Basic Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Montana Helena Klein Yao |
| Known As | Montana Yao |
| Birth Date | August 5, 1997 |
| Age | 28 (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Newport Beach, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Chinese and European (English/Irish/German) |
| Education | Malibu High School (Class of 2015); attended Maranatha High School |
| Occupations | Model, influencer, entrepreneur; former rapper |
| Notable Titles | Miss Malibu Teen USA (2016); Top 10 at Miss California Teen USA (2016) |
| Parents | Paul Yao (father); Gina Klein Yao (mother) |
| Siblings | None (only child) |
| Children | Makai Joseph Beasley (b. March 2019); Mia Love Beasley (b. November 11, 2022) |
| Marital Timeline | Married Malik Beasley (March 5, 2020); legal separation filed March 4, 2025 |
| Height | 5’8” (173 cm) |
| Social Media | Instagram @montanayao (125k+ followers) |
| Business | JaggerEdge (family brand; luxury tech accessories) |
| Estimated Net Worth | Approximately $1.4–$2 million |
Early Life and Education
Born on August 5, 1997, in Newport Beach, Montana Helena Klein Yao grew up in a multicultural household where resilience and creativity were everyday lessons. Her father, Paul, immigrated to the United States in the mid-20th century and later served in the U.S. Army, while her mother, Gina, steered an entrepreneurial path in fashion accessories. This blend of discipline and daring set the tone for Montana’s ambitions.
She attended both Maranatha High School and Malibu High School, graduating in 2015. Southern California’s coastline and culture shaped her sensibilities—equal parts laid-back and driven—fueling early interests in pageantry and music. By her late teens, she had the confidence and poise of someone already acquainted with the stage lights.
Pageantry and Modeling Breakthrough
In 2016, Montana’s name started to catch the public ear. She won Miss Malibu Teen USA and secured a Top 10 placement at Miss California Teen USA the same year. Pageantry provided a launchpad: the precise choreography of competition, the elegy of gowns and interviews, and the rhythm of preparation. The crown was less endpoint than beginning.
From there, modeling beckoned. Montana linked with agencies such as Newmark Models and worked with brands across fashion and lifestyle, including high-street names. Collaborations spanned campaigns and digital partnerships, and her online presence matured into a cohesive personal brand. A viral rap video in 2016 highlighted her creative streak—unexpected and bold, a reminder that she is not easily confined to a single lane.
Entrepreneurship and Digital Influence
Entrepreneurship weaves through Montana’s story like a strong thread. With her mother’s brand, JaggerEdge—a luxury tech accessory line known for edgy iPhone covers—Montana embraced the business side of fashion. Her involvement amplified the brand’s image, marrying glossy aesthetics with savvy social storytelling.
On Instagram, Montana has cultivated an audience of more than 125,000 followers, sharing glimpses of fashion, family, and everyday life. Sponsorships and partnerships, from lifestyle apps to cannabis-adjacent brands, have diversified her professional portfolio. The result is a modern hybrid career: part model, part influencer, part entrepreneur, with each role reinforcing the others.
Family Roots and Relationships
Montana is the only child of Paul and Gina, a small and tightly knit family unit. Paul’s journey—from China or Hong Kong (as some accounts note) to U.S. military service—infused Montana’s upbringing with stories of grit and gratitude. Gina’s California roots and leadership at JaggerEdge offered a model of independent creativity. Together, they provided a foundation that proved steady even when the public spotlight burned hot.
Her relationship with NBA guard Malik Beasley placed her life on a broader stage. The couple met in 2018, welcomed their son, Makai, in March 2019, and married on March 5, 2020. Their daughter, Mia, arrived on November 11, 2022. The marriage experienced public turbulence in late 2020, followed by a reconciliation in 2021, and ultimately a legal separation filing in March 2025 on the grounds of irreconcilable differences. Through the ebbs and flows, Montana’s role as a devoted mother has stayed constant, a compass always pointing back to family.
Recent Updates (2025)
In early March 2025, just shy of the couple’s fifth anniversary, Montana filed for legal separation and sought spousal support, citing irreconcilable differences. She has since kept a largely low profile online, sharing sparing updates and focusing on co-parenting and business commitments.
The summer saw whispers across social media regarding a federal gambling investigation involving Malik Beasley, with unverified speculation suggesting Montana might have tipped authorities. There has been no public confirmation of such claims, and Montana has not substantiated them. As with many stories that swirl online, the truth remains guarded, and her public stance has been notably measured.
Milestone Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| August 5, 1997 | Born in Newport Beach, California |
| 2015 | Graduated from Malibu High School |
| 2016 | Won Miss Malibu Teen USA; Top 10 at Miss California Teen USA; viral rap video |
| 2018 | Began relationship with NBA guard Malik Beasley |
| March 2019 | Birth of son, Makai Joseph Beasley |
| March 5, 2020 | Marriage to Malik Beasley |
| November 2020 | Public relationship turbulence emerges |
| May 2021 | Public reconciliation signals a reset |
| November 11, 2022 | Birth of daughter, Mia Love Beasley |
| 2023–2024 | Maintained a lower public profile; focused on family and business |
| March 4, 2025 | Filed for legal separation, citing irreconcilable differences |
The Family: Profiles and Presence
| Family Member | Role | Notable Details |
|---|---|---|
| Paul Yao | Father | Immigrated to the U.S., served in the U.S. Army during the 1970s; often publicly supportive of Montana’s milestones |
| Gina Klein Yao | Mother | California native and entrepreneur; co-owner of JaggerEdge; a key influence on Montana’s business acumen |
| Makai Joseph Beasley | Son | Born March 2019; brought new focus to Montana’s life and priorities |
| Mia Love Beasley | Daughter | Born November 11, 2022; arrived during a period of renewed family hope |
| Montana Helena Klein Yao | Central Figure | Model, influencer, entrepreneur, and mother balancing career arcs with parenting |
The family dynamic, while intimate, has lived under bright lights. Through triumphs and trials, their story reads as a modern American chapter—immigrant ambition, California creativity, pro-sports attention, and a young mother steadying the ship amid the tide.
FAQ
Who is Montana Helena Klein Yao?
She is an American model, influencer, and entrepreneur known for her pageant wins, digital brand, and family life.
How old is Montana Yao?
She is 28 years old as of 2025, born on August 5, 1997.
Where was Montana Yao born?
She was born in Newport Beach, California, USA.
What is her ethnic background?
Montana has mixed Chinese and European heritage, including English, Irish, and German roots.
Did Montana win any pageants?
Yes, she won Miss Malibu Teen USA in 2016 and placed in the Top 10 at Miss California Teen USA the same year.
How many children does she have?
She has two children: Makai (born March 2019) and Mia (born November 11, 2022).
Is she still married to Malik Beasley?
No, she filed for legal separation in March 2025 due to irreconcilable differences.
What does her family do?
Her father, Paul, is a U.S. Army veteran, and her mother, Gina, co-owns the accessory brand JaggerEdge.
What is her height?
She stands 5’8” (173 cm) tall.
What is her estimated net worth?
Her net worth is estimated in the range of $1.4–$2 million, derived from modeling, partnerships, and business ventures.
