In Conversation with Tyg Davison & Jessie Brandy: two Canadian Agents Guiding the Next Generation of Models
In an industry long defined by exclusivity and opacity, two former models are igniting a transformative revolution. Tyg Davison and Jessie Brandy, seasoned professionals who once graced international runways and luxury campaigns are now the force behind CITIZEN AGENCY, a model management company redefining what it means to be represented in fashion today. Their mission? To pull back the curtain on a world that has historically thrived on gatekeeping, and instead foster a culture of transparency, mentorship, and empowerment.
Through CITIZEN, Davison and Brandy are doing more than building modeling careers, they're reshaping an entire system. For Davison, this movement is rooted in lived experience. A former international model turned agent, her career has taken her from glossy magazine spreads to the helm of her own agency. With CITIZEN, she channels her deep industry knowledge into strategic, empathetic guidance for the next generation.
She’s joined by Jessie Brandy, a rising powerhouse whose own modeling journey spans global markets. Her time in front of the lens gave her more than a portfolio, it gave her insight, perspective, and a powerful network. Together, they bring authenticity and ambition to the table, committed to reshaping the Canadian fashion landscape with intention.
Their evolution is sparking a new era, one where representation means more than contracts. It means care and vision. For CITIZEN AGENCY, this is just the beginning.
Models of Canada: Tyg and Jessie, can you take us back to the moment you decided to pursue a career in the fashion industry? What was that defining moment for you?
Tyg: I really don’t think there was a moment I considered doing anything else to be honest. When I was a little girl, I would cut up bed sheets and make dresses for my mum to wear (they were terrible!). I would also tape pages of runway shots from magazines to my wall. I didn’t always know which area of the industry I would end up in but I always knew I wanted to work in the industry in some capacity…Maybe she’s born with it…
Luckily, I ended up being tall. I had the privilege of modelling internationally for years before becoming an agent. I was so fortunate to be guided and supported by top agencies in major markets like New York, London, Milan and Paris. Their positive influence and mentorship inspired me to become an agent myself, leading me to launch CITIZEN AGENCY.
Jessie: I did the same! My childhood bedroom walls were covered with magazine covers. I still have (and continue) to build my collection to this day. I've had a deep passion and curiosity for the fashion industry for as long as I can remember (and I’ve been the tallest in my class since second grade!). I was actually the very first model Tyg signed to CITIZEN, which makes my journey with the agency especially meaningful.
Tyg: I was definitely always the tallest as well! It was really meant to be with Jessie and I, just as working in the industry was for both of us. I think when you know, you just know.
Models of Canada: The fashion industry has seen a lot of changes over the years. From your perspective, how has the landscape of modeling and fashion shifted, especially in Canada?
Tyg: The industry has definitely become more inclusive and digitally driven. When I started, it was very “traditional.” Which unfortunately means limited access and incredibly rigid and exclusionary beauty standards. Now, uniqueness and talent of all backgrounds and sizes are being celebrated. Social media has given everyone their own platforms to essentially market themselves. CITIZEN AGENCY is based in Toronto, but Canada is a huge country so the ability to scout talent online now has really allowed agents to be able to connect with unique faces in remote areas or big cities alike, that otherwise may never have been scouted. The easiest way to be seen as a new model is to apply directly to us on our website. We receive a lot of amazing submissions from aspiring new Canadian models and we always look forward to meeting new faces.
Also, on one hand social media has opened doors but on the other, it does come with pressure. I started modelling before Instagram existed and before clients cared about social media. Jessie, you started after it became encouraged to promote yourself online. Did you feel like social media was a tool you were excited about?
Jessie: I have always loved taking photos and expressing myself but honestly I didn’t feel super keen on utilizing it as a tool for modelling so I didn’t. I think you should stick to what feels true to you. CITIZEN AGENCY placed me with agencies in Milan and Paris, and those agents respected it and never pushed it. Always have conversations with your agents. The more communication the better!
