We recently connected with Brenda Nguyen and have shared our conversation below.

Brenda, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you tell us the backstory behind how you came up with the idea?

It was during the lock down that I started being a social media manager for a loungewear brand. I got to be in charge of casting models for the photoshoots and needed people to send in pictures for my client to approve when I realized that not a lot of aspiring models have the proper presentational materials such as basic headshots to submit. People always tell me they want to get into modeling but don’t know where to start or who to trust, so I started hosting monthly powershoots to create a safe space for new models to come build their portfolios, network, and get in person coaching from me since I’ve been modeling since I was 5 and have built up a network of photographers. I partnered up with my main in house photographer Ve Dixon who I’ve known since 3rd grade and hence, HYPR Media Agency was born.

I knew this would be a worthwhile endeavor because there’s not a shortage of talent here in Atlanta, but I knew that I didn’t just have to stick with models because everyone needs photos/content these days and I could work with entrepreneurs/brands and artists as well!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers?

Being a serial entrepreneur has always been in my blood. I grew up in a family of immigrants that got the opportunity to start our own nail salon so every summer since I was 8, I would be there to help run the shop. I always knew I would have my own business one day, but just had to figure out what.

I started modeling when I was 12 because I wanted to help my family and began with print/commercial and runway despite my height. I never let it discourage me and strive to make the industry more inclusive and break some traditional norms. I loved it, but knew I was meant to be more than just a pretty face.

At 18, I experimented with developing an app for the entertainment industry (which I hope to relaunch again soon.) I also started a business called Hookah Hotties (a mobile hookah service) and toyed around with inventing some products/technology. I loved figuring out how to solve problems, but would constantly start things up and never fully finish them. Follow through was my hardest challenge, but it was because I was never truly passionate about it.

Ever since I started HYPR Media Agency, I’ve been producing a monthly powershoot to help new models for 2 years now and I’m proud that I’ve finally been consistent at something. It’s so fulfilling to help multiple models get signed to agencies and even watched some of them get their campaigns in Times Square or land big roles on TV. But one of the most rewarding parts is helping women of color who feel under represented and people who don’t fit the typical model description get a chance to show that they do belong in the industry as well. There’s lots of changes being made in the industry, but we are just at the beginning and have a long way to go.

Just to be clear, I am not a photographer. I am creative director and producer so I not only work with models, but anyone who needs photos or videos!

I love working with entrepreneurs and creating visuals for them to elevate their digital presence through personal branding shoots. Recently, I’ve had the pleasure of working with some musicians and got a stab at directing and producing 2 music videos!

I finally found something I truly love doing and it took awhile to get here, but wouldn’t trade it for anything. Now, I’m working on creating a digital modeling course so I can work with people all over the world!

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I’ve been online for as long as I can remember! I was obsessed with Xanga (a blogging site) in the early 2000s before MySpace and have cultivated a small but loyal following for over 2 decades. I started my portfolio/online presence by working with new photographers and still do to this day. It’s a great way for both of us to learn/practice and get content.

If you can, hire a personal branding photographer so that they will help you figure out your aesthetic and how to help your brand come to life and craft your story. If you’re in ATL, I’d love to connect :)

If you don’t have a budget yet, you can join FB groups if you search photographers + city you live in. I think FB groups are underutilized and offer great support! Photographers always need test subjects. Just make sure you do your due diligence and be safe! Remember that bringing a friend should never raise any red flags for them or share your location with someone and let them know if you have to go alone.

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

I think what has established my reputation within my market is how I show up on my platform daily. If I’m not on a set shooting, I’m posting words of encouragement or relatable memes on my stories or authentic experiences in my captions. People always associate me with photographers so they always think to contact me first for any type of shoot whether it’s headshots, engagement, or maternity photos even though they’re not my niche. I think it’s fun to challenge myself in new situations, but I will gladly refer them to someone else if I don’t feel like I’m the best fit.

I also tell my leads who are new models that even if we never work together, I still want them to reach out to me if they have any questions about anything such as “do I think this gig is legit or a scam or how do I negotiate my rates?”

I want them to feel like I’m their big sister who has their back because I wish I would’ve had someone like myself back when I first started and was just trying to figure it out on my own.

Contact Info:

• Website: Hyprmediaagency.com
• Instagram: Riceg0d
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCkesXyHCgYRqTMp2MT06x_w
• Other: Tiktok @riceg0d

Image Credits
Tina Smith, Justin Bivins,  Vandan Patel, Xion, and Ian Shelby