Today we’d like to introduce you to Elbert Ivory.
Elbert, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’m the eldest of six siblings with a single mother. We grew up in homeless shelters and the projects in Chicago. I used to be an aspiring model but unfortunately due to my height at only 5ft tall, model agencies turned me down. After experiencing so much rejection in the industry, I decided to take a dream for myself and instill it within other aspiring models. The saying goes when one door closes another one opens. Well, no doors opened for me, so I build my own door and opened it myself thus creating Ei Model Management.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Nothings never hard to do if you’re passionate about it. It can only be time-consuming. I started the agency when I was 27yrs old in March 2014. I did not have any formal education on running a business nor managing anyone but what I did have was a dream and a goal. I gave myself one month to launch my agency. That first month was the most time-consuming month of my life. My work day consisted of research on how to start a business, how to get a business license, run a business, how to run a model agency and the list goes on. I literally received my business education via the internet and through everyday trial and error.
About a year into running my agency, I became great friends and business partners with now Agency Director Markeisha Darden. She came on board with a strong background in business management and has helped shape the agency.
The most challenging part of running a model agency is leadership. As a business owner/partner and manager of models, I’ve learned that an awesome leader is also an awesome listener. A leader listens to their employees and values their opinions. I’ve always known I was capable of becoming a leader but it was through trial, error, constructive critiques from my team and models is what made me become a wiser business owner.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Ei Model Management – what should we know?
Ei is an equal opportunity model and talent agency. We do not discriminate against an aspiring model’s height nor waist size. It’s all about their look and talent. Agency Director Markeisha Darden handles all of the logistics and oversees the model call process. I develop the model’s posing abilities, manage their career and find creative booking opportunities for them. Our amazing runway coach Shannon Byrd prepares the models for the official shows in New York Fashion Week.
What makes Ei so unique is that we are proud to be the most culturally and physically diverse agency in the state of Georgia. We’ve developed an intense 7-week model development/training program in which all new models are required to partake. Our training consists of posing, runway, casting, and educational workshops to prepare the models for clients.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Being a selfless leader has been exceptionally important to my success. Listening to my model’s and teams suggestions, comments and concerns and assuring that everyone feels welcomed and valued.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.eimodels.com
- Phone: 4042055561
- Email: bookings@eimodels.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elbertivorymodels/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elbertivorymodels/
Image Credit:
Photographer|Graphics Designer Carieo Crenshaw, Photographer Elbert Ivory
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