From model to entrepreneur – a Trønder in New York
By Karoline Nilsen
From a Grandiosa commercial at age 14 to Milan Fashion Week and a master’s degree from NTNU, Nora Emilie Nakken has walked a long and often challenging path. Now, the 26-year-old Trønder is building her own brand with a bold vision, global reach – and a story that proves strength is just as important as style.
Nora Emilie Nakken is a 26-year-old from Trøndelag who splits her time between Oslo, Trondheim, and New York. With over ten years of experience in modeling and a fresh master’s degree from NTNU, the young Norwegian woman is now building her own brand – but the journey has been far from easy.
From Grandiosa commercials to globetrotting
Nakken signed her first modeling contract at the age of 14 with an agency in Trondheim. From the beginning, she was fascinated by how people express themselves in front of the camera. At that age, however, the assignments were mostly local commercials – with a few exceptions.
– I don’t quite remember what my first big break was, but I do remember how fun it was to be an extra in a Grandiosa commercial.
In the early days of her career, Nakken’s mother was understandably protective. She accompanied her daughter to every job, handled contracts, and looked after everything – “a real mother hen,” as Nakken puts it. Today, the two remain close, and her mother continues to support and cheer her on.
At 18, Nakken traveled alone for a modeling job for the first time – a major milestone. The trip took her to Stockholm for a magazine shoot, and since then, she has traveled the world.
The model life
In 2024 alone, Nakken racked up 200 travel days – some for pleasure, but most for work. Modeling may look glamorous from the outside, but behind the scenes it can be both physically and mentally exhausting.
– I think people assume modeling is easy – they see us put on shoes and walk the runway. But what they don’t see is all the hard work and pressure behind it.
One of her most demanding experiences came during Milan Fashion Week a few years ago.
Stress, chaos, and little food: Milan Fashion Week
During the fashion week in Milan, chaos reigned. Photographers and crowds filled the venue, and models were not allowed to leave until all shows were over. This meant they were entirely dependent on others for food – which became a problem.
– We were told, “food is coming soon,” but it never did. We were all tired and hadn’t brought anything with us because we expected food to be provided – and we weren’t allowed to go out and buy anything either.
Nakken was in the middle of a dress fitting when things took a turn. The jumpsuit she was to wear was being pinned to fit her perfectly, but she felt faint. She tried to tell the team around her that she needed to sit down, but was met with, “we’re almost done.” After several attempts to be taken seriously – she collapsed.
– I remember waking up with everyone standing over me. My first thought was, ‘oh no, my teeth are shattered.’ But they said, ‘no, no – it’s just sugar, we gave you sugar.’
Six or seven people helped her get back on her feet. There was no bed or rest area. She only ten minutes to recover before rushing off to the next designer. Time is tight at these events.
Models are often booked by multiple designers during a single show day, and it’s their responsibility to manage the schedule. The more bookings, the less time between fittings and shows. Hair, makeup, and outfits must all match each designer’s vision, and if you’re not exactly what they’re looking for, you may be turned away at the door. Nakken no longer takes it personally and even says she enjoys the backstage chaos now – though that wasn’t always the case.
When the body gives out
The modeling industry is known for its pressure around thinness. At age 20, Nakken weighed less than 40 kg. Her doctor diagnosed her with osteoporosis caused by being underweight over a long period – but it would take two more years before she fully realized how sick she had become.
It started with a broken pinky toe. Then came a broken arm – snapped clean through after slipping on ice. Later, a cracked rib from a boat trip. That’s when she began asking herself: “Who am I doing this for, really?”
It was time for change. That’s when she decided to enter Miss Norway.
The world of pageantry
Pageantry became her safe space. Unlike the fashion industry, it offered room to be yourself and stand for something. Fewer sharp elbows, more acceptance – and she didn’t feel like just a hanger for clothes anymore. There was also greater body diversity and a focus on values.
In 2021, Nakken won Miss Norway.
– I got to travel with Miss Universe – 85 girls together for several weeks. We became really close, lived together, shared experiences, highs and lows. It created a strong sense of girl power and unity – completely different from the modeling scene.
It was during this time that she became more involved in mental health awareness. She founded The Bear Buddy, a nonprofit organization that donates all profits to mental health causes in collaboration with Mental Health Norway.
Her own brand
In 2024, Nakken boarded a flight to Miami, working from her laptop midair. Upon landing — with her sister by her side and a glass of wine in hand — she submitted her master’s thesis in entrepreneurship from NTNU. Despite her intense travel schedule, she completed every required class to be eligible to write the thesis.
She is now working on launching her own brand. She’s collaborating with investors in New York who have shown interest in her designs and is developing her own jewelry collection.
– I’m creating something that I think Norwegians might find a bit “much.” The designs are a bit extra compared to what’s trendy in Norway. But I love jewelry – and I’m aiming abroad, not at the Norwegian market.
