We recently connected with Shaw Bernard and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Shaw , thanks for joining us today. Can you tell us about an important lesson you learned while working at a prior job?

Two and a half years ago I worked at an early childhood education program as an administrator. I was at a cross roads in life and in my business. After being there for a year and a half I was approached my the President of that organization to learn more about my business which turned into an investment to scale STRUT. The lesson learned from there is that sometimes taking a detour can lead you right back to the path intended for you. You never know who’s watching and how opportunity can show up.

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?

Shaw Bernard is on a mission to not just run the best modeling agency in New
York City, but one that takes the mission
of diversity and inclusion to heart and is
integral to the company’s success.
Shaw emigrated from Trinidad and
Tobago in 2002. Born in 1988, she spent
her teenage years in Brooklyn, Harlem
and, for a quick bit, Maryland. As she
grew older she was frequently asked if
she played basketball or if she was a
model. At 6’1 it wasn’t the weirdest
question. She wasn’t destined for the
WNBA, so after enough prodding, at age
22 she decided to give modeling a go.
But “Modeling While Black” is real and she was quickly confronted by the lack of diversity
within the industry. Through frequent rejections, and frustrated tears, she was often told
“sorry, we already have a Black model”.
Shaw decided she could do better. In 2013 she started a “mother agency” and modeling
school with a mission to elevate the experience for the young models participating both
professionally and emotionally. She and her agents make sure these models are fully
prepared and supported through the entire process. A few years later the company grew to
become a full-service modeling agency with a roster of nearly 100 working models.
Under Shaw’s leadership, STRUT’s mission as the only fully Black owned agency is to
promote and encourage diversity within the industry – on the catwalk and campaign. And to
work behind the scenes to continue the struggle for representation. The agency books men
and women reflecting the full tapestry of beauty and Shaw is on a personal mission to
advocate for those not traditionally considered.
Shaw is a Brooklyn mom to six year old Duke-Alexander and spends her weekends at the
little league fields. She’s also a restaurateur as an active partner at Osteria Brooklyn at
Dekalb Market Hall under the direction of the acclaimed Italian Chef Raffaele Solinas – to
open Spring 2023.

Any advice for managing a team?

Team management is one of the key pillars to your business. Your company is only as good as the team you assemble. There will be a lot of trial and error along the way. As you fit the pieces of the puzzle together do not be discouraged. It is important to have clear guidelines for the job responsibilities and the attributes of the people to fill that role. Do not be afraid to hire people who know more than you do or have different skill sets than you. Create and environment that is fosters team playing and allow your team to feel like an integral part of building your dream.

How’d you meet your business partner?

I started STRUT 10 years ago. My business partner came on board a little over 2 years ago. She actually used to be my boss when I worked at her ECE Program. I worked there for approximately a year and a half and even though it was not my desired career path I showed every day with an engaging and eager attitude. I was diligent and performed excellently even though I began to grow unhappy in the field. That led to me having a one on one conversation with her that turned into a partnership.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.strutmodels.com
• Instagram: www.strutmodelsnyc

Image Credits
Ricardo Andre Eden Fletcher