The Business Of Modelling

Jason Hall reflects on growing up in Edinburgh and entering hairdressing as a teenager, initially drawn to the energy and personality of the job before discovering discipling and structure it truly requires. What began as traditional salon training developed into a career spanning more than four decades, combining technical precision with fashion-led creativity.In this episode, he speaks about building his reputation within international session styling and fashion week teams, working across London, Milan, Paris and New York. Along the way he has contributed to shows and creative projects for designers including John Galliano, Thom Browne, Yohji Yamamoto and Rick Owens, as well as major productions such as Tommy Hilfiger's TommyLand in Los Angeles. He reflects on the reality of backstage environments, the pace and pressure of shows, and the mentors who shaped his approach to creative hair.Jason is open about early setbacks and learning on the job, from felling out of his depth on his first major show to developing the confidence needed to lead large backstage teams. He also discusses how standards across the industry have changed over time, with education, social media and global fashion coverage raising the level of both stylists and client expectations.Alongside his international work, Jason has continued to run a successful salon business in Edinburgh, balancing loyal clients at home with the demands of session styling. His perspective on success has evolved from ambition and expansion to consistency, loyalty and enjoying the work itself. Throughout the conversation, one theme runs clearly: lasting careers in hair are built through resilience, strong relationships and a commitment to continually improving your craft.www.businessofmodelling.co.ukwww.jasonhallhairdressing.comwww.coloursagency.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rosalynd Ramage and Alison Bruce, co-founders of Colours Model Agency in Scotland talk about how they met on modelling jobs in their early years, which then lead to building an agency up together with their similar sense of humour and confidence In this episode, they reflect on what the modelling landscape in Scotland looked like when they began in a market that was far more Scotland-centric than it is today. While the industry changed around them, their outlook was always bigger and constantly thinking beyond Glasgow and positioning their talent for London and international opportunities. They are open about decision-making in partnerships and learning to trust their instinct rather than second guessing it. Their insight shows success not only as a scale but also maintaining a people-first culture and continuing to protect the values the agency was founded on. www.businessofmodelling.co.uk www.coloursagency.com   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bailey Frances offers a perspective shaped by experience on both sides of the audition room. After 12 years working as a dancer and model, she transitioned into casting, bringing with her a performer’s understanding of pressure, comparison and rejection. Having entered the industry young and without a strong grasp of the business side, she reflects on how much of her early focus was on being talented, rather than understanding how decisions are made. In this episode, Bailey explains what performers often don’t see: that rejection is rarely personal, that shortlisting is already a sign you are right for the role, and that many final decisions come down to practical factors outside an actor’s control. She speaks openly about how easy it is to compare yourself to others, especially online, and why focusing on small wins and long-term progress is essential in a competitive industry.  Drawing on her casting experience, she breaks down what truly makes someone memorable: professionalism on set, collaboration with agents, commitment in self-tapes and understanding your unique selling point. Her insight reframes casting not as a mysterious gatekeeping process, but as a collaborative, human one where attitude, reliability and self-awareness often matter just as much as performance.  www.businessofmodelling.co.uk  www.shakyradowlingcasting.com   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan Corsi has spent much of his life working in front of the camera, starting as a child model before becoming highly visible through teenage magazines and later finding sudden fame as a member of 90s boyband, Northern Line. His career has spanned commercial modelling, music and DJing, shaped by both early opportunity and the reality of having that success end abruptly.In this episode, Dan talks openly about growing up in the modelling industry, the scale and intensity of pre-social media fame, and what it felt like to lose structure, income and identity when the band came to an end. He reflects on returning to modelling, reshaping his place in the industry, and learning how to build a sustainable commercial career through adaptability, professionalism and reputation rather than image alone.Dan also shares practical insight into longevity, the importance of treating people well on set, and why having additional skills and backup careers matters in an industry that can change overnight. His perspective offers a grounded, experience-led look at what it really talks to stay working long term, and how resilience, consistency and respect often matter more than early success.www.businessofmodelling.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 Natalie-Amber has built a commercial modelling career whilst living with Crohn’s disease and an invisible disability. Having entered the industry at a young age, her experience spans across fashion, lifestyle and brand campaigns, alongside navigating years of misdiagnosis, emergency surgery and returning to work with visible scarring. Her perspective is shaped by firsthand experience of how health, access and understanding impact a model’s ability to work safely and confidently on set. In this episode, Natalie talks about growing up in the modelling industry, the realities of managing chronic illness alongside work, and the physical and emotional challenges of coming back to set after major surgery. She explains why honest conversations, preparation and clear communication are essential when health needs are involved, and how support on set often goes beyond what is visible on the surface. She also discusses the difference between token representation and genuine inclusion, how brands and production teams can do better in practice, and why consistency matters more than one-off gestures. Natalie reflects on advocacy, responsibility and the importance of treating health, disability and real bodies with understanding and respect, rather than as a moment or a message. www.businessofmodelling.co.uk  www.natalieamber.co.uk   