Montana Helena Klein Yao is an American model, social media influencer, and entrepreneur who rose to prominence through pageantry, her growing online presence, and her past marriage to NBA player Malik Beasley.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Montana Helena Klein Yao |
| Date of Birth | August 5, 1997 |
| Age (2026) | 28 years old |
| Birthplace | Newport Beach, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Mixed (Chinese, English, Irish, German) |
| Known For | Model, Influencer, Entrepreneur |
| Social Media | Instagram: @montanayao |
Who Is Montana Helena Klein Yao?
Montana Helena Klein Yao is a professional model, Instagram personality, beauty pageant titleholder, and business-minded public figure from California who has built her own brand and audience over time.
Early Life and Family Background
Montana Helena Klein Yao was born on August 5, 1997, in Newport Beach, California, United States. She grew up as the only child of Paul Yao and Gina Klein Yao, two supportive parents who encouraged her ambitions from a young age.
Her father, Paul, was born in China and later moved to the United States, where he served in the U.S. Army before becoming an entrepreneur. Her mother, Gina, comes from English, Irish, and German backgrounds and co-founded the fashion accessory brand JaggerEdge.
Growing up in Southern California, Montana was exposed to creative and cultural influences that helped shape her early interest in modeling, fashion, and entertainment. Her mixed ethnicity, a blend of Asian and European heritage, later became part of her distinctive look in the modeling world.
Education Journey
Montana attended Maranatha High School in Pasadena before transferring to Malibu High School, where she graduated in 2015. During her high school years, she balanced academics with creative pursuits such as modeling and pageantry.
Her time in school allowed her to explore various interests, from fashion to performing arts, and laid the foundation for her future career path. Even during her teenage years, she showed a strong blend of confidence and ambition, traits that would follow her into adulthood.
Rise in Modeling and Pageants
After graduating high school, Montana pursued modeling and started participating in beauty pageants. Her breakthrough came in 2016, when she entered and won the Miss Malibu Teen USA contest, a title that brought her early attention and credibility in the fashion and modeling world.
Later that same year, she competed in the Miss California Teen USA pageant, where she finished among the Top 10 finalists. These early accomplishments helped Montana connect with industry professionals and build a presence that went beyond local modeling gigs.
Montana eventually signed with Newmark Models, a respected agency, and began earning professional work, including advertising campaigns with well-known fashion brands. Her work as a model highlighted her natural beauty, confident poise, and multicultural appeal, assets that helped her stand out in a competitive landscape.
Building an Online Presence
Montana’s rise was not limited to traditional modeling. She was an early adopter of social media platforms like Instagram, where she shared fashion, lifestyle, and personal posts that resonated with fans around the world. Her feed grew quickly to over 150,000 followers, making her a recognized influencer.
In addition to beauty and fashion content, Montana gained attention for her charismatic personality and relatable posts. In 2016, she also shared a rap video on social media that went viral and brought her additional visibility beyond modeling circles.
Today, her social media is a platform not just for showcasing style but also for sharing life moments, including her experiences as a young mother and business partner to lifestyle brands.
Personal Life: Relationship and Family
Montana met NBA player Malik Beasley in 2018. The two quickly developed a close relationship, and their lives soon intertwined both publicly and personally.
Their first child, a son named Makai Joseph Beasley, was born on March 16, 2019. The couple continued growing their family, and on November 11, 2022, they welcomed their daughter Mia Love Beasley.
Montana and Malik married on March 5, 2020. While they had moments of happiness, their relationship also faced challenges that became public. Montana filed for legal separation in March 2025, citing irreconcilable differences, and her husband later filed for divorce shortly before what would have been their fifth anniversary.
Throughout these ups and downs, Montana has focused on creating a nurturing environment for her children and maintaining balance as both a public figure and a dedicated mother.
Career Beyond Modeling
While modeling remains her primary profession, Montana Helena Klein Yao has expanded her career into other areas. Her social media influence opened opportunities to partner with lifestyle and fashion brands. She has worked with companies such as Stiiizy and Bumble BFF, promoting products that align with her aesthetic and values.
Beyond endorsements and collaborations, Montana has expressed interest in entrepreneurship and creative projects that reflect her personal brand. Her ability to communicate authentically with her audience has made her an effective voice in lifestyle, beauty, and fashion spaces.
Public Perception and Influence
Montana’s journey in the public eye has been a mix of beauty pageants, modeling success, social media influence, and personal challenges that many people have followed closely. What distinguishes her story is not just fame but her resilience, professionalism, and ability to evolve beyond labels.
Her story resonates with many young women because it reflects a mix of ambition, setbacks, personal growth, and family devotion. Through it all, Montana has maintained a strong sense of identity and continues to be a relatable figure in entertainment and lifestyle communities.
Net Worth and Recognition
Industry estimates place Montana Helena Klein Yao’s net worth between approximately $1.4 million and $2 million, earned through modeling, brand deals, and influencer partnerships.
Her public persona blends lifestyle influence with business savvy, and her professional reputation continues to grow as she builds her brand and supports causes meaningful to her audience.
Life and Priorities Today
As of 2026, Montana concentrates on motherhood, business endeavors, and expanding her presence in fashion and lifestyle sectors. Her Instagram remains an active hub where she shares personal stories, modeling work, and collaborations that reflect her life values.
She continues to be admired for her grit, style, and openness, using her platform to inspire and connect with followers who appreciate both her authenticity and her professional achievements.
