Interview by Ryan West
Photography by Holly Parker
Nicole Williams English is a Canadian model, entrepreneur, and celebrity designer. She first found fame on the E! show WAGS with her former NFL player husband, Larry English. The couple married in 2017 and have a daughter named India Moon. Williams English is a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model and was named the 2023 Rookie of the Year.
You’ve modeled all over the world. What city or culture has influenced your personal style the most?
I don’t think that it was one place in particular that inspired my style. I love exploring and traveling and submerging myself into different cultures and fashion. I’ve never been afraid to try something out of the box or wear a daring outfit on the carpet. I think that all of my travels made me view fashion in a different way. It doesn’t always have to be high end or designer. I’ve never been the type to dress “high end” I just dress like me. I love digging through handmade jewelry stands or going to random markets down alleys and finding really cool pieces that I can add to my wardrobe.
Nia Lynn is such a bold, confident brand. What inspired you to start your own swimwear line, and how has your vision evolved since launching?
I launched Nia Lynn because I was tired of swimwear that didn’t fit real bodies or make women feel confident. I wanted to create pieces that feel luxurious but also wearable whether you’re on a beach or chasing toddlers by the pool. Over time, the brand evolved into something so much more and I was able to collaborate with Sports Illustrated Swimsuit on a collection that was featured at Miami Swim Week. That was a very proud moment for me.
How do you look back at your time on WAGS, and what did reality TV teach you about building your own brand?
WAGS was wild! But in the best way. It threw me into the spotlight and taught me quickly how to stay grounded while the world is watching. I learned how important it is to protect your energy. That mindset shaped how I built my personal brand and how I came to love myself for who I truly am through being raw and relatable with a sense of humor. I’m so much more comfortable in my own skin now.
You have a large IG presence, do you feel a responsibility to show both the glamorous and the real sides of your life as a model, entrepreneur, and mom?
Absolutely. Social media can make it look like everything is perfect and flawless, but I’ve made it a point to show the messy side too. I’m a mom 24/hrs a day while juggling work and the household all at the same time. Some days are glamorous, some days are chaos in my pjs. I want other women to know they’re not alone, that you can chase your dreams and still have those human unfiltered moments… it’s normal.
You’ve been a long-time advocate for animal welfare. What sparked your passion for this cause, and how do you stay active and effective in that space?
I grew up surrounded by animals. My parents rescued everything from dogs, cats, birds, everything! Our house in Paradise, Newfoundland was like a little sanctuary. That deep connection to animals has been with me my entire life because my family is that way. They can’t hurt a fly! Now I use my platform to support shelters, promote adoption, and partner with brands that prioritize cruelty-free options. It’s just who I am. I’m an ambassador for World Animal Protection and Beyond Meat. We fight to end animal cruelty and to free animals in captivity.
As a Beyond Meat ambassador, how do you approach making plant-based living feel accessible, especially to people who might be new to it?
I always tell people it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Start with one swap, one meal a day.. I transitioned over 13 years ago, but it was slow. Being plant based can be very delicious and you don’t have to give up flavor. I think people are scared that they have to only eat salads and tofu all day. Honestly Larry tells me often that my meals taste better than his, and his mom and niece would rather have a veggie corn dog than a beef one now! I have them hooked. My goal is to show people how easy it can be, especially if you’re busy, raising kids, or trying to make healthier choices without the guilt.
You and Larry seem like such a strong team, how do you two support each other’s individual passions, especially with such different career backgrounds?
We respect each other’s vision. Our careers are different, but the drive is the same. Larry supports my creative side, and I support his intensity and discipline. We’re both competitive in our own ways, he’s definitely way more strict than me, but we’ve learned to channel that into cheering each other on. We are best friends, and nothing is ever perfect but we have a healthy balance.
Your journey has had so many chapters — reality TV star, businesswoman, mom, model, etc. When do you feel most in your element?
When I’m creating something that aligns with who I really am. That could range from me on a photoshoot where I feel really in my element, working with a brand I love, or just lying with my daughter watching Disney movies in our pj’s with messy hair.
The modeling industry is evolving quickly, what does representation mean to you today, and what would you still like to see change?
Representation is about showing who you are through it all…Different ages, backgrounds, and life experiences. I shot for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit while pregnant at 39 years old and it was a huge full circle moment for me! That moment taught me that I didn’t have to be like anyone else, timing is different for everyone, and this was right on time for me.
Has becoming a mom changed the way you view your career or the legacy you want to leave behind?
Completely. Motherhood made everything more meaningful. I want my daughter to grow up knowing that her mom went after her dreams. I want her to know that not everything was done perfectly, but it was done bravely. I took a lot of risks to get here and now everything I do is for a bigger purpose. It’s no longer just about achieving things; it’s about making her proud and showing her strength and teaching her compassion. Doing big things without stepping on people to get there… it may take a lot longer, but you’ll feel so fulfilled in the end. I want her to just be a good person with a big heart and to help others.
If you could give your twenty-year-old self a piece of advice, what would it be, and do you think she would listen?
I’d tell her: “You are already enough. You don’t have to prove your worth to anyone.” And no, I don’t think she would listen because she’s a stubborn Scorpio!! But eventually, she’d look back and realize that everything she went through shaped her into someone even better than she imagined.
What’s upcoming for you and where do you see yourself in the next five years?
Right now, I’m building my brand so that I can access more opportunities in places I’d love to put my talents. I want to get back on TV hopefully in the hosting/non scripted world.
In 5 years, I see myself as a mom of 2 (maybe 4). I see myself back on TV but also being a global ambassador for a beauty brand (I have a few in mind), being the face of a wellness brand, and leaning more into anti-aging skin care. Maybe invent a magic potion to prevent grey hairs!!! I’d love to mentor younger women and use my platform to inspire people to live fully, at any age or stage. I’m living proof that sometimes your dreams and goals don’t happen until later in life, when you are ready for them.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
