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A model clientele Jerrad Matthew’s boutique-style modeling agency strives to provide personal attention to its clients.
Jerrad Matthew poses with brunette Kendra Clapp, blond Abby Taylor and redhead Lexi Harrington, models with his agency.
PhotograPhy by johnny Quirin
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sk Jerrad Matthew what he does during his free time, and he just laughs. “What free time?” With all the hours he devotes to running his modeling business — The Matthew Agency — the 30-year-old says it’s rare for him to have a whole day to himself. “As the owner and director, I do it all.” Located just north of the heart of downtown at 820 Monroe Ave. NW, the agency represents about 160 models. Matthew recently joined The Network Community, a venture created by legendary agent Paul Fisher (known for representing such supermodels as Naomi Campbell and Stephanie Seymour) to bring modeling agencies around the world together. “That automatically gives all of our models a huge boost in their visibility,” Matthew said. “With the help of the Network, the faces of The Matthew Agency will be able to be seen by the same big industry movers and shakers as models with agencies in New York or L.A.” Already, he added, “two of our guys have been signed to Fashion Week in New York.” Matthew says his models’ success is his success, and he wants people to know that modeling should not be taken lightly. “There’s a bit of a misconception about models,” he said. “I am constantly fighting the idea that models work for free. I get calls and e-mails all the time asking for volunteer models. We don’t do that.” Matthew has strong views about the fashion industry in Grand Rapids. “I think there is a great community of people here who are really passionate about fashion,” he said. “Great fashion events happen in Grand Rapids. I would definitely love to see our fashion world still grow — with more focus on local designers, too.” Though Matthew’s world now revolves around modeling, it wasn’t his original pursuit. After graduating from East Kentwood High School in 2000, Matthew worked as a dancer, first at Disneyland Park in California and later on cruise ships. He joined VeggieTales as director of the live entertainment department, living in Nashville for four years before returning to Grand Rapids. During his time in Tennessee, Mat-
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