Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nay Reynolds. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Nay, thanks for joining us today. Can you recount a story of an unexpected problem you’ve faced along the way?

One of the most unexpected challenges I’ve faced as a founder has been the reality of being responsible for every moving part of the business. From marketing and casting to operations, scheduling, contracts, and logistics, the learning curve has been steep and, at times, overwhelming. There’s no off switch when you’re building something from the ground up, and the pressure to succeed — not just for yourself, but for the people who trust you — can be intense. There were moments where it felt like everything rested solely on my shoulders, and failure wasn’t an option.

Another challenge has been learning how to carry the weight of leadership in an industry that doesn’t always encourage accountability. As the visible face of my agency, I’ve often found myself becoming the default person people place blame on when things don’t go the way they expected — even in situations that were outside of my control. Learning how to remain professional, composed, and solution-focused in those moments, while still protecting my boundaries and standards, has been a major growth point for me as a leader.

Over time, these challenges forced me to become more structured, intentional, and disciplined in how I run my business. They taught me the importance of systems, clear expectations, and accountability — not just for others, but for myself. Those lessons ultimately shaped the foundation of Lavish Vixenz Model Agency and helped transform it into a more sustainable, professional, and respected creative space.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m Nay Reynolds, Founder and Creative Director of Lavish Vixenz Model Agency (LVMA), a Cincinnati-based, full-service modeling agency built on professional development, intentional representation, and elevated creative execution. With over 16 years of industry experience, my journey began after recognizing the lack of structure, protection, and preparation often faced by models — especially models of color.

LVMA was created to be different. We are not a traditional modeling agency. The agency was built to fill industry gaps by managing and developing models’ careers through structured scouting, portfolio development, and professional placement. We represent talent across runway shows, editorial work, commercial campaigns, and creative brand collaborations, while also providing hands-on training in runway, posing, branding, and real-world industry preparation to ensure work is safe, professional, and repeatable.

In addition to working directly with models, LVMA collaborates with brands, designers, photographers, and creatives, serving as a bridge between talent and clients while handling the business, legal, and logistical aspects that are often overlooked in creative spaces.

What sets LVMA apart is our emphasis on discipline, intention, and standards. I’m deeply hands-on and believe creativity thrives best when paired with structure. I’m most proud of building an agency that challenges and supports models while maintaining a strong urban, high-fashion edge. Everything I create is grounded in professionalism, preparation, and long-term impact.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

At the core of my creative journey is a commitment to building intentional, professional, and sustainable spaces for models — especially models of color — to learn, grow, and work safely in an industry that often lacks structure and accountability. My mission has always been bigger than exposure or aesthetics; it’s about preparation, protection, and long-term development.

Through Lavish Vixenz Model Agency, my goal is to bridge the gap between creativity and professionalism. I want models to feel confident not just in front of the camera or on the runway, but also in how they navigate contracts, communication, and expectations. At the same time, I aim to provide brands and collaborators with well-prepared talent and an organized, respectful creative process.

Everything I build is guided by intention, discipline, and integrity. I’m driven by the belief that creativity thrives best when people feel supported, respected, and prepared — and that long-term impact comes from doing the work the right way, even when it’s not the easiest route.

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

What helped me build my reputation within my market has been consistency, structure, and follow-through. I’ve always taken a professional, intentional approach to how I run my agency and how I show up in creative spaces. Over time, people began to associate my name and my brand with organization, preparedness, and high standards — whether that was through model training, showcases, or brand collaborations.

I’ve also been very deliberate about the environments I create. I don’t believe in cutting corners or rushing talent into opportunities they aren’t prepared for. By prioritizing training, clear communication, and accountability, I’ve been able to build trust with both models and creative partners. When people work with LVMA, they know what to expect, and they know the work will be handled professionally.

Most importantly, I’ve built my reputation by protecting the integrity of my brand and the people I work with. I’m selective, hands-on, and intentional, and I stand by my standards even when it’s uncomfortable. That consistency over time is what has allowed my reputation to grow organically and remain strong.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lavishvixenzagency.com
• Instagram: lavish_vixenz
• Facebook: Lavish Vixenz Model Agency

Image Credits

Photographers:
YH Images
HoneyGlow