Meet our agency director, model mum and photographer, Josephine.
Early Career
When and how did you get started in this business?
Ive worked in the business since I was 16 years old. I joined a model agency and took part in a model training course where I learned about photographic makeup styles, catwalk, posing, and more. After many years working as a successful model, having been published many times and being lucky enough to have worked overseas several times I decided to open a model agency. I always had so many people approaching me asking how to get into the business and how to do so without being scammed or getting involved with the wrong companies.
Why did you want to work as a model/what interested you about this industry?
Believe it or not the thing that piqued my interest in modelling was being tormented as a youngster for being so tall and so skinny. I remember my Aunties would always say 'don't let it bother you, you could be a model when you're older'. As a child I was desperate to get older and earn my own money so that I could develop a fashion style of my own after looking at supermodels for years. I loved the fact modelling let me express myself and be my own boss. I felt in control of my own fate.
What was your best/worst modelling job?
The biggest buzz had to be when I got booked following my first ever casting. Not only was it my first booking from a casting but I was going to Paris. It was my first time on a plane, it involved a big catwalk show and I went to a private party on the Eiffel Tower. This definitely made me want more!
Who are some of your favourite fashion brands?
I love high street brands, Mango, Zara, Topshop. Fashion gets harder as you get older. You have to choose wardrobe pieces carefully. Although I love Topshop so do my daughters and I have to seek out items that are more appropriate for my age and shape.
What's exciting to you about the fashion industry?
The glamour! I love make-up, fashion, photography, accessories and shopping. I love helping my two daughters choosing their fashion style it's like I get to live my youth again.
Personal
What do you like outside of fashion?
The model agency requires a lot of attention and I have to be available to take enquiries 24 hours a day. Outside of work my life is my family, I have a husband, two daughters and a dog keeping me busy at home.
Which social media platform are you most active on and where can we follow you?
At the moment Instagram is where I'm most active on social media but I'm also on Twitter and Facebook. Here are links to my personal and business accounts:
What advice have you given to your daughter Harriet for working and being successful in the industry?
Harriet is very lucky to have recently been taken on by one of the biggest London fashion agents, Select Models. She and her sister Bella have modelled since birth under my guidance. I've been asked before whether children should be in the model industry and my answer is simply if they enjoy it 'yes' and if they don't enjoy it 'no'! You cant force a child to model, it's essential on a production that the child is enjoying themselves and happy to be there otherwise the whole thing falls apart. I advise my children to just go for it if they want it! A great example of Harriet's attitude came about last month when she attended a casting for Boohoo. She was in a room full of people and they played a record she didn't know and asked her to dance. I said 'Oh my gosh what did you do?', she replied 'I just went for it, I thought well I'll never see them again unless I get the job in which case that means they liked it!'.
Whats your favourite make-up product?
I have loads but to name a few....
Makeup: Touch Eclat by Yves Saint Laurent and anything by Mac especially the brushes, foundations and pigments.
Skincare: Beauty Flash Balm by Clarins. Elizabeth Arden Illuminating, Retexturizing Pads.
Hair: Bleach London Pink Shampoo (gives my blonde hair a subtle cool pink tone).
Business
What is a typical day like?
Usually hectic and non-stop from start to end. We respond to clients briefs and timing is essential. Quite a lot in this industry is last minute and time is of the essence so we have to be quick. Also on a typical day we review model applications, edit portfolios, utilise social media, research new potential clients plus much more.
To what do you attribute your success as a business owner?
This industry is all I've ever known, I know it from many different aspects, as a model booker, as a photographer, as a model, as a parent of a child model. Ive also been the make-up artist, the hair stylist the art director, the re-toucher, I can put many different hats on. I'm passionate about what I do, I enjoy it and work hard at it.
How does the agency benefit from social media?
It's a great place to find new talent but also to showcase your own talents.
What do you look for in an employee/someone to be part of your team?
Each member of the team at Mentor has recognise the need for speed and thoroughness. I need to have enthusiastic people around me that feel the same excitement and disappointments I do when things do/don't go to plan. Importantly I need my employees to be 'nice people'. I want the agency to be recognised for its respectfulness, good work ethics and professionalism.
Future
Where do you see yourselves in the next 5/10 years from now?
We have done a lot in 5 years, we have grown a lot and continue to secure more and more bookings and opportunities for our models. I get excited when I think about what we already achieved in 5 years and I feel very positive about the next 5 years to come!
Stay tuned...next week we meet the model booking team!