Today we’d like to introduce you to Rose Battle.
Ultimate Model Management Inc., also UMMI Agency, was founded in 2006 by its now president and CEO Rose Battle, with satellite offices now in 4 major cities to include Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and New York and its primary corporate and home office located on the upper north side of Atlanta, Georgia. Rose Battle’s budding independent modeling agency, of nearly 12 years past, has now grown to become one of the leading model and talent agencies in the nation and a major player in the industry.
Rose’s deep passion for modeling landed her and her husband Alvis right in the booming city of Atlanta where she knew she could make it all happen. Born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, she and her husband moved away from their southern hometown roots confident of starting a new life in the big city.
After independently landing jobs with major brands such as Coca-Cola, Macy’s, Saks, Belks, and B.E.T., Rose ventured into film and television. Her blossoming modeling career was abruptly cut short when her mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease at the early age of fifty seven.
“That was one of the most difficult times in my life” Rose shared as she recalled her mother’s debilitating illness. Rose was at the height of her modeling career with 4 commercials running simultaneously, and a role she landed as an actress in the then popular TV series “In The Heat Of The Night”. With very few options she moved her Mom to Atlanta to administer her care.
Still fueled by her passion, Rose began planning and executing fashion shows for the patients and their families at the nursing home where she placed her mom. She realized that her dream of modeling was something that she had to pursue in order to fulfill her passion.
When Rose finally reemerged she relied on the strong relationship she had built and cultivated with The Coca-Cola Company over many years. She was a former print and trade show model for the company’s publication and they knew and admired her passion for modeling so much so that it was suggested she become a modeling agent.
She knew that Coca-Cola could eventually lend support and work with her in her business endeavors within industry standards and she made up her mind in 2006 to give it a shot. After completing Coca-Cola’s mentoring program within one year and graduating from FastTrac, a Georgia State University growth venture program for small businesses, Rose was ready and off to a great start.
Now, with over 20 years of industry experience, Rose Battle of UMMI Agency, best known as Ultimate Model Management Inc., has earned a stellar reputation of professionalism and longevity and is a staunch competitor in the business and entertainment industry. With star-studded clients like Tyler Perry Studios, Stilwell Casting, Pierre Casting, Macy’s, Belk, Porsche, Turner Broadcasting, and AmericasMart Atlanta to name a few, things are looking up for this seasoned modeling and talent agency founded by one independent little woman with big dreams and an even greater passion.
As a woman of color, often recognized in business as a double minority, Rose utilized her status and successfully pursued and obtained certifications with NMSDC (National Minority Supplier Development Council), GMSDC (Georgia Chapter), WBENC (Women Business Enterprise National Council) and GWBC (Georgia Chapter) which allows for distinct recognition of women and minorities in business.
UMMI Agency represents elite fashion models as well as both seasoned and up and coming acting talent. UMMI talent representatives have booked television acting roles in popular TV series like Tyler Perry’s “The Have and The Have Nots”, B.E.T.’s “Being Mary Jane”, “Cartoon Network”, “Disney”, with more regular placements on shows from” The Discovery ID Channel” to include Fatal Attraction, Murder, Murder Chose Me, Homicide Hunter, Swamp Murders, and movies like Alvin and The Chipmunks, Dynasty, The Quad, and Step Up, just to name a few. UMMI Agency has also booked numerous commercial spots with major corporations such as, “Sonoco”, “Wal-Mart”, “L’Oréal”, “Delta” and a host of others.
When asked what was one of the more significant milestones that impacted your life and career, Rose shared how she had enrolled in a program sponsored by the SBA (Small Business Administration) called The Edge Connection and was assigned a business coach named Lita Blount (www.lablount.com) who held her accountable for keeping deadlines as a major asset in reaching her goals. It proved to be beneficial and transformative.
When asked, what propelled her to be so audacious and persistent in pursuing her dream even after having to walk away from it all when she was left without options in having to care for her mom, Rose replied that she realized how important it was to leave a legacy for her children, daughter Naja and son Aldrick and she knew it was necessary to utilize her corporate connections to begin building that legacy.
In keeping them both aligned with her own vision, and as an encouragement that they would be able to work independently and in collaboration with UMMI Agency, she enrolled them in trade industry programs that positioned them to work in conjunction with the agency yet still maintain their own entrepreneurial identities. Her daughter Naja chose professional makeup artistry and her son Aldrick chose photography. She empowered them to work hard and to strive to be at the top of their respective professions. In turn, they are now able to accommodate UMMI Agency clients within their professions through direct referrals.
