We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tina Kiniry a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Tina, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

At 21 years old, I took a risk that would shape the rest of my life—I bought my first modeling agency. From a young age, I had always been passionate about the modeling and acting industry, captivated by the artistry, ambition, and creativity that shaped it. But I never imagined that one day, I’d be in the position to take the reins of my own company.

At the time, the agency was focused primarily on the local market, and while it had potential, I knew it could do more. I saw an opportunity to take our models beyond the local scene, into the larger cities where the real career opportunities were. I believed I had the passion, drive, and vision to make it happen, but I also understood that I had a lot to learn.

I dove headfirst into educating myself, reading nearly every book I could find on business, marketing, and the ins and outs of the modeling and acting world. There were nights I barely slept, weekends spent working instead of relaxing, and many sacrifices made in my personal life. It wasn’t easy—no entrepreneurial journey ever is—but I was determined to push through.

I quickly realized that this was only the beginning of my journey. Each challenge I faced taught me something new and only fueled my ambition further. Over the years, I grew my agency, nurtured countless careers, and learned to navigate the changing tides of an ever-evolving industry.

Fast forward nearly 35 years, and I reached a crossroads. The world had changed, and so had I. It was time for a new chapter. I rebranded my agency and launched Tina Kiniry Management, a reflection of my growth and a new vision for the future. The journey had come full circle, but in many ways, it felt like the start of something even bigger.

Taking that risk when I was 21 set the course for a life I never could have imagined. And while I’ve learned a lot along the way, one thing remains true: the greatest risks often lead to the most rewarding journeys.

Tina, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Tina Kiniry Management (TKM)
Overview:
Tina Kiniry Management is a distinguished modeling and acting agency based in West Hartford, Connecticut. With nearly 40 years of experience, TKM specializes in booking modeling and acting jobs throughout New England and New York, representing a diverse and accomplished roster of talent.
Founder:
Tina Kiniry, an industry leader and acclaimed agent, has garnered a remarkable reputation for her ability to discover, develop, and represent top models and actors. Her track record includes the successful placement of talent in key markets worldwide, owing to her extensive network and influential connections across the globe.
Notable Discoveries:
Tina has been credited with discovering many renowned supermodels, including:
• Emily DiDonato
• Adaora Akubilo
• Kristen Taekman
• Kylie Lauren and many more.
Mission Statement:
TKM is dedicated to representing high fashion and commercial models, while also nurturing the next generation of supermodels and actors. Our mission is to scout exceptional talent relentlessly, providing guidance and fostering relationships that promote professional growth and personal success.
Talent Development:
Tina Kiniry’s exceptional talent scouting abilities and dedication set her agency apart. She actively scouts potential talent in her daily life and travels, ensuring a continuous influx of new discoveries. The agency is committed to creating a nurturing environment that encourages talent to thrive, offering mentorship and support tailored to each individual’s needs.
Network and Opportunities:
With a professional network encompassing over 500 clients in the New England area, and national and international partnerships, TKM provides consistent and exciting opportunities for its models and actors. Tina’s commitment to her talent’s growth, combined with her strong personal relationships, ensures a pathway to success for her roster.
For aspiring models and actors looking to embark on a successful career, Tina Kiniry Management offers unparalleled support, mentorship, and industry connections to help you shine in the competitive world of modeling and acting.

www.tinakinirymgmt.com
998 Farmington Avenue Suite 220 West Hartford, CT 06107
860-967-3790

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Building my reputation in the modeling and acting industry wasn’t something that happened overnight—it was the result of years of dedication, hard work, and a commitment to the people I work with. I understood early on that success isn’t just about getting the right connections or landing big deals; it’s about building trust and fostering relationships.

One of the most important things I did was consistently show up for my models and actors, providing them with guidance and support, not just professionally but personally. I made sure to be hands-on in everything we did—whether it was working on developing talent, helping them navigate the ups and downs of the industry, or standing by them through challenging moments. By truly investing in their journeys, I earned their trust and built a reputation as someone who cared deeply about their success.

I also made a point to be transparent and honest with everyone I worked with. In an industry that can often feel uncertain, I knew that providing clear expectations and being a reliable resource would set me apart. I stayed committed to offering quality representation, and over time, my reputation grew as someone who was not only dependable but also passionate about helping my clients reach their full potential.

Another key factor was the relationships I built with other professionals in the industry. I focused on fostering meaningful connections with photographers, directors, agents, and other talent agencies. By maintaining a strong network of positive, trustworthy people, I was able to create opportunities for my talent and expand my agency’s reach.

Ultimately, my reputation was built on authenticity, dedication, and a people-first approach. I’ve always believed that a strong reputation is earned by being consistent, working hard, and, most importantly, treating people with respect and care.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

As a business owner, resilience is not just a quality—it’s a necessity. I’ve been in this industry since 1986, and when I look back, the business I started with barely resembles what it is today. In an industry that is constantly evolving, in order to succeed, you must adapt, innovate, and change with the times. Over the years, I’ve reinvented myself and my business more times than I can count.

When we first started, our focus was primarily on modeling. We dabbled in local acting, but the modeling side of the business was our main priority. Then, a significant opportunity came on the horizon. Connecticut was planning to open film studios, and I saw it as a game-changer for the local industry. I knew it could open up incredible opportunities for our talent, especially in acting. So, I took it upon myself to dive deeper into the acting world. I educated myself more on the craft and business of acting, networking with acting professionals and upgrading our acting division to ensure we were prepared for the opportunities the studios would bring.

However, as often happens in business, the film studios never opened. It could have been a setback, but we saw it as an opportunity. Instead of letting that stop us, we took everything we had learned and ran with it. We expanded our acting division and built on the foundation we had created. Today, we have a very successful acting division, booking talent in TV, Film, Voice Over, and a variety of regional casting projects. Our resilience in the face of uncertainty allowed us to grow and succeed in a new area, one that has become a vital part of our business.

Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back from setbacks—it’s about turning those setbacks into opportunities for growth. You can check out some of my casting credits on my Tina M. Kiniry IMDB page to see how our acting division has continued to thrive.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tinakinirymgmt.com
• Instagram: tinakinirymgmt
• Facebook: tina maria kiniry
• Linkedin: tina kiniry
• Twitter: tinakinirymgmt
• Youtube: Tina Kiniry Management for Models and Actors
• Yelp: TK Management
• Other: TikTok
  tinakiniryscouts

Image Credits

Adaora Cobb by Manny Roman
Amira Lerario by Peter Mellekas
Brynn Tarver by Jennifer Wright
Carina Sun by Ace Amir
Chloie Costello by Alejandro Poveda
Everett Moser by Peter Mellekas
Haddy Ndure by Alejandro Poveda
Kristen Taekman by Gail Haddani
Xzavior Clark by Wojciech Christopher