Influencer Cindy Kimberly Served Groovy Beach Barbie Vibes in Barbados

The model and designer was captured by Ben Watts for the 2022 SI Swimsuit Issue.

Ananya Panchal | Dec 24, 2023

Cindy Kimberly was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados.

Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated

Cindy Kimberly is the OG Instagram influencer. She gained fans and served as fashion inspo before it was cool and a mainstream full-time job.

The SI Swimsuit model, who was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados for last year’s issue, first rose to popularity in 2015, when Justin Bieber posted a pic of her to his own Instagram account.

Since then, the content creator has grown her platform to 7.1 million followers on Instagram, and 1.8 million on TikTok. She regularly shares cool and aesthetic content for Alo Yoga, Lounge, Prada and other major brands, in addition to makeup tutorials and stylish ’fit checks.

“Often, I’ll get booked for a shoot and there will be people on set who’d come up to me and say ‘wow, you’re actually really good.’ It was frustrating because I love modeling. I feel like people most of the time just think, ‘Oh, she has followers, let’s throw her in this project.’ Then they’ll be surprised that I’m actually interested in the craft. I’ve had a hard time trying to convince people that I was worth it,” she candidly shared. “I decided that if these guys aren’t going to put me forward for jobs that I really want then I’ll do it myself. Ultimately, self-shooting became a huge part of my brand. Those experiences early on really shaped the way I interact with fashion because now I am incredibly hands on. I like to take on things where I’m able to creative direct the shoots or at least be involved in all sides of the project.”

Today, the 25-year-old is the founder and designer of clothing line LOBA by Cindy Kimberly. She also just launched a line of unique jewelry pieces in collaboration with The M Jewelers.

Below are eight gorgeous pics of Kimberly in Barbados.

Cindy Kimberly was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados. Swimsuit by Sage Swim

Cindy Kimberly was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados. Swimsuit by Leslie Amon. Earrings by En Route Jewelry.

Cindy Kimberly was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados. Swimsuit by Yandy. Necklaces by Electric Picks

Cindy Kimberly was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados. Swimsuit by Ark Swimwear. Shoes by Nike.

Cindy Kimberly was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados. Swimsuit by Andi Bagus. Earrings and rings by En Route Jewelry.

Cindy Kimberly was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados. Swimsuit by SKATIE. Hat by Memorial Day. Earrings by En Route Jewelry

Cindy Kimberly was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados. Swimsuit by Andi Bagus. Earrings by En Route Jewelry.

Cindy Kimberly was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados. Swimsuit by INDAH. Belt by F.H. Wadsworth. Earrings by Mahrukh Akuly.

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Published Dec 24, 2023

ANANYA PANCHAL

Ananya Panchal is a writer on the Lifestyle and Trending News team for SI Swimsuit. Before joining SI Swimsuit in 2022, she worked at Bustle, the San Francisco Chronicle and the TODAY Show. When she is not writing or doom-scrolling on social media, Panchal can be found playing sudoku, rewatching One Tree Hill or trying new restaurants. She's also a coffee and chocolate (separately) enthusiast. Panchal has a bachelor’s in communications and journalism from Boston University.