If you still think of Natalie Nunn as just the "I run LA" firebrand from Bad Girls Club, you've missed the biggest plot twist of her life. These days, the Zeus Network powerhouse is less about the club and way more about the carpool lane. Or, more accurately, the private jet lane.
Natalie Nunn daughter now is a search term that’s been blowing up lately, mostly because people can't believe how fast time flies. Journey Ruth Payne isn't that tiny baby from the Instagram reveal anymore. She’s becoming a mini-mogul in her own right, and honestly, the dynamic between her and her reality-star mom is kind of fascinating to watch.
Who Exactly Is Journey Ruth Payne?
Journey was born on April 16, 2017. If you're doing the math, she’s officially an 8-year-old powerhouse as of early 2026. She’s the only child of Natalie and her husband, Jacob Payne, the former football player who has been by Natalie’s side since their televised wedding back in 2012.
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It wasn't an easy road to get here.
Natalie was very open back in the day about the heartbreak of a miscarriage in 2015. It was a rare moment of vulnerability for a woman who built a career on being "the baddest." When Journey finally arrived on Easter Sunday in 2017, it changed the vibe completely. You could see the shift in Natalie’s social media—fewer tables being flipped and more tea parties being hosted.
The CEO Life at Age Eight
Here is the thing about being Natalie Nunn's kid: you don't just go to school. You build an empire.
Basically, Journey is already a CEO. Natalie and Jacob helped her launch Journey’s Hair when she was just a toddler. It’s not just some vanity project either. They sell:
- Sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners.
- "Edge control" for kids (a huge hit in the community).
- Colorful hair beads and accessories.
- Silk bonnets designed specifically for smaller heads.
It’s smart marketing. Natalie knows her audience, and she’s teaching Journey the business of "brand" before the kid even hits middle school. You’ve probably seen the videos of Journey "working" or packing orders—it’s cute, sure, but it’s also a clear lesson in generational wealth.
What Her Life Looks Like in 2026
The biggest change lately has been her education. A lot of fans were surprised when Natalie mentioned that Journey isn't in a traditional classroom anymore. After Journey graduated from kindergarten in June 2023, Natalie made the call to move her into homeschooling.
Why? Well, look at Natalie’s schedule. Between filming Baddies, executive producing, and traveling for appearances, she’s never in one place.
By homeschooling Journey with a private tutor and a custom curriculum, the family stays together. It’s that "jet-set" lifestyle. One week Journey is in London for a tour, the next she’s in a high-rise in Dubai. Honestly, it’s a lot for an 8-year-old, but Natalie swears by it. She wants her daughter to see the world, not just read about it in a textbook.
A Different Kind of Childhood
There is definitely a debate here. Some people think Journey is "too exposed" to the reality TV world. You'll see her on the sidelines of Baddies tapings or in the background of heated IG Lives.
But if you look closer, the Paynes are actually pretty protective. Jacob often plays the "buffer," keeping Journey away from the actual drama while Natalie handles the cameras.
Journey is into the stuff every other 8-year-old likes:
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- Dog Man books (she had a massive Dog Man-themed 8th birthday party in April 2025).
- Roblox (Natalie has joked about how much she spends on Robux).
- Gymnastics and dance classes.
- Disney trips—they are at Disneyland or Disney World basically every other month.
Why the Internet is Obsessed with Them
The obsession with Natalie Nunn's daughter comes from the contrast. We spent a decade watching Natalie be the "villain." Now, we see her crying at kindergarten graduations and doing "Mommy and Me" skincare routines. It’s humanizing.
People love to see if the "Bad Girl" traits passed down. From what we can see, Journey is incredibly well-spoken and confident. She has that Natalie Nunn "presence," but without the aggressive edge. She’s a kid who knows she’s loved, and that’s probably the biggest flex Natalie has ever had.
Real Talk on the Future
What’s next? Journey is likely going to continue her "influencer-in-training" path. She already has hundreds of thousands of followers on her managed Instagram account.
As Natalie continues to expand the Zeus empire, don't be surprised if we see a "Journey-centric" project. Maybe not a reality show (let's hope not yet), but definitely more product lines. Natalie isn't just raising a daughter; she's raising a successor.
How to Follow Journey’s Growth Safely
If you’re keeping up with the family, here’s the best way to do it without falling for the fake "fan pages" that pop up every day:
- Stick to the Verified Accounts: Only follow the @journeyshair account or Natalie’s main page. There are tons of creeps and scammers using Journey’s face for engagement.
- Check the Captions: Natalie usually shares the most "real" updates on her IG Stories rather than the curated main feed.
- Support the Business: If you actually want to see Journey succeed, her hair care line is legitimately well-reviewed by parents for being gentle on curly hair.
The reality is that Journey Ruth Payne is growing up in the spotlight, whether we like it or not. But unlike many "nepo babies," she seems to have a very solid foundation with both parents actively involved in her day-to-day life. She’s the 8-year-old CEO who is currently running circles around the internet, and honestly? We're just along for the ride.