Natalia Vodianova's inspiring rags-to-riches story is a testament to her strength and resilience in the face of adversity.. Born into a family with a disabled child, Natalia's childhood was marked by poverty, bullying, and a lack of support in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.

The $30 million model

Natalia's life changed dramatically at the age of 17 when a model scout encouraged her to go to Moscow, where she signed to an agency. soon she was on a plane to Paris, from where she became one of the best-known models in the world, with campaigns for brands including Calvin Klein and Diane von Furstenberg.

Today, Natalia is married to Christian Dior CEO Antoine Arnault, with whom she is expecting her sixth child,and hails from one of the wealthiest families in the world.

Childhood struggles

Natalia's mother, Larisa, struggled to provide for her children, working long hours at an illegal fruit stall and often going hungry herself. Natalia, who was just 11 when she started working, would often skip school and work 12-hour days in freezing temperatures.

She would also help care for her disabled sister, Oksana, at home. Despite the hardships, Natalia's mother refused to put Oksana in an institution, and Natalia's childhood was marked by a lack of compassion and support from their neighbors.

Overcoming adversity

Natalia has spoken publicly about the difficulties she faced in her childhood and the emotional scars that still linger. Her journey is an inspiring reminder that anything is possible with determination and hard work.