Her daughter Naja currently holds the position of operations Manager for UMMI Agency, she however has also been an active professional makeup artist for over 10 years, working with major brands like Clinique and Chanel cosmetics. She has most recently launched her own cosmetic line while also currently educating professional women on makeup etiquette. www.beautebyNaja.com. With a skillset for weddings, publication, film and photo shoots Naja brings diverse talent to the industry table.
Rose’s son Aldrick offers his passion for professional photography and provides a quality product at affordable prices to UMMI clientele. Naja, following in her mom’s footsteps so-to-speak, is now enrolled in the Coca-Cola STEP 5 by20 Program, a global initiative enabling the economic empowerment of 5 million women by 2020.
Rose is also a participant in Atlanta’s WEI (Women’s Empowerment Initiative Program). In 2016, as noted in an article in the esteemed Essence Online Magazine, Rose Battle and UMMI Agency was recognized and nominated by the Coca Cola Company as one of the top 83 African American women owned businesses in Georgia successfully doing business with corporations.
UMMI Agency was also branded as the sole provider of professional models for all awards ceremonies, credited for providing elite models for The LACE AWARDS, The Diamond Awards, The Spirit of Alliance Awards as well as the more notable Coca-Cola Awards .
Rose regularly conducts a Model Boot Camp at C.A.U.S.E of Elegance in Phipps Plaza, Buckhead, Georgia at least twice a month and trains young girls and women of all ages wanting to learn more about the modeling industry and in preparation for what to know and expect when pursuing the field of modeling. She also offers tools and practical tips as well as runway training all within a 3 hour session. ummiagency.com
Rose is the loving wife of Alvis Battle and has been happily married for over 40+ years.
She has 5 beautiful grandchildren and loves cooking, biking and hiking up and around Stone Mountain Park.
We’re always bombarded with how great it is to pursue our passions, etc, and we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, what have been your most vital challenges in maintaining your business success?
Among the greatest of challenges was the one to balance business and family life. Striving to resist allowing the business to consume me was a daily chore. My family has always been my priority and managing the two became a skilled balancing act. The other major challenge in business specifically, was securing seasoned, qualified talent. With the entertainment industry on the upsurge in Atlanta, our non-exclusive contracts were no longer conducive in filling and maintaining rapidly increasing client demands for qualified talent to fulfill higher caliber projects. Rebranding allowed room for re-evaluation and total transformation.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Ultimate Model Management / UMMI Agency – tell our readers more, for example what are you most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others?
Ultimate Model Management recently re-branded as UMMI Multi-Media Entertainment Group or UMMI Agency, becoming a full service agency with developmental focus in areas of film, television, brand ambassadorship, promotions, and strategic planning, coordination and implementation of major event projects and in-house production projects. This is all precipitated to catapult us to a new level of operations and presence within the industry. see our “We Are Now Atlanta 2017” project:https://www.universe.com/events/we-are-now-atlanta-2017-music-movie-red-carpet-premiere-tickets-atlanta-1RH965 …with that said, I am most proud of UMMI Agency’s new vision, staunch dedication and creative planning for the future.
What sets us apart is our longevity and commitment. For over 15 years our primary focus was fashion and talent management with expansion over the years to include not only print, fashion shows and commercials, but also serving in the areas of event hostings, staffings, and special projects and promotions procurement where we exceeded expectations in providing top quality models and talent that earned major recognition and award level status.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I am excited to say, that we are currently forming strategic partnerships, researching new and potential clients and forming alliances with small businesses and nonprofits as a way of empowering and being empowered to step up as a leader in this industry. Special projects in film and production, procurement of sponsorship partners, as well as in-house sponsorship of independent project initiatives as a way of giving back to the community, are all in UMMI Agency’s sights for the future.
Among some of the company trends we are creating we include: quarterly fashion and entertainment events for nonprofit foundations and organizations, sponsorship drives, fundraisers and the like. It is our duty and responsibility as an industry leader to bridge the gap by giving back. We operate within a billion dollar industry where it is imperative that we use our influence to fully impact and support both national and local initiatives and independent endeavors. Not to mention the many employment opportunities we can create both upfront and behind the scenes.
We are also rebuilding, rebranding and expanding our vision to create and establish new working relationships with elite print and advertising companies nationwide and are open to working with smaller and newly established companies within the industry that seek out and require our services as well.
Who deserves credit or has played a major role in the success of the business?
I would like to thank my team for being so supportive over the years: Darryl Leach, Naja Alston, Lita Blount, Greta Sheffield, Armegan Anderson, Edouard Johnson, Dorian Thomas, Aldrick Battle, Amber Bains, Sally Richardson, Lakesha Blyden, Sylvia Harris, and the newest addition to our team Aliyah Aziza.
