Natalia Bryant has signed with IMG Models: Ever since I can remember I wanted to model – Daily Mail

She recently marked the one-year anniversary of the and untimely tragic deaths of her father and younger sister.

But Natalia Bryant had something to celebrate on Monday, when it was revealed that she had signed with international modeling agency IMG Models Worldwide.

The Instagram account for the agency posted a stunning black-and-white image of the daughter of late basketball legend Kobe Bryant, along with a quote from her about this new venture.  

‘”I have always been interested in fashion since a very young age. I have a love for the industry and ever since I can remember I wanted to model. There is a lot to learn but I feel this is a great opportunity for me to learn and express myself creatively,”‘ Natalia’s quote read.

Natalia also posted the announcement to her Instagram stories, over which she exclaimed, ‘I am beyond thrilled and so honored to be a part of the IMG family!’

She also included a trio of heart emojis. 

Natalia’s mother Vanessa Bryant also proudly shared the news on her own Instagram.

The news comes just weeks after Natalia turned 18, on January 19th. 

To mark her daughter’s special day, Vanessa shared touching throwback images of ‘daddy’s little princess’ with Kobe.

Taking to Instagram, the 38-year-old posted two different pictures of herself with late husband Kobe Bryant and Natalia as a young child. 

The throwback photos saw Vanessa and Kobe sweetly pose with Natalia at the Lakers Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, in the early 2000s.

She captioned it with: ‘We love you so much! Happy birthday Natalia!!!! Our first born @nataliabryant.’ 

Natalia’s birthday fell one week to the day before the one-year anniversary of the horrific helicopter crash that claimed the lives of her father Kobe, 41, and sister Gianna, 13, on January 26th.