SI Swimsuit Rookie Nazanin Mandi’s Dating Advice Will Change the Way You Approach Relationships

The model, author and motivational speaker dished the best advice on self-love in relationships.

Nazanin Mandi was photographed by Yu Tsai in Jamaica. Swimsuit by Indah. / Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

For SI Swimsuit rookie Nazanin Mandi, joining the magazine for the 2025 issue was a fated moment she had manifested for a long time. The multi-hyphenate, who’s been in the modeling, music and acting business for years, also penned a guided ritual book and works as a motivational speaker. Not only is she stunning on the outside, but she also uses her platform to give back to others—proving that her beauty runs deep.

We got the chance to catch up with Mandi during launch week for the 2025 SI Swimsuit Issue, where we received words of wisdom when it comes to self-value and self-love. When asked if she had any dating advice, her words were firm. “Boundaries strong,” she declared, highlighting the importance of opening up to love but still prioritizing your wellbeing.

Nazanin Mandi was photographed by Yu Tsai in Jamaica. Swimsuit by LSPACE. / Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

“Be flexible in your dating approach,” Mandi continued. “Be open, because you never know who can come into your world. Don’t close yourself off. But again, boundaries strong, know your worth first and foremost. I had to learn that. And walk in your truth. Don’t look back. Even on the first date, [if] you believe in something else, [if] that person asks you, say it. Don’t look back. Show them who you are.”

It’s no surprise that Mandi had expert guidance for us. As a certified transformational life coach, she founded a wellness community called You Bloome, where she helps others become the most authentic versions of themselves. In need of confidence, empowerment and motivation? Mandi is certainly your girl.

For her SI Swimsuit debut, Mandi traveled to the scenic, sunny Jamaica, where she posed for photographer Yu Tsai. And while it was undoubtedly a huge moment for her, one where she had very high standards for herself, all the pressure went away when she began shooting.

“When you get to set, everything goes out the window because [the team] make[s] you feel so comfortable and so celebrated in your own skin,” she dished during SI Swimsuit’s Social Club pop-up. “Anything that you were expecting, in your head, you’re just like, ‘Oh, I don’t care. I don’t even care. I’m here now, and I’m gonna give it my all because they’re cheering me on.’”

And if you’ve seen her gallery of images from her rookie shoot, you’ll know she absolutely delivered.

Nazanin Mandi was photographed by Yu Tsai in Jamaica. Swimsuit by Bad N Bare. Necklace by Eric Silva. / Yu Tsai/Sports Illustrated

Over the years, Mandi has modeled for well-known brands such as Savage x Fenty, Olay, Shiseido, Playboy, Vogue and more. She also walked the runway during the Savage X Fenty Show Vol. 2 fashion show in 2020. In addition to her work posing for the camera, she’s acted in beloved shows such as The Young in the Restless and That’s So Raven, along with movies like Dreamcatcher and The Last Conception.

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