TELL US ABOUT YOUR PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND. Stasia: I have been an agent for 20 years. I started out with It Models and Omar’s Men in Los Angeles. The agency was owned by Paul Fisher from the reality TV series “Remodeled.” I have since worked at large agencies like LA Models and NEXT as an agent for Men and Women. I took a brief two-year stint to represent only hair, makeup and fashion stylists as well in Los Angeles. Leah: I worked in Information Technology for major clients such as AT&T and Sprint for many years as well as Club Corp in Dallas.
dreams both locally and internationally.
WHY DO YOU NOT BELIEVE IN CONTRACTS? Stasia: Contracts are absurd to me. I know they have there place, but for us, it is all about communication. If someone is not happy with the job we are doing or feels that they could do better somewhere else, it can be a discussion. Our goal is that if we are doing our job, and the talent is successful, then they should never feel the need to leave. Idealistic I know, but I don’t ever want anyone to feel they cannot talk to me or discuss concerns. It is a family mentality. We are really all in this together. Leah: We want to have a positive relationship HOW DID THE NAME THE DRAGONFLY with the models we represent. We will work AGENCY COME ABOUT? hard to help them reach their individual goals Leah: We thought the name Dragonfly was however, if one party wants to move on it just different and then when we looked at the seems like bad energy to keep them locked into symbolism of the name. It really signified what a partnership that is no longer productive. we want our agency to represent. In almost every part of the world, the Dragonlfy symbolizes WHAT IS YOUR HOPE FOR THE FUTURE? change, power and poise. Stasia: My hope is that we grow, but don’t ever Stasia: I knew I wanted a “stand alone” image... get too large that we don’t have the ability to that didn’t need a name. When you see a picture have a strong hands-on approach with everyone of a dragonfly you instantly know what it is. It we represent. I want a continuous cycle of was perfect name for us. models and artists coming through our city and then leaving to work on their books in other WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO RUN YOUR AGENCY markets. Everyone needs to grow and learn and DIFFERENTLY THAN ALL THE OTHERS IN experience the fashion industry in every city DALLAS? or country that they are right for. It makes for Leah: There are great agencies in Dallas that a better model and in turn will only make the have been for a very long time. However, we feel agency stronger. there is a also need for a more global approach Leah: That our vision with Dragonfly continues and a fresh perspective. to be successful and we continue to evolve, grow Stasia: The internet has changed the way we and embrace change. book models and artists...there is no “region” anymore and I felt Dallas had the beauty and WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? creative talent to be able to work anywhere. I Leah: One of the most wonderful things about didn’t see any other agencies doing that. Their my job is working with my partner Stasia. The focus was merely on getting as much work respect and goals we have for ourselves and our for their models here. I want our models and business is reflected in the way we are running artists to work worldwide. I want to produce our agency. a models book, test them with young creative Stasia: My favorite part is simply developing photographers, so that they can compete with someone who has yet to realize their potential. anyone in any place in the world. I love the testing process. I love the creative aspect of a shoot when all the players, models, WHAT IS YOUR OBJECTIVE WITH DRAGONFLY? photographers, artists come together and Stasia: I would love the Dragonfly Agency to be literally create a vision. It’s exciting to see the synonymous with editorial but beautiful models end result and know that everyone benefits. I and talented, creative artists that are not limited also love seeing the confidence that happens to this market. I love to develop talent.--to see to a model when they feel that you have “their people achieve their goals. back.” I think everyone I represent feels that. Leah: With an open mind we hope to continue When people feel secure, and know you believe to build beautiful talent for our clients while also in them, they are free to be the best model or enabling our models and artists pursue their artist they can be. BLEEP 93 Stasia Langford and Leah Macauley owners of The Dragonfly Agency