Writing Credit: Aliyah Ogbue; Article composition
Contact Info:
- Address: 3348 Peachtree Rd N.E.
Tower 200, Suite 700 - Website: www.ummiagency.com
- Phone: (770) 322-8528
- Email: Rose@ummiagency.com
- Instagram: Ultimate Model Management
- Facebook: Ultimate Model Management
- Twitter: Ultimate Model Management
- Yelp: Ultimate Model Management
- Other: Ultimate Model Management
Image Credit:
Aldrick Battle; UNIVISION PHOTOGRAPHY
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
Sandra Battle
September 20, 2017 at 1:40 pm
Congratulations Rose and Alvis,
Continued Blessings,
Sandra “Sand” Battle
Cynthia Johnson
September 22, 2017 at 1:13 am
GREAT article!!!!!!
Wanda Smith
September 22, 2017 at 8:26 am
Mrs. Battle, I’m so VERY Proud of and Happy for you and the UMMI team. Thank you for being You, all you do for others and for sharing your story. Many Blessings to you, the BEST is yet to come for you all. I trust I will see you soon.
Roger S
September 23, 2017 at 11:19 pm
This is wonderful Ms. Rose
Debra Bunkley
September 24, 2017 at 3:18 pm
Excellent article. I’ve known Rose for many years and have always known her to be the ultimate professional.
Val flowers
September 24, 2017 at 9:18 pm
I love reading about your life and what you have created in this world of modeling continue to climb higher may God bless.
Renee Batts
September 25, 2017 at 10:47 am
Great read! Congratulations on you article.
Rob Hays
September 25, 2017 at 3:57 pm
Rose is amazing and the team for the UMMI Agency have been great! Having Rose in my corner gives me confidence and drive, because I know she cares not only about my professional development as a talent but also my growth as a person. Thank you for helping me and congratulations on the article spotlight.
Rob Hays
Cassidy Bigham
September 25, 2017 at 6:34 pm
Mrs.Rose Battle is not only an awesome agent but she is also a beautiful individual inside & out. She looks out for her talent and only wants the best future for her talent as well. I’m so proud of her building great relationships with different people in the industry and making a name for her agency. She is truly one of a kind.
Cassidy Bigham
September 25, 2017 at 6:37 pm
Rose has also help me land some big acting roles in film, TV, and movies. She also has helped take my modeling career to a whole different level. I can not thank her enough! You deserve this spotlight! Congrats! Your the best agent ever! 🙂
Mychal-Bella & Mom
September 25, 2017 at 10:07 pm
An honor to affiliate with Mrs. Battle …as a mere 4 year old I booked my very 1st Disney commercial & we all know that was every child’s dream!!! Big Thanks Rose for believing in the kiddo and that was the evolution of a bond that has since created a ‘win win’ for brands to come! Too many more….
We Salute You Ultimate Model Management aka Gamechanger
Jackie T. Brown
September 26, 2017 at 1:02 pm
Congrats Rose!!! She’s an awesome agent 🙂 The best is yet to come!
Elena Logan
September 26, 2017 at 1:02 pm
I have enjoyed working with Rose & being able to expand into the market in Georgia!! Thank you for all the work you do for me & the opportunities you have provided!
Tiffany Green
September 26, 2017 at 1:04 pm
Congrats Rose. Inspiring and Motivating!
Corinne
September 26, 2017 at 1:05 pm
This was amazing to read, I’m still very grateful for my friend’s introduction to Rose. She’s such a presence, wonderful inside and out. I’m honored and proud to be a part of UMMI.
Chase Porter
September 26, 2017 at 1:06 pm
Congrats Ms Rose !!
You are an inspiration to us all. Blessed to be apart of this agency.
Chase Porter
Rob Berlin
September 26, 2017 at 1:19 pm
Ms Rose Battle has been such a blessing to me . I am an actor living in Va , I needed to get representation in the exploding Atlanta market . I responded to an open call for UMMI and Rose was willing to accept me into her agency , giving me an incredible opportunity to grow my career . Not only has Rose been my agent but also a valued friend . Rose is a dedicated talented professional who has helped countless talent realize their dreams . I am forever in her debt , thank you Rose for taking a chance on this actor .
Carmen Currie
September 26, 2017 at 1:21 pm
It’s always a pleasure working with the wonderful, talented, beautiful and incomparable Mrs. Rose Battle!! It was a great day at the wedding expo. I look forward to growing as she does. I am proud to be a Ultimate Model.
