Meet Nalu Babe Melissa Marks
From Montclair, NJ, to Palm Beach, FL, Melissa Marks (@melissaamarkss) has always known she was destined for something big.
Her journey has taken her to places she never imagined, and she’s just getting started. Whether it’s striking a pose for the camera or experimenting with new beauty looks, Melissa’s adventurous spirit is contagious. As a Nalu Bay Swimwear babe, she is fully embracing the opportunity to empower herself and others while rocking stunning swimsuits along the way.
One of the things that drew Melissa to Nalu Bay Swimwear is their commitment to combining comfort with style. "Nalu Bay's designs are not only flattering, but the materials are high quality, which makes you feel confident in and out of the water," she shares. "Whether I'm lounging on the beach or enjoying a day in the sun, these pieces make me feel amazing." It’s clear that Melissa is a natural fit for Nalu’s community of women who are as confident as they are beautiful.
When she’s not slaying the swimwear game, Melissa spends her free time indulging in her love for beauty and travel. She’s always exploring new skincare and makeup trends, planning her next getaway, or getting in a good workout to keep her body and mind in balance. "I love trying new things and embracing experiences that fuel my creative spirit," she says. Her zest for life is truly contagious, and it’s no wonder she enjoys spending time with friends and family, seeking out new restaurants, and making memories wherever she goes.
From a young age, Melissa had dreams of being in the spotlight. "As a child, I wanted to be a dancer, singer, actress, and of course—model," she recalls. "But the one thing that stayed consistent was that I always knew I wanted to be seen. I knew my path would lead me to something bigger." Those dreams have only grown, and today, she’s determined to make her mark in the beauty and fashion worlds. "I’ve always been drawn to beauty, and I’m excited to continue building my career as a model and content creator," she says.
The women who inspire Melissa the most are those who take control of their own destiny and create success on their own terms. "I look up to women like Huda Kattan, Gisele Bündchen, and Naomi Campbell," she says. "They’ve built their brands from the ground up, and I admire their confidence, resilience, and ability to turn their passions into careers. They inspire me to keep pushing forward and to build something of my own."
Melissa’s biggest accomplishment to date is earning her Master’s degree in Public Relations at just 23. "It taught me so much about strategic thinking, effective communication, and leadership—skills I still carry with me today," she says. This accomplishment paved the way for her career and gave her the foundation to pursue her dreams fearlessly.
Looking ahead, Melissa has big plans for her modeling career. "I want to partner with major fashion and beauty brands, travel the world for shoots, and build my personal brand as both a model and content creator," she shares. "I dream of collaborating with iconic beauty brands like YSL, Estée Lauder, and Dior Beauty, while continuing to grow my presence in the modeling world." For Melissa, the sky’s the limit, and she’s eager to seize every opportunity that comes her way.
Fun fact: In addition to her love for beauty and fashion, Melissa has an impressive background in ballet, having danced for 16 years. She’s also a certified professional makeup artist, with experience working for brands like MAC Cosmetics. And when it comes to adventure, she’s not afraid to take risks—having gone skydiving and absolutely loving the thrill of it. "It was a reminder that growth happens when you take a leap of faith," she says.
As for advice she’d give to younger followers? "Don’t be afraid to chase the life you truly want," Melissa encourages. "Society might try to push you into a ‘safe’ path, but if something doesn’t make you happy, you have the power to change it. Bet on yourself and trust that you’re capable of creating the life of your dreams." With her fearless attitude and unstoppable drive, Melissa is well on her way to creating her dream life—and she’s inspiring others to do the same.