Narmin Kim on her different kind of crown

Model: Narmin Kim. Photographer: Doo Yoon Jong. PR: Multi Publications.

Former beauty queen Narmin Kim now measures success differently. As she celebrates her daughter Giselle’s first birthday, she reflects on love, family, and why motherhood has become the most meaningful chapter of her life.

HBZVN: Your journey has taken you from being a model and beauty queen to building a life and family in South Korea. How has this multicultural experience shaped who you are today?

NARMIN KIM: My life has been shaped by contrasts. I grew up in Azerbaijan, built my career in the public eye, and later found myself creating a home and family in South Korea. Living between cultures has taught me adaptability, but more importantly, it has taught me empathy. I have learned that beauty, success, and happiness can look very different depending on where you are in the world.

Moving to Korea changed my life in ways I never expected. Of course, it introduced me to a new culture, language, and way of living, but more importantly, it introduced me to my husband. Through him, I discovered a different perspective on family, commitment, and partnership. Together we created a home filled with love, laughter, and now our daughter, Giselle.

As I answer these questions, we are celebrating her first birthday – a milestone that feels far more meaningful than any achievement I have ever received. Watching her grow during this first year has reminded me how quickly life changes and how precious every moment truly is.

HBZVN: As a mother, what values and traditions from your Azerbaijani heritage do you hope to pass on to your daughter, Giselle?

NARMIN KIM: More than anything, I want Giselle to grow up knowing how deeply she is loved.

I want her to know that from the moment she came into this world, she was our greatest joy. I hope she never questions how proud we are to be her parents or how grateful we are to have her in our lives.

Of course, I want her to understand her Azerbaijani heritage, our traditions, our language, and where her mother’s story began. But beyond culture, I want to give her something even more important: freedom.

I want Giselle to be happy. I want her to make her own choices, follow her own dreams, and become exactly who she wants to be. I never want her to feel limited by expectations from others.

As parents, my husband and I often talk about wanting to give her opportunities we did not have when we were young – not because material things matter most, but because we want her to experience the world with confidence and curiosity. I want her to travel, to learn, to explore, and to know that she can dream as big as she wants.

If one day she looks back and remembers feeling loved, supported, and free to be herself, I will feel that I succeeded as a mother.

HBZVN: Living between different cultures can be both rewarding and challenging. What have been the most meaningful lessons you have learned from raising a child in South Korea?

NARMIN KIM: Motherhood has given me a completely new perspective on culture. Raising Giselle in Korea has shown me how much care, structure, and dedication Korean parents invest in their children. There is a beautiful emphasis on education, routine, and family support.

At the same time, becoming a mother abroad has taught me independence. There are moments when I miss having my own family nearby, and those moments have made me stronger. I have learned to trust myself more and to create my own version of motherhood.

One of the most meaningful lessons has been understanding that there is no single “correct” way to raise a child. Every culture has wisdom to offer. I take what resonates from both Azerbaijan and Korea and create a balance that feels authentic to our family.

HBZVN: You are a digital creator, entrepreneur, and mother. How do you balance your professional ambitions with family life, and what motivates you every day?

NARMIN KIM: Balance is something I am still learning. The truth is that motherhood changed everything. Before Giselle, I measured my days by meetings, campaigns, and achievements. Now, my schedule revolves around naps, meals, bedtime routines, and making sure she feels loved and secure.

I still have professional goals, and I am passionate about my work, but my priorities have shifted. I have become much more intentional with my time. If I spend a day away from my daughter for work, it has to be something meaningful.

What motivates me most is knowing that I am building a future for her while also showing her the value of pursuing your dreams. I want her to see a mother who loves her family deeply but who never stops growing, learning, and creating.

HBZVN: Looking at your journey so far, what does success mean to you today, and why do you consider motherhood one of your greatest achievements?

NARMIN KIM: There was a time when success meant titles, recognition, and professional milestones. Becoming Miss Azerbaijan was an incredible chapter of my life, and I am proud of everything it represented. But motherhood has completely redefined success for me.

Today, success is waking up in a home filled with love. It is hearing my daughter laugh. It is watching her discover the world for the first time. It is having a husband who supports me, a family we have built together, and the privilege of being present for the moments that truly matter.

I have achieved many things in my life, but nothing compares to becoming a mother. Titles can open doors, careers can evolve, and accomplishments can fade with time. The impact you have on a child lasts forever.

When I look at Giselle, I do not see an achievement in the traditional sense. I see my greatest purpose. And for me, that is the most meaningful success of all.

Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam