The Business Of Modelling – Details, episodes & analysis

The Business of Modelling is a podcast that pulls back the curtain on one of the world’s most misunderstood industries. Hosted by Tessa Dewing — Managing Director of leading UK commercial agency Sandra Reynolds — the show explores what really goes on behind the images we see on billboards, in magazines, and across our screens.

In each episode, Tessa sits down with models, creatives, agents, and entrepreneurs to uncover the stories, strategies, and surprising truths behind modelling — from castings and campaigns to brand deals and big decisions.

Whether you’re an industry insider, aspiring model, or just curious about the business of beauty and image, this is an honest, intelligent and stylish take on a $65 billion global industry.

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Behind The Supermodels: Shaping Fashion, Revolutionising the Model Industry and Defining an Era

In this candid conversation, Carole White, CEO & Founder of Premier Model Management, London, offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the fashion industry. She shares her journey from an unconventional childhood in Ghana to becoming one of the most influential figures in modelling. Carole recounts the founding of Premier, her role in shaping the careers of supermodels like Naomi Campbell and Claudia Schiffer, and the glamour and chaos of the '90s supermodel era. She also discusses the evolution of London Fashion Week, the shifting demands of the industry, and what it takes to succeed in fashion today. With wit, wisdom, and unfiltered honesty, she reflects on the lessons she’s learned and what the future holds for modelling.

www.premiermodelmanagement.com

www.businessofmodelling.co.uk

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From Catwalks to Clinics: Redefining Success, Championing Mental Health and Rewriting the Rules of Beauty

In this week's conversation, Sarah Ann Macklin, international model turned nutritionist and founder of the Be Well Collective, shares her remarkable journey from the runways of Vogue and Burberry to advocating for mental health and wellbeing in the fashion industry.

She opens up about navigating fame at a young age, the pressures of perfection, and the severe health crisis that changed the course of her life. Sarah reflects on the realities behind the glamour, her discovery of being neurodivergent while studying nutritional science, and how she’s using her platform to empower young creatives through education and support.

With honesty and insight, she discusses redefining success, her podcast Live Well Be Well, and the science behind better health and better minds.

www.sarahannmacklin.com

www.bewellcollective.co.uk

www.businessofmodelling.co.uk

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From Model to Agency Leader: Championing Diversity and Changing the Face of Modelling

In this interesting conversation, Anna Shillinglaw, former model and founder of Milk Management, shares her journey from the catwalk to launching one of the UK’s most progressive modelling agencies. She opens up about navigating the industry's rigid beauty standards, her experience as a curve model in the ‘90s, and the early challenges of championing diversity in fashion.

Anna reflects on growing up between cultures, building Milk from her spare bedroom, and expanding it into a full creative collective. With honesty and passion, she discusses industry pressures, influencer culture, and how she’s redefining what success looks like for the next generation of models.

www.milkmanagement.co.uk

www.businessofmodelling.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Power of Influence: How Brands and Creators Connect in the Digital Age

In this insightful episode, Chrissy Mangan - Dublin-born influencer marketing specialist, shares her journey from studying law to leading in one of the fastest-growing sectors in fashion and media.

Chrissy demystifies the influencer landscape, breaking down the differences between nano to mega influencers, and offers practical advice on building personal brands, securing brand deals, and maintaining authenticity online.

She explores the future of digital marketing, from AI influencers to unfiltered content, and explains why trust and storytelling now matter more than follower counts. A must-listen for aspiring influencers, models, and brands alike.

Get Chrissy's Top Tips for improving your social presence:

📥 Comment 'Send Top Tips' below to get the free PDF guide sent over to you.

🎧 And don’t miss her full episode on the podcast, streaming now.

www.businessofmodelling.co.uk

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Redefining Representation: From Top Agent to Model Mentor.

Greg Chan's career is anything but conventional, from top New York agencies to TikTok advice and beach cleanups, in this episode, Tessa meets the former DNA and Wilhelmina agent who helped shape the modern men’s modelling market, and is now using that experience to empower new talent through Ask a Model Agent and The Supermodel Project.

Greg shares his path from scouting in California to leading divisions at some of the most prestigious agencies in the world. He opens up about burnout, ego, and learning to listen, and why a model’s emotional confidence matters just as much as their portfolio.

www.businessofmodelling.co.uk

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From Campaigns to Character: Humanising the Industry One Shot at a Time

In this episode, Tessa meets Sane Seven - the award-winning photographer behind some of the most striking portraits in fashion and business. Known for challenging industry norms and reframing representation through photography, Sane isn’t just capturing faces, but telling stories with purpose.

From photographing CEOs and campaign stars to co-authoring a book on leadership, Sane shares how she went from outsider perspectives to insider impact. She discusses the importance of empathy in image-making, how photography can shift power dynamics, and why creating a more inclusive industry begins with asking better questions, not just taking better pictures.

www.saneseven.com

www.businessofmodelling.co.uk

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From Stockbroker to Storyteller: Reclaiming Identity and Redefining Representation

In this episode, Tessa meets Saaj Raja – a former stockbroker turned multi-hyphenate performer, writer and choreographer whose journey spans Bollywood stages, BBC radio, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Known for blending art with identity, Saaj isn’t just chasing roles – he’s reclaiming space as a British South Asian creative.

From navigating cultural expectations to finding his voice on stage, Saaj shares how he left corporate life behind and stepped into storytelling with purpose. He discusses the weight of representation, the value of mentorship, and why embracing your roots can become your greatest creative strength.

www.saajraja.com

www.businessofmodelling.co.uk

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Late Nights, Big Sets, and Even Bigger Vision: What It Really Takes to Run a 300-Person Shoot.

In this episode of The Business of Modelling, host Tessa Dewing travels to Dubai to meet Ishani Pawar, Managing Partner of Magnet Connect — one of the UAE’s leading production companies. From her early days modelling in India to becoming a powerhouse producer and female CEO in a traditionally male-dominated environment, Ishani shares a story of reinvention, resilience, and creative leadership.

We explore how Dubai’s production industry has evolved, why international brands are flocking to the Middle East, and what it takes to manage 300-person shoots in the desert. Ishani also discusses the reality of launching Magnet Connect, the influence of mentors, and her optimistic view on AI’s role in production. Whether you're a model, creative, or entrepreneur, this conversation offers an inside look at what it takes to thrive in one of the world's fastest-growing media markets.

www.magnetconnect.com

www.businessofmodelling.co.uk

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Behind the Bookings: Building Careers, Navigating Chaos, and Championing Change

In this episode, Tessa meets Sophie Tataryn – senior model booker at The Hive and one of the sharpest commercial minds in the modelling industry. With a career spanning top agencies, Sophie knows exactly what it takes to build a model’s career from first test to international campaign.

From negotiating usage rights to handling last-minute no-shows and six-figure bookings, Sophie shares what really goes on behind the scenes of the booking process. She discusses the evolution of diversity, the power of saying no to bad contracts, and why empathy, stamina and a good spreadsheet are essential tools for any model booker.

www.thehivemanagement.com

www.businessofmodelling.co.uk

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