We recently connected with Vanessa Lawson and have shared our conversation below.
Vanessa, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea
The journey from the initial idea to the launch of Porte Management Agency was a deeply meaningful and transformative process, steeped in history and driven by a strong commitment to challenging industry norms and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
It all began with a spark of inspiration rooted in my family’s history. The Porte family’s remarkable story, from the harsh realities of slavery on Barbados sugar plantations to their triumphant journey to freedom in Liberia through the American Colonization Society in 1865, was a testament to resilience and determination. The legacy of the Porte family, with Albert Porte emerging as a pioneering political journalist and advocate for justice in Liberia, became the driving force behind my desire to make a positive impact.
I vividly remember the moment the idea for Porte Agency started to take shape. It was a December day in 2018 when I decided to turn this vision into a reality. I envisioned a modeling and talent agency that would carry the Porte name, dedicated to challenging the status quo in an industry marked by persistent lack of diversity and inclusion.
In the months that followed, I embarked on a journey of research, introspection, and planning. The next day after conceiving the idea was marked by long hours of brainstorming, contemplating the agency’s mission and values, and sketching out a business plan. It was a labor of love, driven by the desire to create something that could inspire positive change.
The months that followed were a whirlwind of activity. I had to figure out the logistics of establishing and running an agency, from legal requirements and contracts to branding and marketing strategies. I also reached out to potential collaborators and partners who shared our vision of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Every hour, day, and month was dedicated to fine-tuning the agency’s purpose, setting up necessary infrastructure, and building a team that believed in the cause.
By April of 2019, Porte Agency officially came into existence. The launch marked the culmination of months of hard work, passion, and dedication. It was a moment of immense pride and excitement, but it was also the beginning of a journey that continues to this day.
Over the years, we’ve stayed true to our mission, curating a diverse roster of models and talent who challenge industry norms and redefine beauty standards. We expanded our commitment to diversity and inclusion to our sports division, working diligently to create equal opportunities for models, talent, and athletes from diverse backgrounds.
Today, Porte Agency is not just a talent management agency; it’s a platform for change, a testament to the power of resilience, and a beacon of hope for those who have been marginalized or counted out. We continue to evolve, fueled by the belief that every individual deserves recognition, respect, and equal opportunities.
Our journey is ongoing, and we remain inspired by the legacy of the Porte family and the countless individuals who have faced adversity with courage and determination. Together, with our clients and partners, we are committed to creating a more inclusive industry and society—one that celebrates the beauty of diversity and amplifies the voices of those who have historically been silenced.
Vanessa, 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?
Hello, I’m Vanessa Lawson, the CEO and visionary behind Porte Management Agency. My journey into the entertainment industry has been nothing short of transformative, drawing on nearly a decade of experience and a unique background as a paralegal in the Minnesota Army National Guard for seven years.
My commitment to diversity and inclusivity drives every aspect of Porte’s mission. We are champions for empowering artists from all backgrounds, ensuring that the world of modeling and talent representation becomes more inclusive and representative of society’s diversity.
What sets Porte apart is not only our dedication but also our strategic thinking and strong industry connections. My legal background brings a unique perspective to talent management, allowing us to navigate complex contracts and industry nuances with precision. This expertise further solidifies Porte’s position as a trusted name in the industry.
In our quest to stay ahead, we’ve developed groundbreaking digital software, AdVantage AI. This innovative technology ensures that Porte remains at the forefront of the industry by harnessing cutting-edge tools for talent management. It’s a testament to our commitment to continuous improvement and embracing the future.
As the CEO of Porte, I take immense pride in driving our agency’s growth and success. We’ve established ourselves as not just a talent management agency but as a catalyst for positive change, making a profound impact on marginalized communities through philanthropic endeavors.
At Porte Management Agency, we provide a wide range of services, from talent representation to contract negotiation and beyond. We solve the problem of underrepresentation in the industry by curating a diverse roster of models and talent who challenge the norms and redefine beauty standards.
