Irene Noren: The Multilingual Model and Entrepreneur Redefining Confidence

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Apr 12, 2020
Written by
Jennifer P.
Photographed by
Karlo Gomez
"I started to be more confident and understanding that uniqueness makes you even more beautiful"

At just 27, Irene Noren has already taken the world by storm—not just with her striking Spanish-Norwegian looks, but with her business acumen and her refreshingly grounded approach to beauty and self-love. Between speaking five languages (yes, five!) and running not one, but two companies (@in.thelabel and @oh.wab), Irene manages to keep her feet firmly planted on the ground, while also walking the runway. So, how does this international model and entrepreneur maintain her confidence while juggling it all? Let’s just say, she’s got it down to a science—and a little bit of sass.

Growing up, Irene wasn’t exactly gunning for a modeling career. In fact, she admits she never expected to be the face of big brands at all, mostly because of her insecurities about her looks. “I compared myself to other models all the time,” she confesses, adding that it took her a while to realize that her curves and her unique look were exactly what made her stand out in an industry obsessed with cookie-cutter standards. “If they’re hiring me, it must be because they actually want me,” she realized, and with that, her confidence began to grow.

But let’s be real—it’s not just the fashion industry that can mess with a woman’s self-image. Irene points out that relationships (or, let’s be honest, situationships) often play a big role in how women perceive themselves. A guy ghosts you or cheats? Cue the spiral of self-doubt. "We need to stop thinking it's our fault and start realizing he just wasn’t the right one," she says with a shrug that suggests she's been there, done that, and moved on with style.

Irene’s strategy for body positivity? Embrace what you love and stop fixating on what you don’t.

“We all have things we like about ourselves and things we don’t. I focus on the ones I like,”

she explains, flashing a smile that suggests she's mastered this mantra. And while self-love should start young, Irene thinks schools could do a better job teaching kids how to handle anxiety and body image issues. After all, mental health and confidence are BFFs, and the world could use a bit more focus on both.

When it comes to loving her own body, Irene’s favorite feature is her skin—especially how it tans in the summer. And no, she doesn’t always rely on makeup to feel confident.

“I love a natural look,”

she says, though she admits to playing with makeup when she’s in the mood to go glam or complement an outfit. But whether she’s barefaced or dolled up, Irene’s confidence radiates from within.

A typical day for Irene includes reading up on philosophy (because yes, she’s that kind of deep), meditating, and keeping her diet organic and plant-based. But don’t let the “health goddess” routine fool you—she’s all about balance. “Sometimes I just eat what my body wants,” she laughs, giving permission for a little indulgence when needed.

For physical activity, she’s all about mindful movement—daily walks, a few workouts a week, and of course, meditation to keep her centered. But here’s the kicker: Irene doesn’t measure her confidence by how “sexy” she looks. For her, true sexiness comes from confidence, and that can look different for everyone. “Some girls find confidence when they look sexy, and others find it in different ways—that’s totally respectable,” she says.

So, when does Irene feel her sexiest? No, it’s not in front of the camera or strutting down the runway. It’s when she’s dancing, laughing, and being her goofy self with the people she loves—because nothing says confidence like being completely comfortable in your own skin.

And speaking of skin, Irene is a pro at shutting down the idea that posing in lingerie or a bikini is somehow “wrong.” After booking countless lingerie and swimwear gigs, she’s normalized it. For her, it’s not about what you wear, but about the kind of people who judge it. Mic drop.

Her involvement with SundayMorningView has only deepened her love for diversity in beauty. “In a world of comparisons, having different role models to look up to or relate to is amazing,” she says. And with platforms like SMV championing all kinds of beauty, Irene’s message to women is loud and clear: be yourself, love your skin, and stop worrying about the rest.

Want more of Irene? Follow her @irenenoren for a glimpse into her effortlessly chic life, and don’t forget to check out her clothing line, In The Label, where you’ll find bodysuits that embody both comfort and confidence. Because at the end of the day, being sexy is just a decision you make to feel more confident—and Irene Noren has made that decision.