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

Malika , appreciate you joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

SIGNEDnyc is a modeling mother agency, established to help aspiring models navigate this complicated profession in a safe environment. As the agency founder and a full time model of over a decade, my business focus is portfolio development, education, and agency placement, which ensures that we circumvent the often predatory and exploitative nature of this work. We are a one stop shop to help support all our client’s needs, including images, casting information, and confidence building. SIGNEDnyc has been in business for 4 years and we are now representing a committed cadre of clients to help them build their careers for years to come. It has been extremely rewarding witnessing the dreams of our clients come to fruition and we are looking forward to continuing to build our SIGNED community.

Malika , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Malika Miller and I am a full time model and founder of SIGNEDnyc. I began modeling while earning a BA in communications at The College of New Jersey where I played basketball. While at TCNJ I worked many part-time jobs, including Hooters, to pay for tuition and board. I was told numerous times I should try modeling. Honestly it was always in the back of my mind but I didn’t quite know if I wanted to pursue it. As time continued I was asked by multiple friends to help support and model for their brands. I realized maybe this is for me and began my research. My obsession with the modeling industry kept me up at night, always confiding in my mentor Ryle Watson who would teach me many aspects of the industry. Through hard work, determination and developing skills, things began to happen and soon after I signed to an agency in PA (now known as EWH management), then NYC, and beyond. My focus was always having longevity in the field. I didn’t want to work any other jobs, all I wanted to do was make an impact on the field of modeling. With the help of a great mother agent, agencies, and my strong connections to my clients I can now say I am a full time model of almost 10 years. It has truly been such an incredible ride working for all sorts of brand and meeting so many phenomenal people. I wouldn’t trade it for anything! What led me to start SIGNEDnyc was hearing the reoccurring question “how do I become a model?” I felt like I had the information and resources to help those around me get started so I decided to make it a business. SIGNEDnyc started in 2019 as a one stop shop for all modeling needs. My team and I provided guidance and developed those looking to start their modeling career or improve it. The business was highly successful and I shifted gears to the next level to focus on becoming a mother agent. Essentially, this is managing and developing scouted models to help them build their careers and get them multiple placements for years to come. In order to still provide information to the public we have created short interview styled segments on Instagram called “Model Talk Mondays.” Both Dominic (my husband) and myself chat with models, entrepreneurs, photographers, and industry folk to share and discuss topics related to the modeling world. This way our viewers get real information from people who are actually in the field. The niche thing about SIGNEDnyc is that both Dominic and I are models, so we get it, we understand. I strive to help our models learn and not repeat the mistakes I may have made along the way. There is nothing that makes me happier than to see one of our models book a campaign or get offered a contract they really want. I have their dreams and goals in my hands and I don’t take that lightly, its a big responsibility.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

When I started my business, like many creatives, I had the image of how I wanted it to be in my head. Although my vision was there, the knowledge of how to properly run my business was lacking. I had no clue what I was doing, I just started. They say that is the toughest part sometimes, “starting,” and I had gotten over that hump but there was SOOOOOO much to learn. I had to unlearn always being in control and thinking I know the answers. There is a TON of ground work to be done in order to have a successful business and its a constant 24/7 job. You have to be willing to learn, unlearn, morph, and transform. I was rigid in my ways when I began and felt that I could build as I go, which worked in some ways, but having a marketing plan and being organized for the sake of our clients in crucial. My advice to anyone starting a business: do your research and get all the resources you possibly can to learn the tools that you will need. Whether it be how to fund, structure, manage, or launch your business, each and everything plays such a vital role in the process!

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

I love this question because my business partner happens to be my husband, Dominic. We met on set at a photoshoot back in 2015 and kept seeing each other in passing at agency parties or castings. Three years later we would both happen to be working in Miami at the same time. Dominic was shooting a reality show and I was there modeling during the season. We dated briefly but he left to model in Europe and wouldn’t return for another 3 years. In 2021 we rekindled our connection. Fast forward to May 4th, 2024, Dominic and I married in an amazing ceremony and party celebrating with our many models, friends and family. It became clear that Dominic and I would make amazing partners not only in marriage but in business. Initially I was nervous because they say you shouldn’t mix business with pleasure but it’s truly been a great experience thus far. We both offer different perspectives for our models and truly love what we do. We are a team, he has the best interest of the business & of our models, at heart. He wants us to win. I couldn’t ask for a better teammate especially when I need some reassurance or guidance.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://signednyc.com
• Instagram: signed_nyc

Image Credits

Carlephoto
Keith Majors
Fernando Freire
Benjamin Sturgill
Skye Johnson
Yoko J
Fred Magalhaes