Modeling agencies are a necessity in the fashion industry. They help models navigate the somewhat complex system of booking their various talents to photo shoots, commercials and fashion shows. In this case we have to young individuals ushering in a new wave of agency management in the new age.
By Rodney Wayne Branche
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Daniella Hagan, CEO
Copa: Daniella, where are you from?
Daniella: I am originally from Ghana, West Africa. I moved here when I was 3 and I was raised in Bethesda.
Daniella: I am originally from Ghana, West Africa. I moved here when I was 3 and I was raised in Bethesda.
Copa: What made you start a modeling agency?
Daniella: I had the privilege of working for a few agencies throughout high school and college. I saw many people promised fame for a huge price tag. I wanted to start something different and offer aspiring models a chance to make an impact on the fashion world without the heavy price tag.
Daniella: I had the privilege of working for a few agencies throughout high school and college. I saw many people promised fame for a huge price tag. I wanted to start something different and offer aspiring models a chance to make an impact on the fashion world without the heavy price tag.
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Copa: How long have you been interested in fashion?
Daniella: Since elementary school I use to sew clothes for my barbies and in middle school I began cutting up my clothes to create new innovative designs. I followed my love for fashion and modeling by getting internships and later a job with some of the most well known agencies in the area.
Daniella: Since elementary school I use to sew clothes for my barbies and in middle school I began cutting up my clothes to create new innovative designs. I followed my love for fashion and modeling by getting internships and later a job with some of the most well known agencies in the area.
Copa: How did you develop your concept for the "Looks and Trends" fashion show?
Daniella: The concept was created by event Host Claire Connelly or Exclusiva Eventi. Our models brought her vision to life with fierce catwalks and their larger than life personalities.
Daniella: The concept was created by event Host Claire Connelly or Exclusiva Eventi. Our models brought her vision to life with fierce catwalks and their larger than life personalities.
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Copa: Did the theme of "Lingerie" present a challenge?
Daniella: The models were very excited by the theme, they saw it as a way to make a bold impact and impression on the fashionistas of DC.
Daniella: The models were very excited by the theme, they saw it as a way to make a bold impact and impression on the fashionistas of DC.
Copa: Now what in your eyes were the advantages in such a show?
Daniella: It was audience friendly. The girls didn't walk on an elevated runway like a typical show making the audience that much closer to the models; making it a more intimate event.
Daniella: It was audience friendly. The girls didn't walk on an elevated runway like a typical show making the audience that much closer to the models; making it a more intimate event.
Copa: Tell us more about your 'star' models.
Daniella: I believe all our models are stars they all bring unique qualities and skills to each show. Our models are top quality, they are professional, beautiful and above all humble ladies.
Daniella: I believe all our models are stars they all bring unique qualities and skills to each show. Our models are top quality, they are professional, beautiful and above all humble ladies.
Copa: In your opinion, what really made the show a success?
Daniella: The make up and hair teams made the girls hot and glamorous and of course of models gave a show stopping performance with their energy and confidence as they walked the runway.
Daniella: The make up and hair teams made the girls hot and glamorous and of course of models gave a show stopping performance with their energy and confidence as they walked the runway.
Copa: What's your opinion of the style of the Washington, DC area as opposed to New York?
Daniella: New York is definitely high fashion, with lots of models, actresses and shows. DC has a collaborative style, from urban chic to local fashionistas we have it all, and we hope to share it with the world.
Daniella: New York is definitely high fashion, with lots of models, actresses and shows. DC has a collaborative style, from urban chic to local fashionistas we have it all, and we hope to share it with the world.
Copa: When should we look for the next big assignment with your agency?
Daniella: We are working on several amazing projects both in New York as well as DC. Our next event will be the Vintage Couture Fashion Show series traveling from NY back home to DC. We are very excited by all the opportunities we have received and we hope to make the DMV proud. Thank you Rodney
Copa: Daniella, you are fantastic. Something told me that there more to meet the eye with the Ella K Agency. For my last question...How did the agency get its name?
Danielle: It's the ending of my last name and the K is for my late father who passed away of cancer, his name was Daniel Kwesi Hagan and he inspired me to be my own boss and live and do business with integrity and I can only hope to make him proud.
Danielle: It's the ending of my last name and the K is for my late father who passed away of cancer, his name was Daniel Kwesi Hagan and he inspired me to be my own boss and live and do business with integrity and I can only hope to make him proud.
Levi Strowder, COO
Copa: Where are you from?
Levi: I was born in Portsmouth, Virginia but spent most of my life in the Midwest.
