Interview with Ms Erika James, Director of Operations of TMKG, NYC

The Model Knowledge Group

Founder/CEO:

Shaina Renee

We are so excited to learn more about TMKG (The Model Knowledge Group). Please introduce TMKG to us. 

TMKG is a creative agency based out of New York, we help models and brands BOSS UP. 

Ms. Shaina Renee is originally from Chicago but has lived in cities across the globe like New York, Italy, Paris, and China. Shaina has collaborated with major modeling agencies, such as Elite Model Management, Brave Models Milan, and D&A Models Cape Town. She’s has also worked with Bloomingdales, Nordstrom, Kate Spade, Project Runway and other top brands.
Shaina’s graced the pages of magazines as a fashion model for Vogue, Cosmopolitan, & Papercut and as a business owner for Forbes. She graduated with degrees in Business and Hospitality Management. In 2014 she opened The Model Knowledge Group (TMKG) to give the fashion industry a better platform for creatives.

What is the inspiration behind TMKG?

Diversity in the fashion industry was limited for models and brands before we opened.

Shaina modeled for many brands overseas, however, when traveling she would often be the only model of color in a show or campaign. 

When moving back to the US, she realized what needed to be created; a platform to accept all, and that is how TMKG began.

What is TMKG’s mission?

Our mission is to create a platform where models of all backgrounds can work with inspiring brands. We do this by producing fashion shows, workshops, brand photoshoots, and more. 

What does TMKG offer to new models and brands?

We offer brand development, model development, and we produce events.

How is TMKG different from other modeling groups/agencies?

We would like to make this very clear TMKG is not a modeling agency; we are a creative agency that develops models and brands. What makes us different is the creativity within our projects, as well as giving models and brands the platform to be seen. Because of this, we have built a solid community providing valuable resources to those who join.

How should new models get started in the industry?

New models should do their research and find an organization like us to help them make the best decisions for their careers.

What would you like to say to all the new models out there?

When starting out, understanding the industry is necessary. Modeling is a business. That means reading your contracts, researching reputable agencies, and not accepting every job that comes along (it’s ok to say no). At TMKG, we make it our duty to protect any model that we train and help transform into a brand. The industry is changing and with social media being a heavy influence, we understand that change is needed.

Anything else you’d like to tell our readers?

When new brands are starting to build their business, they need to understand what a brand truly is. It's more than a logo or a design. We help our clients find clarity in their brand identity, identify their niche, and pinpoint their target audience; that is why TMKG is so unique.

www.themodelknowledgegroup.com