B&M Models

PAGE THREE

Melanie Mateus
I have known Melanie Mateus since 1999 and had always assumed the tall, statuesque, blonde with the blue/green eyes had been a model herself. It wasn't until I interviewed her for this piece that I learned otherwise.

After completing her first year of university, Mateus took a job as a receptionist at a small Toronto modelling agency. The next decade took her through a variety of different, but related jobs. She worked at a fashion catalogue studio hiring models from the city's various agencies, became a booker at major Toronto agency, partnered with someone else to set up Elle Model Management and when that fell through, ended up taking her models to Bookings Inc, where she continued to manage them.

In 1995 Bookings came up for sale and Mateus, then five months pregnant, bought it. Bookings Inc. became Bookings and Mel. B&M.

In the ten years since Mateus took charge the agency's growth has been steady, starting with two bookers and an assistant. It then grew to three bookers. Then three bookers and an assistant. "Now," says Mateus, "we are three plus Emma, who is more than an assistant."

Sarah Kelar echos Mateus' assessment. "Emma is an amazing addition to our team. She really keeps us together. It's so helpful knowing you have someone you can rely on."


Emma Barker
Emma Barker came to B&M just over a year ago, having completed her studies (Psychology and Biology) at York University. "When I came here I was sort of wary because I didn't know what to expect. I was actually surprised that they had the same ethics as I do. Like when it comes to nutrition for their girls, and fitness for their girls - they would never pressure a girl to lose weight in anything but a healthy way. They leave it up to the girl, whether she wants to work or not."

In the year since she arrived Emma's role has grown to the point where she is now the initial screener for the agency's open calls. "Even though we turn down almost everyone we always make sure they leave with a smile. It's really hard, because you know self-esteem is at issue."

"You might get rejected but we will always take the time to talk to you and answer your questions. I have stayed with potential models for a half hour if they want to talk about it. I think models need to know everything there is. Educate yourself. We tell them to do the rounds. Educate yourself and don't be afraid to put yourself out there. It's the only way you're going to learn."

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