The Business Of Modelling

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.

Gerry Cott, founder of A-Z Animals and former guitarist with the chart-topping band The Boomtown Rats, has forged a career that bridges creativity, discipline and compassion. After years performing on global tours, he turned his focus to training animals for film, TV and advertising and building one of the UK's most respected animal talent agencies.In this episode, Gerry reflects on his journey from rock musician to animal trainer, exploring the parallels between performance and animal behaviour. He shares the unseen preparation behind on-set perfection, how animal welfare and evolved over four decades, and the role of technology and CGI and AI now plays in the industry. A fascinating look into the intelligence, empathy and artistry that bring animal performances to life.www.businessofmodelling.co.ukwww.a-zanimals.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Gross is a renowned journalist and bestselling author whose storytelling has transformed how the world views the modelling industry. Known to us for his landmark book Model: The Ugly Business of Beautiful Women, he revealed the real stories behind the rise of the supermodel, the power, the glamour, and the hidden truths beneath it all. In this episode, Michael reflects on his journey from rock and roll journalist to one of fashion’s most respected voices. He shares the moment photographer Richard Avedon inspired him to write his groundbreaking book, his candid thoughts on Eileen Ford’s legacy, and the courage it takes to expose uncomfortable truths. A fascinating look into the history, complexity and humanity of an industry that shaped modern culture. www.businessofmodelling.co.uk www.mgross.com   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With over 18 years' experience, Poppy France has worked across fashion, advertising, TV and celebrity campaigns, building her reputation for her clean, conscious approach to makeup. Assisting photographers in her early days to collaborating with global brands and magazines, she has always championed sustainable and cruelty-free beauty. Poppy shares her journey and the inspiration behind creating her own organic facial oils, and how practices like yoga, meditation and facial massage shape her work. She also reflects on the changes she’s seen in the beauty industry, from diversity to the growing demand for ethical products and why she believes true beauty starts with how you feel. www.businessofmodelling.co.uk www.poppyfrance.com   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cindi Blair has produced campaigns for some of the biggest names in fashion, from Sports Illustrated and J.Crew to Jimmy Choo and Brooks Brothers. Based in New York with projects that take her across the world, she's known for turning ambitious ideas into reality and managing every detail of large-scale shoots.In this episode, Cindi talks about the pressures and problem-solving that comes with major productions, leading teams on set, and working with brands at the highest level. She also reflects on why diversity, sustainability and authenticity matter more than ever in her work.https://businessofmodelling.co.uk/ https://cindiblairproductions.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From the runways of Milan, Paris, LA and New York to building businesses in fashion design and real estate, Keni Silva has lived a career full of change and reinvention. She started modelling as a teenager, worked with top creatives, and later turned her focus to design, property, and charity work helping children with cancer. In this episode, Keni opens up about the lessons modelling taught her - resilience, confidence, and how to take rejection in your stride - as well as the challenges of starting over, raising grounded kids, and creating a life that reflects your values. www.businessofmodelling.co.uk   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this second part of the conversation, Cameron-James Wilson explores how artificial intelligence is transforming the creative industries. Building on his experience creating Shudu, the first digital supermodel, and founding his agency, The Diigitals, he discusses the rise of AI-generated models, the difference between 3D and AI, and what these tools mean for fashion, e-commerce and beyond. Cameron shares his views on ownership, transparency and ethics, as well as the opportunities and risks AI brings to both brands and models. From sustainability and representation to digital twins and the future of work, he offers a candid look at how technology is reshaping fashion and why education and responsibility are key to navigating this new era. https://www.thediigitals.com/  www.businessofmodelling.co.uk  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cameron-James Wilson began his career as a fashion photographer after studying at Arts University Bournemouth, moving to London at just 20 and working with brands including Garrard, Fabergé, and Gossard, as well as models such as Gigi Hadid and Leomie Anderson. His journey took a turn when he created Shudu, the world’s first digital supermodel, which went viral after being reposted by Fenty Beauty. From there, Cameron went on to found The Diigitals, the first all-digital model agency, collaborating with global names such as