Fashion Model | Marie- Noelle Grabobe
- Sep 29, 2025
- 3 min read
I am Marie-Noëlle Graobé, an international fashion model originally from Doukoula, a small village in the Extreme-North of Cameroon. Today, I am based in London, often working in Paris, and South Africa has also become one of the countries where I work extensively. My career takes me around different parts of the world, but I carry my roots and my story with me wherever I go.
Besides modelling, what else do you do?
Besides modelling, I am an author, humanitarian, and entrepreneur. I founded the GRAOBE Association to support widows, orphans, and vulnerable communities in Cameroon through health, education, and empowerment projects.
I am also passionate about natural products and sustainable business. Together with widows in Cameroon, we have started producing sesame oil, which is already available, and we are currently preparing an innovative neem oil that we hope will soon be embraced by the public.
It is a collaborative effort with widows, because my vision is not only about business but about empowerment and dignity for them.
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Who has been a huge inspiration in your life lately and why them?
My biggest inspiration has always been my late mother. She endured so much as a widow, yet she fought for her children with dignity and faith. Her strength and her unconditional love continue to inspire me in everything I do. Lately, I am also inspired by every widow and orphan I meet in my humanitarian work, because they remind me why I must keep going.
Tell us about your book The Daughter of Doukoula.
The Daughter of Doukoula is my memoir. It tells the story of my journey from a small village in Cameroon to international runways, but also the deep struggles of orphanhood, grief, and resilience. It is a book about hope, faith, motherhood, and dignity.
With everything happening in the world, I believe we all need reminders that no matter how broken we feel, God can still rebuild us.
My book is not just my story—it is an invitation for readers to find healing and courage in their own journeys.
The book is available now on Amazon, and also through my Stan Store
Just how important is giving back to your community to you?
Giving back is not just important—it is my purpose. My life would have no meaning if I only lived for myself. Through the GRAOBE Foundation, I have organised health campaigns, back-to-school drives, and support programs for widows and orphans. Each time I see a child go to school or a widow smile with dignity again, it reminds me that love in action changes lives.
The greatest lesson I keep coming back to is that we rise by lifting others.
If you were to pick one vital quality besides beauty, that emerging models should have, what would it be?
For me, the most vital quality is resilience. The fashion industry is beautiful but also very demanding and sometimes harsh. Without resilience, it is easy to lose yourself. Resilience allows you to stay true to who you are, to overcome rejection, and to keep your identity and values while chasing your dreams.
What’s next for Noelle, any projects/campaigns you’re working on?
I am currently working on expanding the reach of my book The Daughter of Doukoula, making it available worldwide in different formats.
With the GRAOBE Foundation, we are preparing a “Back-to-School 2026” campaign in Cameroon to support widows and orphans with school fees and supplies.
On the fashion side, I continue to collaborate with international brands while also mentoring young talents through GRAOBE Model Management.
My vision is to keep building bridges between fashion, philanthropy, and empowerment.
What are you most grateful for?
I am most grateful for the grace of God in my life. Every opportunity, every open door, every connection I’ve made has been through His guidance. I am also deeply grateful for my son, who gives me strength and inspires me every day, and for the chance to use my story to bring hope to others.
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