Robert Hall
September 26, 2017 at 1:21 pm
Wonderful! Congratulations! A lovely write up about someone who truly deserves the recognition.
Brooke Deffes
September 26, 2017 at 1:22 pm
Congratulations Rose! You are truly a pleasure to work with! I can not thank you enough for believing in me, and my journey to help young girls like myself, know that they don’t need to be a size 4 to be beautiful! You are making a difference! Thank you for all the opportunities, you are an amazing woman and agent!
Wanda Smith
September 27, 2017 at 9:14 am
Brooke, after reading your comment I thought, that’s true. Not only has Mrs. Battle encouraged those of us larger than size 4. She has also cultivated those of us over 55 and under 5’9″ as well. The trainings she schedule and her love for helping others seem to sometimes UNLOCK the gifts we truly have within to Shine. Thank you VoyageATL for sharing Mrs. Battle with more of the world!!! Again THANK You Mrs. Battle for the Woman you Are 🙂
Katie Akin
September 26, 2017 at 1:23 pm
Awesome article!!! It is an honor to work with Mrs Rose Battle and her agency UMMI, she is an inspriration to me and many others who have had the privilage to work along side her and meet her!!! #UMMI #UltimateModelManagement #Atlanta
JParker Griffin, Jr.
September 26, 2017 at 1:24 pm
I love this article! The work that Ultimate Models and Management is doing is spectacular. I’m glad that this article is available because I was not aware of the many accomplishments that the company has made. My hat is off to the many achievements that the company has made. Best wishes and continued success!
Moriah Bostick
September 26, 2017 at 1:29 pm
Ultimate Model Management is a wonderful agency to be associated with especially as a new talent. Mrs. Battle is an incredible mentor and woman of integrity. When I came to the agency as a new talent, she took the time to answer my questions and to guide me through some of the challenges. It is my honor to be a part of this wonderful organization as I begin my journey as a model and actress. Thank you for allowing me to take this journey with you, Ultimate Model Management and Mrs. Battle, I look forward to all that the future holds.
Brigid Steed
September 26, 2017 at 1:37 pm
Fabulous article and fabulous agent!!
Colette Whiting
September 26, 2017 at 1:41 pm
Congratulations on all you have accomplished and what an inspiring article!!!!!
Sophia Kraft
September 26, 2017 at 1:42 pm
Congratulations Ms. Battle, very impressive career. I am so happy for having you in my life, I have learned a lot from you!
david compton
September 26, 2017 at 1:43 pm
This is an inspiring story; I had no idea of the challenges Rose faced in pursuing her dream. She offers a fine example to the rest of us to never give up on our dreams.
Well done, Rose.
Anna Maria
September 26, 2017 at 1:53 pm
I did not know her story. Rose is Super Woman in my eyes! Mrs. Battle and her beautiful family have always been very positive and encouraging people in the profession.
Serwa Collins
September 26, 2017 at 1:58 pm
Hard work & dedication pays off! I am so happy for you Mrs. Rose and very proud to be apart of UMMI! Congratulations!
Aundria
September 26, 2017 at 2:04 pm
Where do I begin? Words can not express how proud I am of Rose! Not only am I grateful for her, but she is a hard working woman that deserves every bit of the wonderful things that are happening for her! She is a wonderful agent that goes above and beyond to book me, and is helping take my career to the next level. I am thankful God placed her in my life. Many blessings to Rose! Thank you for being such a wonderful boss!
Aundria Towns
September 26, 2017 at 2:06 pm
Where do I begin? Words can not express how proud I am of Rose! Not only am I grateful for her, but she is a hard working woman that deserves every bit of the wonderful things that are happening for her! She is a wonderful agent that goes above and beyond to book me, and is helping take my career to the next level. I am thankful God placed her in my life. Many blessings to Rose! Thank you for being such a wonderful boss!
Sara Herndon
September 26, 2017 at 2:07 pm
Fun to learn more about you! Wonderfully written article.
Daniel Orellana
September 26, 2017 at 2:17 pm
Congratulations Rose!!!
Alex Love
September 26, 2017 at 2:27 pm
Congrats to Rose and the entire team, the recognition is well deserved! I love working with Rose and am very proud to call myself a member of the UMMI team!
Vonda Dickens Hawthorne
September 26, 2017 at 2:58 pm
Congratulations Rose! Great article.
Sheila Rose
September 26, 2017 at 3:15 pm
Congratulations Rose! Wishing you the best success that Atlanta has to offer!
John Daryl Blouin
September 26, 2017 at 3:37 pm
Rose Battle is the most colorful intriguing, unique, tasteful, intelligent, striving, never giving up, making the goals that she sets out for happen! She is leading the new generation two a Paramount that has never been seen before.
