"I’m a working mom"— Nara Smith pushes back against the "trad wife" label on the Today show

On December 5, 23-year-old model and TikTok influencer Nara Smith appeared on popular chatshow TODAY with Hoda & Jenna to demonstrate one of her signature recipes. During the segment, co-host Jenna Bush Hager brought up the "tradwife" label that has followed Smith due to her viral cooking videos. Smith, however, took the opportunity to clarify her stance on the term.

"I don't understand where that came from because I'm a working mom," Smith said when asked if the label bothered her. "I work, take care of my kids, and cooking is my passion. I love cooking, just showing that to people, so I never understand where that comes from."

The term "tradwife" refers to a woman who adheres to traditional gender roles, often embracing domestic responsibilities and vintage aesthetics. While the concept has gained popularity on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, Nara Smith distanced herself from the association, emphasizing her multifaceted life as a mother, model, and content creator.

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Nara Smith addresses viral "tradwife" label and shares her perspective on motherhood and career

Nara Smith, who shares three children with her husband, fellow model Lucky Blue Smith, often showcases her cooking skills on TikTok. Known for her elaborate recipes, including homemade bubble gum and Coca-Cola, Smith explained the appeal of her content.

"I feel like people love to see it," she shared. "They love to follow along the journey, and I'm just excited to provide that for them."

Co-host Hoda Kotb noted the soothing nature of Smith's videos, particularly her calming voice, which aligns with the popular ASMR trend. Smith agreed, adding that her videos are a reprieve from her busy home life with three children under the age of four.

"My home life is so hectic sometimes because I have three kids under four, so if I can just mellow that down, I will take every chance I get," Smith said.

Nara Smith has addressed the "tradwife" label before, most notably in an August 2023 interview with Harper's Bazaar. She highlighted her frustration with being categorized solely as a homemaker.

"You don't see me getting on a plane, hopping to New York, modeling, coming back—all while I have a newborn—paying bills, filming content, getting my kids dressed," she said.

The influencer also shared her struggles with societal expectations, stating:

"Being put into a certain box, just because people think that I'm slaving away, is so weird to me. I'm a working mom who gets to go about her day in a very different way than [someone with] a normal nine-to-five job would."

Nara Smith's passion for cooking stems from personal health challenges. She revealed in a TikTok video earlier this year that her interest in nutrition and wellness began after battling severe eczema. This prompted her to focus on creating meals that benefit her body and overall well-being.

"I've always loved cooking," Smith explained. "It all started when I was dealing with really severe eczema and I had to make sure that what I put in my body would be good for my body."

While Smith acknowledges that while her lifestyle might not resonate with everyone, but she remains unapologetically herself.

Nara Smith recently relocated to the East Coast with her family, marking a new chapter in her personal and professional life. She continues to grow her presence on TikTok, where her cooking videos and lifestyle content captivate her 11 million followers.