Athena Vas is the kind of woman who instantly commands a room with both strength and softness, and her presence as a Nalu Babe perfectly reflects what the brand stands for.
Originally from New York and now based in Los Angeles, Athena (@iamathenavas) loves Nalu Bay Swimwear for the powerful sense of women empowerment it creates. To her, Nalu is more than swimwear, it’s a true community of beautiful, supportive women who lift each other up, get dressed up, embrace their girly side, and celebrate one another without competition.
Athena’s free time is anything but ordinary, reflecting her dynamic and multifaceted lifestyle. Fitness plays a huge role in her life, and she trains regularly at the gym, using movement as both discipline and therapy. She also dances, with Greek dancing holding a special place in her heart as a way to stay connected to her roots while embracing performance and joy. Every part of her routine is intentional, balancing physical strength with creative and mental growth.
Creativity fuels Athena just as much as fitness does. She’s constantly writing books, scripts, and new show concepts while brainstorming content ideas that merge intellect with entertainment. With a love for strategy, game theory, and math, she enjoys breaking down complex ideas and turning them into engaging, real-world lessons. When she needs to slow down and reset, you’ll often find her at the beach, stretching, walking, and reflecting. Even her downtime is rooted in growth, becoming stronger, sharper, and more inspired with each chapter.
As a child, Athena had big, varied dreams that hinted at the life she’d eventually create. She imagined herself as an actress, a veterinarian, a criminal lawyer, and even a decoy, never limiting herself to just one identity. That early curiosity and fearlessness laid the foundation for the driven, multifaceted, and unstoppable woman she is today.
The person who inspires Athena most is her mother, whose strength, resilience, and sacrifices shaped every part of her character. Athena credits her mother for teaching her independence, perseverance, and the importance of never giving up, no matter how difficult life becomes. Everything Athena does is rooted in honoring those lessons and carrying them forward with purpose and integrity.
When it comes to accomplishments, Athena doesn’t believe in defining success by just one milestone. With a degree in mathematics, an MFA, off-Broadway performances, six bodybuilding championships, and two published books, her résumé is undeniably impressive. Still, she considers her greatest accomplishment to be reinventing herself, stepping away from a traditional path to build a multifaceted life in entertainment, fitness, and entrepreneurship while staying unapologetically true to who she is.
Looking ahead, Athena hopes to take her modeling career deeper into high-fashion, fitness, and editorial spaces, working with brands and publications that value strength, confidence, and individuality. Beyond modeling, her vision is rooted in storytelling and impact through writing, TV and film projects, public speaking, and building empowering businesses. A fun fact many don’t know is that she grew up as a competitive figure skater, a foundation that taught her discipline and mental toughness early on. She also teaches severely handicapped children and is licensed in special education across five states, always finding ways to give back. Her advice to younger readers is powerful and freeing: don’t let anyone put you in a box. You’re allowed to evolve, want more, and choose a path that feels true to you, even when it’s uncomfortable.