Tyg: Yes, always communication! We genuinely want to hear from our models. The modelling industry taking a more digital approach has changed the way we book a lot of the jobs as well. Before, there used to be in person castings. Now we can confirm most of the bookings by simply emailing digitals, selfies and portfolios. Which saves models a lot of time, especially if they live outside of the city. Although CITIZEN AGENCY is based in Toronto, this new way of working allows us to book easily across Canada, especially with clients in Vancouver and Montreal.
Models of Canada: What are some of the most important lessons you’ve learned in your journey within the fashion world, and how have those lessons shaped your approach to working with models today?
Jessie: Some of the most important lessons I’ve learned were establishing what is important to me early on in my career and setting realistic, achievable goals. As well as learning business fundamentals and industry professionals is so important!! There are so many nuances when it comes to working in international markets. You have to deal with different personalities, expectations and languages. Educating models on how to navigate the fashion world isn’t just valuable, it’s essential to their long-term success.
Tyg: 100% agree with you! It really isn’t just about looks, it’s about resilience, persistence, professionalism, knowing your value, connecting with as many people as possible, fostering those connections long term and truly operating with a business mindset. That’s why we take mentorship so seriously. Models need guidance not on just how to pose, but how to operate in the industry as their own business and how to stay grounded throughout all the ups and downs. I was very fortunate to have wonderful agents in Europe, the UK and the United States. I learned a lot from them that can't be taught anywhere else. Some of those agents now run the most established agencies in the world. I carry that mentorship forward in the way that I manage our models too.
Models of Canada: As a leading agent, what motivates you every day to keep pushing forward, even when facing challenges or setbacks in the industry?
Tyg: Seeing someone’s confidence grow. Watching a model go from an unsure new face to an established, confident model, commanding a campaign or a runway during a chaotic fashion week, travelling alone across the world. The journey can be so transformative. Being a part of that personal evolution for models always keeps me inspired.
Jessie: Completely agree, helping someone achieve their goals and dreams is so inspiring and exciting. Even when the industry presents setbacks, progress does not happen without persistence and hard work.
Models of Canada: The fashion industry can sometimes be seen as cutthroat and highly competitive. How do you maintain a balance between ambition and compassion when managing your models and your team?
Tyg: Always remembering that we’re dealing with people, not products. Modeling can be a brutal industry, so we’ve really tried to build CITIZEN AGENCY around empathy and transparency. We book jobs across Canada but we’re also a Mother Agency. Which means that we provide ongoing management throughout a model’s career. We’re our model's home base. We support and guide them wherever they might be working- whether it’s in Europe, the United States, Asia or here at home in Canada. We really get to know each individual in a personal way.
Jessie: Absolutely, we try to maintain transparency about the industry realities while also protecting our talent and avoiding at all cost adding unnecessary pressures because we understand the impact those can have. We have personally lived through those ups and downs and this gives us a very valuable perspective as agents.
Tyg: We set high standards because the industry demands them, but never at the cost of mental health or respect. It’s also really important to know when to step back. If we can tell a model is struggling in any way, I think it’s been so important to let them know they can take space from the industry and we’ll always be here for them when they are ready to step back into it.
Models of Canada: What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve encountered in your career, and how have you overcome them while still staying true to your values and vision for Canadian fashion?
Tyg: Even during successful seasons as a model, there were times when I didn’t feel protected or prepared. Those experiences definitely stayed with me and really pushed me to become an agent. Later, building my own agency as a young woman in a competitive space wasn’t easy either. I’m not sure I’ve overcome all the challenges but I’ve definitely learned to ignore what anyone else says. Stay in your lane, focus on what you can control and stick to your principles. Surrounding myself with colleagues, friends, family and people who believe in me is really all I can do and all I need.
Jessie: Exactly!!
Models of Canada: What role do you believe diversity and inclusivity should play in the future of fashion, and how are you actively fostering that change within the models you represent and the industry as a whole?
Jessie: Diversity is fundamental to our industry. We are actively committed to inclusive scouting and signing practices as we seek models from all backgrounds and representation.
