MSDENISHIA | Top Model Coach

Coach | Business Owner | Model-Owned Agency

Know the business | Learn Your Craft

Know, learn, and understand the business you are in.

Having had the opportunity to chat with Denishia Moore, “MSDENISHIA“, Model and now Coach & Agent, and business owner of “The Model Boutique & Co” in Minneapolis, MN much was learned. Her understanding and knowledge of the fashion industry were made clear. She openly shares insight and information that will surely be helpful to individuals that aspire or new to the modeling profession. Moreover, with thirty years of experience and a front-row seat to the fashion world as a business owner, model coach, Top Model, Miss USA Stage Expert, art director, producer among other positions, she provides a valuable insider perspective. | DM

Elaine | How long have you worked within the fashion industry?

Denishia | I have worked in the fashion industry for three decades, 30 years.

Elaine | What positions have you held?

Denishia | I have held positions of a Model, Top Model and Runway Coach, Miss USA Stage Expert, Makeup Artist, Hair Stylist, Art Director, Producer and Agent and I’m sure I may have left something out…lol.

Elaine | At what age, did you realize that you wanted to model professionally?

Denishia | I started thinking about becoming a professional model as early as age thirteen and started pursuing my modeling dreams by sixteen.

Elaine | Was there a famous person, model, or fashion event that influenced your decision to become a fashion model?

Denishia | I admired Naomi Campbell then and now. However, it was Cindy Crawford’s Unique mole that made me realize it’s perfectly okay to stand out with something some may call a Beauty Flaw.

Elaine | Did your first paying job involve fashion?

Denishia | My first paying job had nothing to do with fashion. I worked at McDonald’s like many American Teens.

Elaine | Was there any one thing that influenced your decision to pursue modeling?

Denishia | I was fascinated with the world of fashion by how the Model walked the Runway in clothes that you did not see every day which is called ready-to-wear; instead, they wore high fashion styles and couture. This influenced my decision since the way I dressed was how I expressed my inner self so why not get paid for it, right.

Elaine | In your first fashion-related position, what was your starting compensation salary or perks?

Denishia | My first fashion-related position was a community fashion show which was not paid but I didn’t mind because I loved being a Runway Model.

Elaine | When you began your career in fashion as a model, did you have an agent?

Denishia | When I began my career in fashion, I did not have an agent which is why I was not getting paid right away.

Elaine | As an experienced professional, identify a positive and a negative to working with an agent or agency?

Denishia | As an experienced professional, the positive side of working with an agent is to have someone to negotiate contracts and get more work for you than you’re able to get on your own. There is a slight negative working with an agent which for me is waiting to get paid for the normal period of 30 to 60 days after you complete a job, you don’t get a steady paycheck.

Elaine | In recalling your first fashion show as a model, what was it like, and what emotions do you remember when standing before the audience?

Denishia | I recall my first fashion show as a Model being on a stage instead of an actual Runway. I was excited, full of confidence, and ready for the show to start. I don’t recall being too nervous.

Elaine | In your opinion, what are the necessary skills that one needs to become a successful fashion model?

Denishia | In my opinion, if you want to become a successful model you must learn the necessary skills which include knowing what being on time really means. This goes along with having a great Runway walk in 5-6 inch heels, knowing how to pack a Model bag and Model shoe bag, how to take amazing photos with a variety of expressions, and be able to follow directions onset. You also MUST invest in the preferred marketing tools such as a Model Portfolio and cop cards as well as keeping your photos up to date.

Elaine | What would you say was your best skill set at the beginning of your modeling career?

Denishia | I would say my best skill set at the beginning of my Modeling career was and still is confidence. I believe in me!

Elaine | In what area of modeling did you have the most opportunities to work?

Denishia | The area that I have the most opportunities to work in modeling is commercial print. I prefer fashion print work to gain more tea rsheets although I love being on the Runway.

Modeled for One of the First Black-Owned Modeling Agency | Grace Del Marco | New York

Denishia Moore | Fashion Model | Chicago | Los Angeles| NYC & More

Elaine | Having achieved your goal of top model along with years of experience, what does one look for when hiring an agent?

Denishia | Since reaching one of my goals as a Top Model with years of experience when seeking an agent, I look for the clients that their current Talent is working with.

Elaine | Is it possible to seek work independently of an agent successfully?

Denishia | It is possible to work independently of an agent successfully but it’s much harder to seek out legit work.

Elaine | What bit of advice would you give someone just starting out independently looking for modeling work?

Denishia | The advice I would give a Model starting out independently is to find a great fashion community in your area to get started then soon try to get signed on with a great agency.

Elaine | Having worked as a model for a highly successful black-owned female business owner and entrepreneur in the fashion industry, the Graco Del Marco Modeling Agency, what one event stands out about your experience with the agency?

Denishia | Having worked with one of the first Black Owned Modeling Agency Grace Del Marco in New York, the one event that stood out was a fashion show she (Ophelia Devore) booked me for, and the garment was made especially for me as a custom piece. This involved several fittings for a perfect fit.

Elaine | What markets did you work in during your career as a fashion model?