What I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know is that Porte is not just a brand; it’s a movement. We’re on a mission to transform the industry by celebrating diversity and amplifying marginalized voices. We’re not just here to provide services; we’re here to create a more inclusive world where everyone has an equal opportunity to shine.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
In 2019-2020, I faced a unique set of circumstances as the CEO of Porte Management Agency. Just months after officially launching the agency, I found myself deployed to Iraq and Kuwait with the Minnesota Army National Guard. This deployment, which coincided with the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, presented significant challenges.
While deployed, I was determined to ensure that Porte not only weathered the storm but thrived in the face of adversity. Despite being thousands of miles away from the agency’s physical operations, I worked tirelessly to rebrand and reposition our agency to navigate the uncertainties brought by the pandemic.
One of the key initiatives during my deployment was to redefine our agency’s mission and values. We were already committed to diversity and inclusivity, but I wanted to ensure that our agency’s purpose was crystal clear and that our actions reflected our commitment. This involved collaborating remotely with our team, artists, and partners to craft a cohesive vision for the agency.
Additionally, I focused on strengthening our digital presence and adapting to the evolving industry landscape. The pandemic had accelerated the shift toward virtual experiences, and we needed to be at the forefront. We enhanced our online platforms, embraced virtual submissions and meetings.
But perhaps the most significant testament to our resilience during this time was the decision to stay open. Many businesses, even well-established ones, were forced to close their doors due to the pandemic’s economic impact. However, I was determined to keep Porte Agency operating, providing support to our artists and staying true to our mission of empowerment and inclusivity.
In the midst of these challenges, another pivotal moment occurred when the George Floyd protests swept the nation, demanding justice and equality. Recognizing our role as advocates for marginalized communities, we took action. Porte Agency engaged in community outreach efforts during the protests, demonstrating our commitment to serve our communities.
We actively purchased groceries and encouraged our models and talent to volunteer for community clean-up and outreach activities. It was a powerful and humbling experience, as we joined hands with our local communities to support those in need during a turbulent time.
This experience reinforced the importance of our mission and the power of resilience. It proved that even in the face of the most unexpected challenges, we can adapt, grow, and make a lasting impact. Porte Agency not only survived the pandemic but emerged from it stronger and more resilient than ever.
Today, I’m proud to say that Porte Management Agency is not just a testament to resilience; it’s a symbol of unwavering commitment to positive change, empowerment, and community support.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
A valuable lesson I had to unlearn was the idea that success and impact could only be measured by traditional standards or benchmarks. The backstory to this unlearning journey is rooted in my experience in the modeling and talent management industry.
Initially, like many in the field, I believed that success in this industry could be solely measured by the number of high-profile bookings, the prestige of clients, or the visibility of our talent on mainstream platforms. While these are undoubtedly important aspects of the industry, I came to realize that they do not encompass the full scope of success and impact.
The turning point in my perspective came through a deeply personal and eye-opening experience. It was during the George Floyd protests and the heightened awareness of systemic injustice and racial inequality. As an agency committed to diversity and inclusivity, we felt a profound responsibility to act.
We engaged in community outreach efforts and supporting our local communities. This experience shifted my perspective on success. I began to unlearn the notion that success was solely about high-profile bookings or mainstream recognition. Instead, I understood that true success and impact could also be measured by the positive change we create in our communities, the lives we touch, and the voices we amplify. It became evident that success could be found in the actions we take to challenge the status quo and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Unlearning this lesson was transformative. It allowed me to reevaluate our agency’s purpose and redefine what success meant for us. It reaffirmed our commitment to making a difference in the lives of marginalized individuals and to being agents of change in an industry that needs more diversity and inclusivity.
Today, I am proud to say that our agency’s success is not only reflected in the bookings but also in the positive impact we create in our communities and the meaningful connections we foster. This unlearning journey has shown me that success is not a one-size-fits-all concept but a deeply personal and evolving understanding that reflects our values and the difference we make in the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.porteagency.com
- Instagram: @porteagency
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/porteagency
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/company/porteagency/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@porteagency2882
Image Credits
@visibleemotions