Reece Richards began his career in musical theatre after training at the London Studio Centre, touring in productions such as Hairspray and Motown. His work has since spanned both stage and screen, with roles in Netflix hits Sex Education and You, as well as campaigns for brands including BMW, JD Sports, Cuisinart and Not on the High Street. In this episode, Reece reflects on his journey as a performer, from the excitement of live theatre to the realities of working on film and television sets. He also opens up about the incident that led to his wrongful arrest, the way it was portrayed in the press, and how he has worked to rebuild his confidence and career in its aftermath. Speaking candidly, he shares what the experience taught him about resilience, public perception, and finding strength to move forward in a challenging industry. https://www.sandrareynolds.co.uk/model/reece-richards www.businessofmodelling.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Paula Rodrigues, Fashion Model
Walking the runways of Milan and Paris, shooting TVCs in Thailand, and building a thriving career in Dubai, Paula Rodrigues’ story is one of resilience, adaptability and self-belief. She has worked with global fashion houses and local brands alike, carving out a space in one of the industry’s fastest-growing markets. In this episode, Paula talks about resilience in the face of rejection, navigating the pressures of the European market, and why she values the diversity and opportunity she’s found in Dubai. She also shares the importance of financial education, the lessons she learned during Covid, and how staying grounded and true to herself has shaped her path. www.businessofmodelling.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Francine Champagne, President of Vision Models LA
Francine Champagne is President of Vision Los Angeles and a leading force in modern model management. Her career began in New Orleans as a model, but it wasn’t long before she discovered her true passion behind the scenes - scouting talent, developing careers, and shaping the future of the industry. After stints as a model in Japan, Paris and New York, she began her career agency-side at Elite Los Angeles, where she played a key role in launching the careers of future stars like Cameron Diaz. In this episode, Francine shares how she co-founded Champagne Trott, later evolving it into Vision LA and what sets her agency apart. She speaks about building a business with heart, the importance of maintaining balance as a working mother, and why personal connection still matters. With decades of wisdom and plenty of standout stories, Francine brings depth, clarity, and humour to the realities of model management today. www.businessofmodelling.co.uk https://www.visionlosangeles.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Natasha Hatherall and Polly Williams have created one of the Middle East’s most respected marketing agencies, which is known for their fresh approach to beauty, wellness and lifestyle campaigns. They speak about authentic storytelling, purposeful partnerships and a more thoughtful way of doing influencer marketing. This week, Tessa talks to the duo about building a female-led business and discusses how the influencer space has evolved, why authenticity always wins, and the common pitfalls brands face when entering the Middle Eastern market. Natasha and Polly share what’s shaped them as leaders, the highs and lows of agency life, and why meaningful work comes from knowing your audience, not chasing the algorithm. www.businessofmodelling.co.uk https://www.tishtash.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Peter Yates, Creative Director
Peter Yates didn’t grow up dreaming of magazines or photo shoots, but after a move from rural Australia to New York, via Toronto, he found himself shaping the image for some of the world’s most iconic brands. From music packaging and live concert promos to leading worldwide creative at Condé Nast and Hearst, Peter has built a fascinating career behind the scenes. In this week’s episode, Tessa sits down with Peter to talk about the real work of storytelling through design - what makes a brand timeless, how to lead teams across 60+ countries, and why knowing your audience matters more than chasing trends. He talks about the power of collaboration, the lessons learned from building teams, and the importance of dreaming big, no matter where you start. www.businessofmodelling.co.uk www.peteryatesdesign.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Business of Modelling is a podcast that pulls back the curtain on the modelling industry, offering listeners a deeper look at its many facets beyond the mainstream spotlight. Hosted by Tessa Dewing, Managing Director of Sandra Reynolds, the show features conversations with top industry professionals—agents, models, creatives, and clients—who share their experiences, insights, and expertise. From the rise of supermodels to the future of diversity in fashion, The Business of Modelling explores the trends, challenges, and milestones shaping the world of modelling today. Whether you’re a professional in the industry or simply curious about what happens behind the scenes, this podcast offers a wealth of stories and knowledge that bring the business of modelling to life.www.businessofmodelling.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.