Natasha Dhanraj speaks about identity, fashion, and staying true to herself in an industry that often tries to fit women into boxes.
Could you tell us a little about yourself and how your journey began, both as a model and a content creator?
My journey began with storytelling and self-expression through writing, which naturally evolved into fashion, modelling, and content creation. As a brown woman in the modelling industry for over three years, I’ve learned to embrace resilience and use my presence to champion diversity and authenticity.
I began creating content in late 2022 as a way to merge fashion, writing, and personal expression, turning creativity into a platform for connection and empowerment.
How did your early love for literature and creative writing shape your approach to storytelling in your work today?
My Master’s in Literature refined my relationship with storytelling, teaching me to engage with language, emotion, and narrative on a deeper level. That academic journey naturally led me to authorship, giving me the confidence and clarity to transform personal experiences into written work.
Writing my book allowed me to merge critical understanding with emotional honesty, turning stories into something both intimate and universal.
As a brown woman in the modelling industry, what challenges have you faced, and how have you navigated them?
As a brown woman in the modelling industry, visibility and representation haven’t always come easily. I’ve faced moments where I felt overlooked or boxed into stereotypes, but I chose to navigate those challenges by embracing my identity fully rather than minimising it.
Staying authentic, building resilience, and aligning myself with brands that value diversity have allowed me to create space on my own terms and turn challenges into strength.
How do you use your platform to promote diversity and challenge conventional beauty standards?
I use my platform to show that beauty is expansive, not one-dimensional. By being visible as my authentic self and collaborating with brands that value inclusivity, I challenge narrow standards and celebrate individuality.
Through fashion, storytelling, and honest representation, I aim to normalise diversity and create space for people to feel seen, confident, and represented.
In just a year, you’ve collaborated with over 50 brands. What do you look for in a brand collaboration, and how do you decide which partnerships align with your values?
I look for brands that align with my values of authenticity, inclusivity, and creativity. Beyond aesthetics, I pay attention to how a brand represents people, tells its story, and engages with its community.
If a collaboration allows me to stay true to my voice and create meaningful, honest content, it’s a partnership I’m excited to be part of.
Balancing your career in finance with your creative passions must be a challenge. How do you manage both worlds effectively?
Balancing finance and creativity requires discipline, intention, and clear boundaries. Working in finance has taught me structure and time management, while my creative work allows me freedom and self-expression.
Instead of seeing them as opposites, I let each world inform the other staying organised, planning ahead, and honouring both my professional responsibilities and creative passions
Your diverse background in various sectors like sales, IT, and education is impressive. How has each of these experiences contributed to your creative approach?
Working across sectors like sales, IT, education, and finance has given me a broad perspective and adaptability that I bring to my creative work. Each experience taught me different skills, communication, problem-solving, and understanding diverse audiences which allows me to approach content creation thoughtfully, connect authentically, and infuse creativity with purpose and strategy.
How has your work in finance influenced your perspective on content creation and brand collaborations?
Working in finance has given me a strategic and analytical perspective that complements my creative work. It’s taught me the importance of planning, understanding audiences, and measuring impact, which helps me create content that is not only authentic but also purposeful and aligned with brand goals. Combining creativity with a business mindset allows me to approach collaborations thoughtfully and sustainably.
You emphasise breaking barriers and celebrating authenticity. Can you share a moment where you felt you truly embodied those values?
One moment that stands out was my first major campaign as a brown model where the brand chose to celebrate natural diversity rather than fitting me into a conventional mold.
Standing in front of the camera as myself, without altering my look to conform felt empowering. It was a reminder that authenticity resonates, and it reinforced my commitment to breaking barriers and showing others that embracing who you are can be both bold and beautiful.
In your opinion, what role does fashion play in self-expression, and how do you incorporate your personal style into your content?
Fashion, for me, is a language of self-expression it communicates mood, identity, and creativity without words. I incorporate my personal style into content by blending pieces that reflect my personality, heritage, and mood, while also experimenting with trends in ways that feel authentic.
My goal is to inspire others to embrace their individuality through style, showing that fashion can be both playful and deeply personal.
As a writer, model, and content creator, how do you stay inspired and keep your creativity flowing?
I stay inspired by staying curious and observing the world around me – through books, art, fashion, and everyday experiences. Writing keeps my mind reflective, modeling allows me to experiment with visual storytelling, and content creation lets me blend both worlds. I also make time for personal reflection and exploration, which helps ideas flow naturally and keeps my work authentic and evolving,
I recently published my book H3: Hurt. Heal. Happy. chronicles a journey through pain, self-reflection, and personal growth. Rooted in real experiences, the book explores the process of healing and the strength it takes to move forward. Written for those navigating difficult moments in life, it offers hope, encouragement, and a reminder that even after hurt, healing is possible and happiness can be reclaimed.
I quote from my book
“Take a moment now. Reflect on one small win from today.
Feel it fully. Celebrate it. Let it remind you of yourself, your
heart, your strength. Each win is you. Not your mistakes. Not
your regrets. Not the expectations of others. Just you—
beautiful, resilient, and moving forward, one small victory at a
Time”.
Natasha Dhanraj.
What advice would you give to others, especially women, who aspire to pursue a career that blends multiple passions?
Chase everything that excites you, your passions aren’t a distraction; they’re your superpower. Be unapologetically yourself: combine your interests, break rules, and create a path only you can walk. Own your multifaceted self fearless, authentic, and relentless and you’ll discover that this is how passion truly turns into impact.
Editor’s Note
Natasha Dhanraj’s journey is inspiring for everyone. She began with writing and storytelling, and this love for words grew into a career in fashion, modelling, and content creation. Being a brown woman in an industry that often overlooks diversity was not easy. She faced challenges but chose to stay authentic, strong, and confident. Natasha uses her platform to show that beauty comes in many forms and that everyone should feel seen and represented.
She also balances a career in finance with her creative work, showing that discipline and passion can go hand in hand. Her experiences across multiple sectors from sales to IT and education have shaped the way she creates content and collaborates with brands. As she says in the interview,
“Standing in front of the camera as myself, without altering my look to conform, felt empowering. It was a reminder that authenticity resonates, and it reinforced my commitment to breaking barriers.”
Natasha’s story teaches us that embracing who you truly are and staying authentic can turn challenges into strength and inspire everyone around you.