Levi: I was born in Portsmouth, Virginia but spent most of my life in the Midwest.
Copa: What sparked your interest in clothing and fashion?
Levi:I actually did not like modeling until I became one my sophomore year when I was discovered.
Levi:I actually did not like modeling until I became one my sophomore year when I was discovered.
Copa: What sparked your interest in clothing and fashion?
Levi: My father did, I would definitely say he is the sharpest dressed man I have met. Its where I got my sense of style and because of that my joy for fashion and clothing grew.
Levi: My father did, I would definitely say he is the sharpest dressed man I have met. Its where I got my sense of style and because of that my joy for fashion and clothing grew.
Copa: What are some of the most interesting fashion gigs you ever had?
Levi: I would definitely say this upcoming fashion show. It has been great working with Exclusiva Eventi, Claire Connelly has made this process fun and easy for both my business partner Daniella Hagan and I. It will be the hottest show in DC
Levi: I would definitely say this upcoming fashion show. It has been great working with Exclusiva Eventi, Claire Connelly has made this process fun and easy for both my business partner Daniella Hagan and I. It will be the hottest show in DC
Copa: What made you start the Ella K Agency?
Levi: When Daniella and I first started our company, We initially started out by providing attractive wait staff to event companies, but since we were getting a lot of interest and a great deal of attractive prospects we decided to become a Model Agency. It was the best decision we made.
Levi: When Daniella and I first started our company, We initially started out by providing attractive wait staff to event companies, but since we were getting a lot of interest and a great deal of attractive prospects we decided to become a Model Agency. It was the best decision we made.
Copa: Would you consider the fashion industry exciting?
Levi: Oh its very exciting, I absolutely love what I do. Im the guy my friends come to if they need style advice. I have always had a love for fashion.
Levi: Oh its very exciting, I absolutely love what I do. Im the guy my friends come to if they need style advice. I have always had a love for fashion.
Copa: Should we look for something completely amazing in the "Looks & Trends" Show on Friday?
Levi: Both of the designers are amazing. Its modern, Sexy, elegant and something I think the masses will enjoy. Most of all it's a look that could really start making its way into the DC market, and of course the models of Ella K Agency.
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Copa: Are there any special 'guest models' you would like to share with us?
Levi: Are there any special 'guest models' you would like to share with us? We have A few guest Models including actress Molly Nevola who has had appearances on The hottest show House of Cards, players from Baltimore Charm, these ladies embody true athleticism and beauty at the same time. We also have Ayesha Gilani,TV Anchor, Reporter and Producer @ Voice of America (Host of KAHANI PAKISTANI); Miss Pakistan World 2009 and Holder of 9 International Pageant Titles. After winning Miss Pakistan World in 2009, Ayesha Gilani went on to win 7 international titles, including Miss Earth Pakistan, and made history and caused a stir on an international level by bringing home the first and only continental title ever for her represented country: Beauty of Asia 2010
Levi: Are there any special 'guest models' you would like to share with us? We have A few guest Models including actress Molly Nevola who has had appearances on The hottest show House of Cards, players from Baltimore Charm, these ladies embody true athleticism and beauty at the same time. We also have Ayesha Gilani,TV Anchor, Reporter and Producer @ Voice of America (Host of KAHANI PAKISTANI); Miss Pakistan World 2009 and Holder of 9 International Pageant Titles. After winning Miss Pakistan World in 2009, Ayesha Gilani went on to win 7 international titles, including Miss Earth Pakistan, and made history and caused a stir on an international level by bringing home the first and only continental title ever for her represented country: Beauty of Asia 2010
Copa: What do you think about the fashion atmosphere here in the Washington, DC area?
Levi: I believe the direction DC is headed it will become the new New york in fashion. DC has developed its own sense of style and is starting to get recognition. Washington DC is a true Melting Pot and I hope I can be apart of showing why DC is the greatest city in the nation.
Levi: I believe the direction DC is headed it will become the new New york in fashion. DC has developed its own sense of style and is starting to get recognition. Washington DC is a true Melting Pot and I hope I can be apart of showing why DC is the greatest city in the nation.
Copa: What does the future hold for Levi Strowder and the Ella K Agency?
Levi: The future is looking very bright, we hope to help get the recognition DC deserves for fashion. DC has a tremendous amount of talent and we want to expose this talent to the world. We hope to make Ella K Agency a global brand.
~Copa
Levi: The future is looking very bright, we hope to help get the recognition DC deserves for fashion. DC has a tremendous amount of talent and we want to expose this talent to the world. We hope to make Ella K Agency a global brand.
~Copa