Balmain, Louis Vuitton, Samsung and Mercedes. In this episode, Cameron reflects on his path from growing up in Weymouth to working at the forefront of fashion and technology. He shares how his background in photography shaped his move into 3D art, the inspiration behind Shudu, and the challenges and opportunities that came with breaking new ground in the industry. https://www.thediigitals.com/  www.businessofmodelling.co.uk  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reece Richards began his career in musical theatre after training at the London Studio Centre, touring in productions such as Hairspray and Motown. His work has since spanned both stage and screen, with roles in Netflix hits Sex Education and You, as well as campaigns for brands including BMW, JD Sports, Cuisinart and Not on the High Street. In this episode, Reece reflects on his journey as a performer, from the excitement of live theatre to the realities of working on film and television sets. He also opens up about the incident that led to his wrongful arrest, the way it was portrayed in the press, and how he has worked to rebuild his confidence and career in its aftermath. Speaking candidly, he shares what the experience taught him about resilience, public perception, and finding strength to move forward in a challenging industry. https://www.sandrareynolds.co.uk/model/reece-richards www.businessofmodelling.co.uk   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Walking the runways of Milan and Paris, shooting TVCs in Thailand, and building a thriving career in Dubai, Paula Rodrigues’ story is one of resilience, adaptability and self-belief. She has worked with global fashion houses and local brands alike, carving out a space in one of the industry’s fastest-growing markets. In this episode, Paula talks about resilience in the face of rejection, navigating the pressures of the European market, and why she values the diversity and opportunity she’s found in Dubai. She also shares the importance of financial education, the lessons she learned during Covid, and how staying grounded and true to herself has shaped her path. www.businessofmodelling.co.uk  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Francine Champagne is President of Vision Los Angeles and a leading force in modern model management. Her career began in New Orleans as a model, but it wasn’t long before she discovered her true passion behind the scenes - scouting talent, developing careers, and shaping the future of the industry. After stints as a model in Japan, Paris and New York, she began her career agency-side at Elite Los Angeles, where she played a key role in launching the careers of future stars like Cameron Diaz. In this episode, Francine shares how she co-founded Champagne Trott, later evolving it into Vision LA and what sets her agency apart.  She speaks about building a business with heart, the importance of maintaining balance as a working mother, and why personal connection still matters. With decades of wisdom and plenty of standout stories, Francine brings depth, clarity, and humour to the realities of model management today. www.businessofmodelling.co.uk  https://www.visionlosangeles.com/   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Natasha Hatherall and Polly Williams have created one of the Middle East’s most respected marketing agencies, which is known for their fresh approach to beauty, wellness and lifestyle campaigns. They speak about authentic storytelling, purposeful partnerships and a more thoughtful way of doing influencer marketing. This week, Tessa talks to the duo about building a female-led business and discusses how the influencer space has evolved, why authenticity always wins, and the common pitfalls brands face when entering the Middle Eastern market. Natasha and Polly share what’s shaped them as leaders, the highs and lows of agency life, and why meaningful work comes from knowing your audience, not chasing the algorithm. www.businessofmodelling.co.uk  https://www.tishtash.com/   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Peter Yates didn’t grow up dreaming of magazines or photo shoots, but after a move from rural Australia to New York, via Toronto, he found himself shaping the image for some of the world’s most iconic brands. From music packaging and live concert promos to leading worldwide creative at Condé Nast and Hearst, Peter has built a fascinating career behind the scenes. In this week’s episode, Tessa sits down with Peter to talk about the real work of storytelling through design - what makes a brand timeless, how to lead teams across 60+ countries, and why knowing your audience matters more than chasing trends. He talks about the power of collaboration, the lessons learned from building teams, and the importance of dreaming big, no matter where you start. www.businessofmodelling.co.uk  www.peteryatesdesign.com   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pirjo’s modelling career started in the 1970’s in Sweden, when her sister encouraged her to embrace her height and to apply to a modelling school in Stockholm. She then went on to model in Paris, New York, Tokyo, and finally settled in London. In this week’s episode, Pirjo joins Tessa to speak about the multiple lessons she has learned from working in the industry for decades. Back when you had to call in at