumi Nu, is an American model. She appeared on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in 2022, becoming the first plus-size model of Asian-American descent to do so.
Early life
Nu was born in Englewood, New Jersey,[2] on September 23, 1996. She is of Japanese and Dutch descent. Her mother, Kana Grace Nootenboom, is the daughter of Rocky Aoki, the founder of the Benihana restaurant chain.[3] Her mother modeled and brought Nu to participate in shoots as an infant.[4] Nu is the niece of Devon Aoki and Steve Aoki.[5]
Nu's family moved from New Jersey to Maryland when she was seven years old.[2] She has stated that she was one of two students of Asian-American descent in her school, and experienced racism while living in Maryland. When she was 14 years old, her family moved to Newport Beach, California.[6]
Career
Nu began modeling in 2010.[7] She began practicing songwriting at the age of 12, and wrote her first song in 2016. Nu released an extended play in June 2019.[8] Nu is signed to her uncle's record label, Dim Mak Records.[7]