Natalia Bryant is fully embracing the task at hand.
The 20-year-old model and University of Southern California student has clearly inherited her father Kobe Bryant’s legacy. In a recent interview with Elle, she delved into carrying forward the “mamba mentality” mindset that her dad championed, describing it as a commitment to perpetually striving to become the finest version of oneself.
“It’s putting your best foot forward at all times regardless of all the noise,” Natalia said.
“I want to make sure that mentality stays intact, because it can be so easy to give up on yourself when things get tough,” she added. “You have to remind yourself that with positivity and resilience you can do anything.”
In her conversation with Elle regarding her role as the front for UGG’s latest campaign, “Feels Like UGG,” Bryant also elaborated on her approach to dealing with challenging moments in life. She emphasized channeling her energy into pursuits that genuinely bring her joy.
RELATED: Kobe Bryant’s Daughter Natalia to Throw out First Pitch at Dodgers Stadium for ‘Lakers Night’
“I spend time with the people I love, like my family,” Natalia said. “I hang out with my friends, or listen to my favorite music. I do things that bring me peace and that put me in a much better headspace. I think it’s important to focus on the positive aspects life has to offer.”
Natalia faced a profound loss when her father, Kobe, and her 13-year-old younger sister, Gianna, tragically perished in a helicopter crash in January 2020, alongside seven other individuals. Since that time, Natalia and her family have continued to honor their memory through various means, including the creation of statues, basketball courts, a handprint ceremony, and, most recently, Natalia’s appearance for the ceremonial first pitch at a Los Angeles Dodgers home game.
For her moment on the pitcher’s mound, Natalia donned a Dodgers jersey adorned with one of her dad’s Lakers numbers (No. 8) and sported blue Kobe Nike sneakers.
Her mother, Vanessa Bryant, along with her younger sisters Capri Kobe (4) and Bianka Bella (6), joined her in the celebration on the field. Bianka even had the honor of announcing the ceremonial phrase, “It’s time for Dodger baseball,” before the game commenced. In a heartwarming gesture, the Dodgers organization presented the Bryant family with a $100,000 donation for their nonprofit, the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation, established in memory of Kobe and Gianna.
Meanwhile, Natalia, the aspiring model, has been busy advancing her career. She made her runway debut at the Versace Spring/Summer 2024 show, where she appeared in a chic black cap-sleeve midi dress and metallic shoes. This event marked her first runway appearance since signing with IMG Models in 2021.
After the show, Natalia expressed her appreciation for Donatella Versace, describing her as “so welcoming and sweet, making me feel incredibly comfortable, especially since it was my inaugural runway experience.”
