Human First, Model Second: Inside Humankind’s Mission
Humankind dares to ask deeper questions: What if modeling could be more human? What if fashion told stories that mattered? Born from the lived experience of former models, Humankind is more than just a modeling agency. It’s a movement. One rooted in empathy, fueled by purpose, and guided by the belief that beauty should be the beginning of the story, not the whole narrative.
In this conversation with Models of Canada, the Humankind team opens up about the defining moments that sparked their mission, the shifting landscape of Canadian fashion, and the unwavering values that anchor them. From advocating for diversity and mental wellness to nurturing individuality in an industry that often demands conformity, their work is reshaping what it means to model and what it means to lead.
This isn’t just about fashion. This is about evolution, intention, and building a culture where ambition walks hand in hand with compassion.
Welcome to a new era of modeling…where humanity is the trend, and the future is already in motion!
Models of Canada: 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?
HK Team: Humankind was created by a former model - for models. For years, we lived the beautiful and the brutal sides of the industry. There was so much potential, so much art and connection, but also too much silence, solitude, and misunderstanding. That’s what sparked the beginning of Humankind: a deep need to build something more conscious. We didn’t just want to guide models, we wanted to protect them, elevate them, and humanize the industry. We also saw that clients often lacked access to the real stories behind the faces. Our mission became clear: to represent real humans, not just images.
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?
HK Team: Canada has always had heart. But recently, we’ve seen that heart take center stage. The industry here is evolving. It’s more open, more inclusive, more story-driven. Clients are seeking depth, audiences are craving authenticity, and models are embracing their full identities. It’s no longer just about appearance. It’s about presence, purpose, and perspective.
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?
HK Team: We’ve learned that success is unsustainable without support. That listening is more powerful than directing. That boundaries are just as important as ambition. We’ve also learned that beauty might open doors, but it’s the human connection, professionalism, and storytelling that truly make a lasting impression. These lessons have shaped our culture as agents: we hold space for our models, we stay close to their reality, and we help them grow in their own timing…not just as models, but as people with something meaningful to say.
Models of Canada: As a leading agency, what motivates you every day to keep pushing forward, even when facing challenges or setbacks in the industry?
HK Team: Knowing that we’re building something different, something that didn’t exist for us when we started. Knowing that we’re helping models feel seen, heard, and respected. And knowing that our work has the power to influence the culture of the entire industry. That’s what keeps us going.
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?
HK Team: We’ve built a culture where ambition walks hand in hand with kindness. Where care is part of our criteria. We check in often. We celebrate small wins. We communicate transparently. And we remind each other that being human is not a flaw…it’s a strength.
We also encourage our models not to “fit in the box” or try to be like everyone else. Instead, we help them own what makes them different, refine their story, and align with their purpose. The more unique you are, the less you can be compared and the more your value grows. There is only one you, and that’s your greatest power.
Models of Canada: What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve encountered in your careers, and how have you overcome them while still staying true to your values and vision for Canadian fashion?
HK Team: Staying true in a system that often rewards conformity is a challenge in itself. But we’ve learned to say no. To educate clients. To be patient when others don’t see the vision yet. And to celebrate every small shift as a step toward a better industry.
One of our greatest challenges and sources of pride has been the constant need to create, to produce, to reinvent ourselves in order to keep innovating while remaining aligned with our mission. We don’t wait for the industry to change, we create the change we want to see. Reinvention isn’t a disruption for us, it’s a rhythm. It’s how we stay relevant, impactful, and ahead of the curve.
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?
HK Team: Diversity must be non-negotiable. We foster it by who we sign, how we talk, what we post, and who we amplify. We encourage our talent to bring their full selves forward and we work with clients who respect that. Real change doesn’t just happen in castings, it happens in boardrooms, briefs, and everyday conversations.
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?
HK Team: Our team is made up of passionate, multidimensional individuals. We each bring something unique from strategy, creativity, sensitivity, business acumen, but we’re bound by the same values. We complement each other beautifully, but one thing unites us all: humans are our purpose.
We don’t just “work”…we love, we encourage, we guide, we transform. We hold space for our models/artists to step into their light. That’s the essence of Humankind. We look for collaborators who are grounded, generous, visionary and most of all, deeply human.
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?
HK Team: We’d love to see Canadian fashion leaders collaborate more across agencies, brands, and cities. We believe in building an ecosystem where we uplift each other instead of competing in silos. A more unified fashion landscape would benefit everyone, especially our emerging talents.
We also believe Canada is home to some of the most inspiring, world-class talents and we would love to see more international companies come here to shoot, collaborate, and co-create. The beauty and talent are already here. What’s missing is the global spotlight.
At Humankind, we encourage beauty to be the entry point, but never the destination. Beauty can be the perfect excuse to look deeper into the human soul, to tell stories that matter, and to build something with meaning that transcends aesthetics.
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?
HK Team: We see a growing fusion of fashion, wellness, tech, and storytelling. The lines will blur between model, influencer, entrepreneur, and activist. Models will have more agency than ever and agents will need to be strategic partners, not just negotiators.
At Humankind, we are already working on the next...
The next generation of hybrid talents.
The next format of digital storytelling.
The next way of connecting fashion with purpose.
For us, evolution is not a future goal, it’s a daily practice!
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?
HK Team: People forget that behind every “moment” in fashion, there’s a full team and often years of work. As agents, we’re not just making calls…we’re shaping careers, offering emotional support, crafting brand strategy, and making sure our models feel safe and strong. It’s invisible work, but it’s vital.
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?
HK Team: Build your character before your résumé. Get clear on your values. Learn to say no. Stay open to evolving. And above all: protect your peace. The industry will pull you in many directions, knowing who you are is the anchor that keeps you steady.
Don’t try to fit into someone else’s box, create your own. The more unique your box is, the harder it is to be compared… and the more your value increases. Originality isn’t a risk, it’s your leverage.
Written by: Models of Canada
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