Power, Presence, and Purpose: Inside Canada’s Only Black Woman-Owned Modeling Agency

PHOTO BY: ANAEL FORBES

In an industry that has long been criticized for its lack of diversity behind the scenes, Morgan Model Management Inc. stands as a powerful exception and a historic one at that. As one of the only modeling agencies in Canada that is 100% Black woman-owned and operated by a fully minority booking team, Morgan isn’t just rare…it’s revolutionary.

Founded by trailblazer Janelle, the agency is flipping the script on what representation truly means in fashion. While the industry slowly catches up to conversations about inclusion, Janelle and her team are already living it boldly, unapologetically, and with undeniable impact. They’re not waiting for permission to take up space. They’ve built their own table, and the seats around it reflect a spectrum of beauty, culture, and identity that’s long been overlooked.

More than a modeling agency, Morgan Model Management is a platform, a movement, and a declaration that the future of fashion belongs to everyone. With Janelle’s visionary leadership and a booking team that intimately understands the importance of authentic representation, Morgan is creating opportunities where there were once barriers and rewriting Canadian fashion history in the process.

Models of Canada: Janelle, 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?

Janelle: I was scouted at the age of 14 while shopping with my father. My first agent was a remarkable Black woman who owned a thriving agency with her husband at the time. Seeing someone who looked like me, leading with both elegance and authority, was incredibly powerful. That was my defining moment. I knew right then that I didn’t just want to model. I wanted to become an agent to inspire others and open doors for new talent the same way she did for me.

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?

Janelle: There’s been meaningful progress, particularly in how diversity is being embraced on runways and in campaigns. However, from a business perspective, Canada still has ground to cover. Model rates have remained fairly stagnant, even as the cost of living and production increases. There’s a disconnect between the economy and the value placed on talent, and I believe more advocacy is needed to elevate the professional standards in our market.

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?

Janelle: Coming from both the corporate world and the modeling industry, I’ve learned the importance of consistency, marketing, critical thinking, and professional communication. I approach every model and client relationship with the mindset of service “How can I support or solve a problem?” instead of selling aggressively. Leading with calm, confidence, and kindness, while still being firm has helped me build long-term relationships in this industry.

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?

Janelle: My motivation comes from the incredible team I work with and the models I represent. Watching someone I’ve scouted or developed land their first major booking never gets old. It reminds me why I started and fuels me to keep going, no matter the challenges that come our way.

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?

Janelle: I believe in focusing on our own path. We set goals, we hit them, and we celebrate every success, no matter how small. There’s no time for comparisons. We’re about progress and performance, but we also keep things human. We celebrate the team wins, uplift each other, and move with intention.

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?

Janelle: Bias and conservatism in the Canadian fashion industry have been persistent hurdles. The industry can be slow to welcome new perspectives or lesser-known agencies, especially ones pushing for change. But over the years, I’ve learned how to remain resilient, professional, and strategic. We’ve managed to win over some of the toughest clients by letting our work and our models speak for themselves.

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?

Janelle: Diversity isn’t a trend, it’s a necessity. When I first started the agency, there was a major lack in diversity. It felt like the days when I was a model and only 2 black models and maybe an Asian model would grace a runway. And while I’m glad to see more representation, true inclusivity is still an uphill climb.

At Morgan Model Management, we actively scout and represent talent from a variety of ethnicities, backgrounds, and body types. We challenge outdated standards and work with brands who are also committed to reflecting the real world in their campaigns. Change happens when representation is intentional and consistent.

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?

Janelle: Our team is made up of Jamal, Mitzi, and Jigar, three individuals who each bring something unique and valuable to the table. What I look for is trust, a sense of humour, strong work ethic, and the ability to see the bigger picture. We’re like family. We work hard, laugh harder, and always have each other’s backs. That kind of culture is rare in this industry, and I’m proud of what we’ve built together.

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?

Janelle: I would love to see more funding and support for emerging Canadian designers. Designers are the heartbeat of the industry, when they thrive, the entire ecosystem thrives. More collections mean more work for models, stylists, photographers, and production crews. Investing in design talent would help grow a more vibrant, sustainable fashion scene here in Canada.

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?

Janelle: The Canadian fashion industry is in the midst of a digital and cultural shift. In the next 5 to 10 years, I believe we’ll see the lines between traditional fashion media and content creation continue to blur. The power of influence is moving from celebrities to everyday creators, and models are becoming storytellers, brand ambassadors, and content producers in their own right.

Social media will remain a dominant force but what’s changing is how brands view return on influence, not just reach. As a result, agents and models will need to embrace both the art and the analytics of the business. Those who can pair strong portfolios with digital presence and professionalism will thrive. For agencies, it's about evolving with the platforms, understanding audience behaviour, and guiding models to be more than just faces to become full-scale brands.

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?

Janelle: Yes. Morgan Model Management Inc. is one of the only modeling agencies in Canada that is 100% Black woman-owned and operated by a fully minority booking team. That’s not just rare, it’s historic.

Our presence is more than representation; it’s a redefinition of leadership in Canadian fashion. Yet, this accomplishment is often overlooked in an industry that still prefers familiarity and tradition over bold, inclusive progress. We don’t ask to be tokenized, we ask to be seen for the quality of work we do, the level of talent we represent, and the impact we continue to make. We are proud to be shaping Canadian fashion history, one booking, one breakthrough at a time.

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?

Janelle: Build relationships early and often. Networking isn't optional, it's essential. Surround yourself with mentors and people who are already where you want to go. And most importantly, study the business side of fashion.

Understand contracts, usage rights, branding, and digital strategy. Learn how to pitch, negotiate, and present yourself with confidence. Fashion is creativity, yes but it's also commerce. When you combine artistic drive with business acumen and self-awareness, you create staying power.

And above all: stay grounded, stay curious, and never forget why you started.

Written by: Models of Canada

More details about MORGAN MODEL MANAGEMENT can be found here