The Business of Modelling is a podcast that pulls back the curtain on the modelling industry, offering listeners a deeper look at its many facets beyond the mainstream spotlight. Hosted by Tessa Dewing, Managing Director of Sandra Reynolds, the show features conversations with top industry professionals—agents, models, creatives, and clients—who share their experiences, insights, and expertise. From the rise of supermodels to the future of diversity in fashion, The Business of Modelling explores the trends, challenges, and milestones shaping the world of modelling today. Whether you’re a professional in the industry or simply curious about what happens behind the scenes, this podcast offers a wealth of stories and knowledge that bring the business of modelling to life.
www.businessofmodelling.co.uk
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The Business of Modelling is a podcast that pulls back the curtain on the modelling industry, offering listeners a deeper look at its many facets beyond the mainstream spotlight. Hosted by Tessa Dewing, Managing Director of Sandra Reynolds, the show features conversations with top industry professionals—agents, models, creatives, and clients—who share their experiences, insights, and expertise. From the rise of supermodels to the future of diversity in fashion, The Business of Modelling explores the trends, challenges, and milestones shaping the world of modelling today. Whether you’re a professional in the industry or simply curious about what happens behind the scenes, this podcast offers a wealth of stories and knowledge that bring the business of modelling to life.
www.businessofmodelling.co.uk
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.
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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.
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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.uk
www.brandonandrephoto.com
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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.uk
www.sophwithlove.com
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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.uk
www.hollielacayo.co.uk
www.bectufashionuk.com
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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.
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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.uk
www.zbdtalent.com
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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.
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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.
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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.uk
www.iconicmanagement.com
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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.uk
www.a-zanimals.co.uk
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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.
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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.
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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/
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
https://www.visionlosangeles.com/
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