Tyg: Exactly, it should be at the center. We’re making sure our roster reflects the real world. Different body types, backgrounds, genders. But it’s not just about representation in advertisements; it’s also about making sure all models, without prejudice, feel safe and respected in every space they enter and like they belong just as much as anyone else. We always let our models know that they can come to us with absolutely any conversation. I think open communication really will foster change.
Models of Canada: Behind every successful individual is a supportive team. Can you share who is on your team and what qualities you look for in the people you work with?
Tyg: My team is everything to me, which is why I decided to answer the questions jointly with Jessie. Like me, Jessie modelled before becoming an agent. I think it makes a huge difference in the way we manage our models, having that first hand experience. She’s a really strong agent and known exactly what to do since starting with us. I was thrilled to add her to the team.
Arev Manoukian, our other team member, comes from an advertising and commercial film production background, so he also had industry experience coming from the other side of the camera before joining the team. Besides experience, I want to work with people who are genuinely passionate about seeing others succeed. Trustworthy, consistent and fun to work with! I got so lucky.
Jessie: So happy and honoured to be part of the team, and this interview, thank you!
Models of Canada: If there’s one change you could make to improve the fashion industry in Canada, what would it be and why? How do you believe it would shape the future of the industry?
Jessie: More support for Canadian designers and local talent businesses.
TYG: Yes, I’d love to see more investment in local talent as well. I’d also love to see some sort of funding and support made available to artists and designers. This industry is supported by creatives and we need them to feel supported in return!
Models of Canada: In your opinion, where do you see the Canadian fashion industry heading in the next 5 to 10 years? What trends do you think will define its evolution, and how will models and agents be adapting to that shift?
Tyg: I think the industry as a whole will see agents becoming more like career strategists than traditional booking agents. Today’s models are also influencers, entrepreneurs, activists, etc. There’s a lot more to a model and their career now and I’m sure in another 5 to 10 years, even more so. Management is going to have to evolve alongside that, which is really exciting.
Jessie: Definitely! I think it will be about building long-term, diverse careers. That evolution is going to open up a lot of exciting possibilities.
Models of Canada: Has there ever been something you’ve wanted to share with the public about your role in fashion, your models, or the industry itself that you feel has been misunderstood or under appreciated?
Jessie: One thing I think is often misunderstood about this industry is the role of patience. Success rarely happens overnight. It takes consistency, hard work and trust. My advice to models is: always listen to your agent’s guidance and actively seek feedback, growth comes from being open and patient.
Tyg: Yes! And how much emotional labour goes into good representation. The reality is that agents are also mentors, advocates, therapists, tax strategists working in multiple different time zones at once! I wish my models could log into my email account sometimes. The amount of conversations had on their behalf without them seeing and understanding can be frustrating. Modelling requires patience, as Jessie said. If they’re not working and making money, neither are we, so of course we’re always doing our best. I deeply care about every model we represent. Sometimes I wake up at 3am thinking about them! I think that the behind-the-scenes work of a modelling agency may not be fully understood.
Turning this question back to Jessie quickly. Jessie did your perception of what happens behind the scenes change at all once you transitioned from model to agent?
Jessie: Yes and No! From the beginning of my modelling career, Tyg who was my agent, always worked incredibly hard for me and offered unwavering support. It was truly inspiring. But now, I realize just how much behind-the-scenes work and dedication it takes to be an agent. Such as managing conflicting model schedules, travelling models in different time zones, dealing with various client demands…something I could have never fully understood as a model.
Models of Canada: For those aspiring to follow in your footsteps, whether they want to become a top model, agent, or industry professional… What advice would you give them that goes beyond just technical skills, but rather focuses on their mindset and personal growth?
Tyg: Build your self-worth outside of the industry. Have hobbies, take courses, advance yourself. The industry can be fickle, but if you know who you are and what you stand for, it’ll be much easier to navigate. Stay curious, stay humble, and surround yourself with people who genuinely support and love you.
Jessie: Don’t be afraid to try new things. If you love the industry, try modelling, try photography, try styling. The more people you meet, the more opportunities will present themselves and the bigger your world will become. Having a community of creative friends and colleagues in your life is so inspiring.
Written by: Models of Canada
More details about CITIZEN AGENCY can be found here