payphone and when she worked with Princess Diana, and how discipline, politeness and showing up prepared, still matters. She reflects on resilience, reinvention and the growing demand for older models in an industry now embracing representation at every age. www.businessofmodelling.co.uk   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Malissa Young started as a fit model in the 90s, working just 5 hours a week while making more than her friends in full-time jobs. Those early days of knocking on random agency doors in Times Square to building Bicoastal Management from her kitchen table, she's created a powerhouse agency representing talent for Marc Jacobs, Coach, Theory, and Victoria's Secret. In this episode of The Business of Modelling, Malissa joins Tessa to discuss her unconventional path from pageant contestant to agency owner, the wild west of 90s modelling, and her philosophy of championing diversity and real people in an industry that's constantly evolving. Now running agencies in both New York and LA, Malissa shares her insights on building authentic relationships with talent, navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, and why "there's something for everyone" has become her guiding principle in business and life. www.businessofmodelling.co.uk  https://www.bicoastalmgmt.com/  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alexandra Venison began her career at a modelling agency in Dubai before moving into fashion journalism. She worked at Emirates Woman and Viva Magazine, later becoming Online Editor at Harper’s Bazaar Arabia and Beauty Editor at Vogue Arabia. In this episode of The Business of Modelling, Alexandra joins Tessa to talk about her journey through fashion media, her experiences interviewing global celebrities, and the growing overlap between beauty and wellness. Now based in Dubai, Alexandra runs Genie & Co., a consultancy offering content creation and copywriting, and is the co-founder of  Beautilist, a new editorial and community platform focused on beauty, health, and wellbeing. She discusses how the industry is evolving, why authenticity matters more than ever, and what she looks for when working with models and creative teams. www.businessofmodelling.co.uk   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Business of Modelling, Tessa is joined by Kirin Dejonckheere, an international model turned certified life coach, about transforming industry pressures into personal power and why mental health, authenticity and self-worth are revolutionising how we define success in modelling. With a decade-long career, she brings a raw perspective to the realities behind the glamour. We explore her evolution from struggling with industry expectations at 15 to becoming the mentor she needed herself - discussing the importance of trusted guidance, the art of saying no to protect your well-being, and why the most sustainable careers are built on substance, not just surface. Now combining mindset, fitness and nutrition coaching, Kirin is redefining what it means to thrive in fashion while staying true to yourself. www.kirind.com  www.businessofmodelling.co.uk  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Tessa is joined by Tamsyn Morgans, who started her career in modelling and now is a photographer and stylist. From her start in Manchester's vibrant '90s commercial scene to her current work capturing vintage interiors for magazines like Period Living and Homes & Antiques, Tamsyn's story showcases fearless reinvention. We explore her journey into a photographer in her early 40’s, her philosophy that being nice is the best career advice, and why the most authentic creative journeys are rarely linear. Tamsyn proves that passion and persistence can turn any challenge into opportunity. www.tamsynmorgans.com  www.businessofmodelling.co.uk   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode, Tessa is joined by Anita Nayyar, Founder & CEO of ANT Management in Dubai. She transformed her personal modelling struggles into an entrepreneurial success and why treating talent like family is an important agency essential in the Middle East. With experience walking for Christian Siriano, Badgley Mischka and international fashion weeks, she brings firsthand understanding to talent representation. We discuss her challenges of building trust in this competitive market and why financial stability, genuine care and authentic relationships are the foundation of her agency.https://www.antmgmt.com/ www.businessofmodelling.co.uk   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Business of Modelling, Tessa is joined by Alex Babahmadi, Head of PR & Brand Partnerships at Freedom Models LA, about how talent is changing in today’s fashion landscape – and why authenticity, kindness and long-term thinking are helping reshape the industry. With a career working for Elite, Premier & Amanda Wakeley and more. He brings a global perspective to talent management, from catwalks of London to brand campaigns in LA and the Middle East. We trace his journey from diplomatic dreams to fashion PR, discussing launching models in the spotlight and exploring why the most powerful personal brands are often built through collaboration, purpose, and real connection. www.freedommodels.com www.businessofmodelling.co.uk  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.