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Susannah Boughtflower is the founder of Kids on Set and has spent many years supporting babies and children across commercial, photographic and film productions. Her work as a child wrangler is understanding that a child's experience on set must be carefully managed, with preparation, structure and calm playing a central role in how a shoot unfolds.In this episode, Susannah talks about what her role involves before, during and after a shoot, and how working practices around children have evolved. She explains why preparation and clear communication are essential, how calm environments help children feel secure, and why children need to be approached differently then adults when they are on set.She also discusses working closely with parents, agencies, photographers and production teams, and the importance of everyone understanding their responsibility when children are involved. She reflects on safeguarding, boundaries and professional standards, and why balancing the needs of the production with the well-being of the child is critical.www.businessofmodelling.co.ukwww.kidsonset.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ian Boddy is a children’s commercial and editorial photographer with extensive experience working across fashion, advertising and editorial projects. His career has been shaped by a clear understanding that photographing children carries a responsibility that goes far beyond getting the shot.   In this episode, Ian reflects on how his approach to working with children has evolved over time and why trust, calm and communication are key to every successful shoot. He talks openly about the importance of creating the right environment on set, respecting a child’s pace, and recognising that young children cannot and should not be treated as small adults.   Ian discusses the role photographers play alongside agencies, parents and production teams, how industry expectations have shifted, and why preparation and experience matter when working in fast-moving commercial settings. He also shares his view on responsible practice behind the camera, balancing client expectations with a child’s wellbeing, and why the experience a child leaves with is just as important as the final image.  www.businessofmodelling.co.uk  www.ianboddy.co.uk   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sue Walker is the founder and director of Kids London, one of the UK's most established children's model agencies. With decades of experience working closely with young talent, families and casting teams, Sue has built her career around trust, responsibility and long-term thinking within the children's modelling industry.In this episode, Sure reflects on how children's modelling has evolved over time and the increasing awareness around safeguarding and wellbeing. She talks openly about the responsibility agencies carry when representing young people, the importance of clear boundaries, and why children cannot and should not be treated like small adults. Sue discusses the role of parents, agents and clients in protecting children, the realities of working within a commercial industry, and why saying no can be just as important as saying yes. She also shares her perspective on responsible representation, longevity and why doing things properly, with the child's wellbeing at the centre, matters more than ever.www.businessofmodelling.co.ukwww.kidslondonltd.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kiki Minwegen is an international model represented by Seeds Management in Berlin, whose career spans working in Paris, Milan, Cape Town and Germany. Alongside modelling, she is trained in nutrition and has gone on to become a life coach and mindfulness teacher, building a more holistic, purpose-led way of working alongside her creative career.  In this episode, Kiki reflects on entering the fashion industry at a young age, the pressures of perfection and constant comparison, and why modelling was never meant to be her final destination. She talks openly about identity, body image and mental health. Her transition into nutrition and coaching, and the importance of community, routine and self-connection. Kiki also shares how she defines success beyond image, money or status, and why finding purpose alongside modelling, rather than making it your whole identity, has been key to her wellbeing.  www.businessofmodelling.co.uk  www.katharinaminwegen.com  www.seeds.de  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Francois Pouria Latscha is the founder of Dubai Beach Boy, with a background in luxury hospitality and global brand marketing. Having worked on international campaigns and large-scale brand projects for hotel groups before launching his own fashion brand in Dubai, he brings a commercial, real-world understanding of branding, positioning and customer behaviour.  In this episode, Francois talks through his journey from luxury hospitality into fashion, how his experience in marketing and brand strategy shaped the way he built Dubai Beach Boy, and why understanding your customer matters more than chasing trends. He shares practical insight into storytelling, personal branding and authenticity, explains why starting small and growing sustainably is key, and offers a clear perspective on what makes a brand, product or visual identity genuinely connect in a crowded market.  www.businessofmodelling.co.uk  www.dubaibeachboy.com   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sally Andrews casts actors and models across commercial, fashion and digital campaigns. Her career spans in-person castings and the shift to self-tapes, giving her a clear view of how casting decisions are made, how talent is assessed, and how the process has changed over the past decade. In this episode, Sally breaks down how casting works today, what casting directors are looking for when reviewing self-tapes and Spotlight profiles, and why many strong performers fall short for reasons that have nothing to do with talent. She shares practical insight into authenticity, preparation and presentation, explains common mistakes that stop talent progressing, and offers a grounded perspective on what genuinely makes someone castable in an increasingly competitive landscape. www.businessofmodelling.co.uk   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recorded with a live audience in the SR offices, Sarah Gabillia is a creator and influencer strategist with experience working both agency and client-side, including leading influencer strategy for global beauty brands. Her career spans large-scale creator campaigns, brand partnerships, performance strategy and navigating the realities of a fast-moving, highly saturated space. In this episode, she breaks down how the creator economy works today, why brands often misunderstand creative