If your choice is wise, undecided there is no doubt that when you make Rose Battle the head of your growing operation, she will bloom a bouquet of roses, carnations colorful thoughts that will take you beyond imagination. When you choose Rose Battle you got the right one now baby!
Billy Jameson
September 26, 2017 at 3:48 pm
Rose is awesome!!! Rose Battle is the hardest working agent in the business! Her commitment and dedication to her clients and talent is unparalleled! Rose has helped me book Swamp Murders, Fatal Attraction, and Homicide Hunter. She has also given me the opportunity to audition for The Haves and The Have Nots, Star, Being Mary Jane, (ON MULTIPLE ROLES FOR EACH) Rose treats you like family! Her sincere desire to succeed and help people succeed empowers so many people to accomplish their goals. Rose you not only set the standard..you raise the bar for all agents! Congratulations, Rose, and thanks for all your help!
Willie Davis
September 26, 2017 at 3:48 pm
Loved the article amd I’m especially glad and grateful to be a part of the UMMI family! Always looking forward to great things! Congrats! Ms. 🌹 Rose well deserved!
A. Sabrena Farmer
September 26, 2017 at 3:53 pm
As one of Rose Battle’s talents I can tell you that it is an honor to be associated with one of such status. Congratulations on your success and may God continue to bless and keep you and yours.
Trinetta Love
September 26, 2017 at 4:01 pm
Rose is so amazing. Kudos!!
Asia Peoples
September 26, 2017 at 5:03 pm
You’re such an inspiration Mrs.Rose! I’m so proud to be a client with your company!!! Keep up the excellent work!!!
Erica James
September 26, 2017 at 6:13 pm
Congrats Rose! I’m SO happy for your. You look amazing!!
Vincent A. Solomon Sr.
September 26, 2017 at 10:17 pm
Being one that has been blessed with the opportunity to meet and work with Rose,I simply just want to say that she is a true Godsend. She looks for the best in people and always gives her best. There are very few people that possess the character and dependability of Rose Battle. It’s a pleasure to know her.
Curtis L. McManus
September 27, 2017 at 12:13 am
Congratulations Mrs. Rose Battle. I am extremely proud of everything you have accomplished. You are a trail blazer and an inspiration to all young women. As a father of 3 young ladies I am glad I know a person like you I can guide them to as a role model. I personally will always be grateful for the opportunity you have given me to pursue a dream by choosing to be my agent. Continued success in all you do. God bless.
Curtis L. McManus
Priscilla Andre
September 27, 2017 at 2:50 pm
Congrats Mrs.Rose you deserve all the best and I am so thankful you are blessed day by day.
Keri Steward
September 27, 2017 at 3:45 pm
Congratulations Rose and to the UMMI team! Rose is constantly looking out for her talent by sending us the most updated casting information and things that are beneficial to our growth in the industry. I believe many blessings are on the horizon for UMMI with Rose as a leader and passionate industry professional. Wishing you and the team much more sucess! Blessings to you!
Aliyah Aziza Ogbue'
September 28, 2017 at 4:35 am
Well Rose, it would be a missed opportunity not to say out loud, what a blessing it has been to know and work with you. Writing this article was a labor of love and I pray that in each stroke of the pen, I brought as much loving passion to the page as you have brought to your life’s work. You are a phenomenal woman, and I wouldn’t have wanted your fans to have read it any other way. It was truly an honor and an even greater pleasure.
Rose Battle
September 28, 2017 at 8:30 pm
Thanks so much. You made my story come to life.
Mike Rizal
September 28, 2017 at 11:55 pm
Your story is such an inspiration, not only to the modeling/acting industry but to the many entrepreneurs out there trying to make it, to never give up and pursue your passion. Mrs Rose gave me the opportunity back then into her agency when I had zero experience and welcomed me with open arms. It was such a unique and incredible experience that I will never forget. Thanks Rose and Naja, it was a pleasure. And may you all continue your path to success and blessings!
Andrae Bicy
October 9, 2017 at 8:45 am
Keep up the great work Rose! It’s a pleasure working with you
Ingrid Watkins
October 13, 2017 at 3:33 am
Congratulations Rose! This article captures the passion that you have for the work that you do. Having known you and worked with you at The Coca-Cola Company for many years, I can vouch that you are the epitome of grace, class and style. May your business continue to flourish, and your light continue to shine brightly!
Rose Battle
October 14, 2017 at 12:53 pm
Thanks so much Ingrid. It has been a pleasure working with Coca-Cola over the years
.