Denishia | I have worked in several markets as a Fashion Model, including New York, Chicago, DMV | District of Columbia, Maryland & Virginia area, L.A., and several others. It’s a Model’s dream come true to work in the Big Apple because New York teaches you the importance of handling your Modeling Career like a business as an independent contractor.

Elaine | In your opinion has entry-level salaries improved within the fashion industry in the Twin Cities; also, what is the average salary for an entry-level fashion model with little to no experience in Minneapolis today?

Denishia | In my opinion, the entry-level has not improved within the fashion industry nor should it. Aspiring Models of today have no idea what it means to be professional, therefore, their salaries are a reflection which is fair. I don’t like discussing pay rates, but I will say that the average model in the Twin Cities needs to be making at least $100 per hour if not more even at entry-level.

Elaine | Insight, what would you say is a best practice for an independent model to approach compensation?

Denishia | The best practice for an independent model to approach compensation is to ask what the rate will be upfront and a clear understanding of the time commitment for that rate. I personally would require a non-refundable deposit to hold my date and time with the payment balance due the day of the booking of the job.

Elaine | As an African American female, business owner, and model, did you experience any challenges during your career? If so what would you suggest for those persons that may face some of the same challenges?

Denishia | As an African American Female, Business Owner, and Model, I experience many challenges in my career as most of us who work hard towards success. So as I did and like any other person who wants to reach their goals you must do, “KEEP IT ON PUSH!”

Elaine | What did your family and friends think of your decision to become a fashion model and what do they think now?

Denishia | When I decided to become a Model, my mother didn’t think it was a good career choice since it didn’t come with a 401K retirement plan, but all of my close friends were very supportive. I must say that my Mother has definitely had a change of heart. She tells me time and time again how proud she is of me now!

Elaine | How do you classify your company, as an agency or school?

Denishia | I classify my company as both a Modeling School and Agency for students to cross over after training. I do not sign Models to my Agency that I have not personally coached.

Elaine | Why do you think that your students and models for hire have chosen your agency over other agencies?

Denishia | I think many of my students who became working Models chose to work with my Agency because they see that I’m still a working model who can mentor them along the way.

Elaine | Having worked for one of the first African American female-founded modeling agency, founded and owned by Ophelia Devore, The Grace Del Marco Modeling Agency, what did you experience working for the agency, and do you believe that having worked for the agency helped to prepare you to a become a successful model and now business owner?

Denishia | Having the honor to work with Dee |Ophelia Devore| as we called her my agent at Grace Del Marco, I experienced another Beautiful African American Businesswoman who looked out for other Beautiful African American Women in the business. Dee was tough and direct with what she expected from her Models, but you knew she cared because it showed through just the same.

Inside the “The Model Boutique & Co”

MSDENISHIA™ | Minneapolis | School & Modeling Agency

Elaine | As an expert in your field, what is the Minneapolis market like for aspiring models and have you had any students or models that have modeled outside of the Twin Cities?

Denishia | Many of my students have gone to work outside of the Twin Cities in markets such as New York, DMV, Chicago, Milwaukee, Atlanta, Kansas, Dallas, L.A., and others.

Elaine | Was the work located outside of Minneapolis successful for your clients in these areas?

Denishia | Some of my clients have had great success and the ability to be full-time Model/Talent at times; yet, some of them give up way too quickly when they go into a major market.

Elaine | When in search of work for your models, do you search local only, or do you expand out to surrounding states and beyond for “The Model Boutique & Co” models?

Denishia | When searching for work to book my Models signed with The Model Boutique & Co., I stay local but provide them with agency listing outside of Minnesota. Besides Minnesota, L.A. seems to be where most of my successful clients have worked, although it’s hard to stay updated when you have hundreds of MBC Alumni.

Elaine | Which city do you closely identify with as your business location, Minneapolis or St. Paul?

Densihia | I identify closely with Minneapolis as my business location since St. Paul is over 30 minutes away.

Elaine | Within the last three years, name up to three events that you or the company have participated in or sponsored?

Denishia | Within the last three years, my company has sponsored our Annual Fashion Show Fundraiser featuring only MBC Alumni Models. Over a dozen of my Models participated in the Hair Crush Expo at the River Center which did happen to be in St. Paul. A nice highlight in the Black Fashion community was walking in the first Black Fashion Week Minnesota | BFWMN.

Elaine | What is one thing that you would like people to know about you?

Denishia | The one thing I want people to know about is, I give all my clients the same fair chance to get started.

In closing, what one piece of advice would you like to share with an aspiring model to remember upon arrival to their first casting call? One piece of advice I would like to share with an aspiring Model is to NEVER show up at a casting in a new pair of heels that you can’t walk confidently in because it’s your first time wearing them...NOT GOOD! | DCM

Three things to do to become a successful model | Know “why” you want to become a model | Do your “RESEARCH” to get started | learn about the industry & use “Google”…it’s a great tool to use when researching.
“MSDENISHIA” | Denishia Moore

Interview by | Elaine Pizzini

StitchnPost | Content Creator

Fashion | Minneapolis

Coach | Business Owner | Model-Owned Agency

Know the business | Learn Your Craft

Modeled for One of the First Black-Owned Modeling Agency | Grace Del Marco | New York

Inside the “The Model Boutique & Co”

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