freedom, and what creators need to know about value, usage and long-term partnerships. Sarah also shares what defines successful creators heading into 2026, why metrics alone don’t tell the full story, and how consistency and authenticity underpin sustainable careers. www.businessofmodelling.co.uk   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brandon Andre is an LA-based photographer, model developer and scout whose work has helped hundreds of new faces to build their books, take strong digitals and sign with major agencies. His career spans agency testing, portfolio building on-camera coaching, high-impact social media series and the creation of new scouting formats.In this episode, he discusses the mindset required for a sustainable modelling career, the technical standards that models overlook, and why confidence comes from performance, not perfection. He also shares how social media transformed his business and reshaped how aspiring models are discovered today.www.businessofmodelling.co.ukwww.brandonandrephoto.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sophie Hughes is a curve model and content creator whose work spans commercial fashion, beauty, lifestyle and e-commerce. Her online presence is built on honesty - from showing her real body and scars to speaking openly about her surgery, recovery and the physical changes that followed.She discusses building a sustainable modelling career, navigating sizing pressures, and the day-to-day realities clients never see. Sophie also talks about boundaries on set, mental resilience, and how transparency has shaped both her work and her online audience.www.businessofmodelling.co.ukwww.sophwithlove.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hollie Lacayo is a London-based fashion stylist and writer whose work spans editorial, commercial, music and red-carpet styling. Her portfolio includes campaigns for Hackett, AllSaints and M&S, along with features in Vogue and 1883 Magazine. In this episode, she talks about what the job actually involves, the pace of freelance life and the parts of styling people rarely see. As Chair of BECTU’s Fashion UK division, she outlines the work being done to support stylists, MUAs, hairdressers and other freelancers behind the camera. She discusses why raising industry standards is overdue, what needs to change and how collective action can protect creatives while improving working conditions for everyone. She explains how she builds trust with clients, how she approaches briefs, and why clear communication and proper processes matter as much as creativity. Hollie also speaks about unrealistic expectations are placed on stylists with long hours, last-minute requests, unpaid favours and the assumption that creatives should absorb costs themselves.www.businessofmodelling.co.ukwww.hollielacayo.co.ukwww.bectufashionuk.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Steven Michael-O’Hara is the Founder and CEO of Genesis Model Management, an editorial agency built around professionalism, trust and a clear understanding of what talent and clients need. He speaks about why he launched the agency, how the name Genesis reflects a fresh start and a new way of working, and the standards he believes the industry should be holding itself to. Steven also discusses the realities of longevity, representation that goes beyond the surface, and what models today need to know if they want to build a sustainable career. www.businessofmodelling.co.uk www.genesismodelmgmt.co.uk  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Based in Sheffield, Zoe Proctor and Laura Winson are the co-founders and directors of ZBD Talent, one of the UK's most forward-thinking model and talent agencies. Representing people with disabilities, visual differences and neurodivergence. They also work with global brands including Nike, Vogue & Gucci. They discuss how they started up the agency together and the shift from tokenism to true representation, and what meaningful change really looks like within the modelling industry. They also talk about the power of visibility, their work with Ellie Goldstein, and the importance of creating opportunities for talent can often be overlooked by traditional agencies.www.businessofmodelling.co.ukwww.zbdtalent.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Based in Berlin, Nina Houwer is co-founder and casting director of Troeber Casting, one of Germany’s most respected agencies. With a job list spanning campaigns for Zalando, Hugo Boss, Adidas and Mercedes-Benz, Nina works closely with global brands and creative teams to find talent who bring authenticity and individuality to screen. In this episode, Nina discusses what makes talent stand out in today’s market, how individuality is valued over perfection, and how digital and self-tape castings have transformed the process. She also shares insights into Berlin’s creative scene, working with international clients, and the growing influence of AI and technology in casting. From discovering new faces to managing high-profile productions, Nina offers a grounded look at what it really takes to get booked. www.businessofmodelling.co.uk www.troeber-casting.de  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bree Colter is a fashion and beauty model represented by Freedom Models LA. She has worked with brands including Fenty Beauty, Urban Decay, NYX, Maybelline and Nike, and walked for LaQuan Smith and VFiles at New York Fashion Week. In this episode, Bree talks about developing confidence through experience, navigating social media, and the importance of professionalism and communication on set. She also discusses managing finances, setting boundaries, and treating modelling as a business from the start. Bree is the author of Strike a Pose, a guide for new models entering the industry, and the host of the Role Models podcast. www.businessofmodelling.co.uk www.breecult.com  www.freedommodels.com   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ingo Nolden, founder of Iconic Management in Berlin, has built one of Europe's most internationally renowned model agencies, representing global talent and refining the image of modern modelling in Germany. Starting out with early catalogue roots so its rise as an e-commerce and creative powerhouse, Ingo has been at the centre of an industry in constant transformation.Ingo reflects on the evolution of the German market, the shift from traditional campaigns to digital-first storytelling, and the enduring importance of personal management in an age of AI and virtual models. He shares his perspective on the future of authenticity, creativity and connection in an increasingly automated world and why he believes the human element will always remain irreplaceable.www.businessofmodelling.co.ukwww.iconicmanagement.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.