Beyond the Catwalk: Phoebe Kemi’s Mission to Empower Women from Within

From navigating a multicultural upbringing to overcoming childhood trauma, international model and artist Phoebe Kemi’s story is one of remarkable resilience and unwavering spirit.

Born to a Nigerian father and a woman of German and Italian descent, Phoebe’s life has been anything but ordinary. “My life has been similar to a film you see in a theater,” she says, her voice brimming with both vulnerability and strength. Accompanying her father on international business ventures as a child, she experienced Dubai’s desert landscapes, Hawaii’s lush paradise, and the rich tapestry of African cultures. This nomadic existence instilled in her a deep appreciation for diversity and a boundless sense of adventure.

However, Phoebe’s journey wasn’t without its share of challenges. Returning to Nigeria in grade school meant leaving her younger brother and mother behind in the States. This separation, coupled with her parents’ eventual divorce, plunged her into a tumultuous chapter of her life. During her teenage years in Miami, she faced harrowing experiences including sexual assault and kidnapping. These traumas, while deeply personal and deserving of sensitivity, have shaped her compassion and determination to empower others.

But amidst the darkness, Phoebe’s inner light refused to be extinguished. At 18, she found solace in the vibrant energy of New York City, enrolling at Parsons School of Design. It was here that she truly blossomed, embracing her passion for modeling and quickly conquering the runways of Milan, Paris, London, and New York. Walking for renowned designers and gracing the pages of prestigious magazines, Phoebe’s meteoric rise in the fashion world speaks volumes of her talent and captivating presence.

Yet, for Phoebe, success is more than just strutting down catwalks. She envisions a life filled with purpose, driven by her core values of love, generosity, and service. Her ultimate goal: building a wellness empire that empowers young women on their journeys to holistic well-being and spiritual fulfillment.

As she effortlessly juggles her thriving modeling career with the nascent stages of her wellness project, Phoebe embodies the very spirit of grace and resilience. Her story, shared with a vulnerability that inspires empathy, is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome adversity and emerge stronger, more compassionate, and ready to illuminate the lives of others. Follow Phoebe’s journey on Instagram at @phoebekemi, where she continues to inspire with her authentic spirit and unwavering pursuit of a life filled with meaning and purpose.

Cloth Credit: 
Red Dress – Preen by Thornton Bregazzi
Shoes – YSL 
Blue Dress – Ulla Johnson 

Team Credit: 
Model – Phoebe Kemi @PhoebeKemi
MUA – Sang Lee using MAC cosmetics 
Photography – Antoine Lavon Green
Creative Direction – Alex Schmid-Baez
Hair Stylist – Ashley Solomon 
Location – The Beekman a Thompson Hotel