We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Malissa Young. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Malissa below.
Malissa, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?
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.
BICOASTAL MGMT represents Models and Talent of all types with offices in New York City and Los Angeles. Founded in 2009 by Fit Model veteran Malissa Young, BICOASTAL MGMT has found fit models for small design houses and large household name brands. We represent fit models of ALL shapes and sizes for size sets, curvy fits, standard production or runway fit. With fashion, commercial, print, parts, showroom and runway models, as well as the top fit models in the industry, we are truly full service.BICOASTAL MGMT takes pride in being at the forefront of the body positivity and inclusivity movement since our inception across all boards. For us, it’s a mindset not a trend. We strive to set ourselves apart with our personal and warm approach to every client and project. Model founded and run, we treat our models with integrity and respect.
The Print & Commercial departments represent a substantial range of experienced and professional talent from high fashion and beauty to lifestyle and fitness. We are honored to work for names and brands such as MAC, Maybelline, L’OREAL, CK, Ralph Lauren, Prada, VOGUE, ELLE, NYLON, GQ, Tiffany’s, Target, Macy’s, Apple, Adidas, Nike, Under Armour, and 11 Honoré, Torrid, amongst others.
And we give back, too, because at the end of the day it’s about making a difference. Our favorite causes of late are Madre, Unicef, Friends of the Earth and Save the Children.
Malissa Young Management was a natural offspring of BICOASTAL MGMT. Her foray into management began quite organically but was a true calling as a natural networker and connector.
Actors signed to BICOASTAL MGMT often asked to get into rooms for auditions, so doing what she loves, Malissa did her best to get it done. Reel edits, headshot selection, and pitching were becoming a regular part of her day, though BICOASTAL MGMT had been known as a model and talent agency in LA and model management company in NYC that focused on fit models, fashion, commercial and print. In order to truly function as a manager, Malissa spun off Malissa Young Management in 2018 with a smaller selection of clients. With talent based all over the country, Malissa is now proud to have clients known for their roles in film, tv or stage productions that can be seen on network TV, Amazon, Netflix, and more as well as budding writers.
We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.
My business partnership evolved naturally as we grew. I realized my husband/partner Joshua Young was a natural choice to lead the financial components of our business as I focused on what we can call sourcing talent, sales and marketing. He was at Merrill Lynch at the time in financial planning and was already helping with spillover in billing as we had two small children (two under two)! My bookkeeper was from a slow worker with limited time, and Josh being the chivalrous type just offered to take over all of the invoicing/check writing. Eventually we knew we needed him full time and our partnership evolved. As we work very closely, he is my sounding board and support system on all fronts. I know lots of couples who say they could never work with their spouse, but I think we are very lucky to spend so much time together and also understand our work lives so clearly.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
I am debt adverse and cautious about sharing ownership, so the initial business was built off my existing assets and no partners or significant investment (office space/employees) took place until we had established revenue. I know this is a luxury for a business owner, and if you have a product you are creating, it can be difficult if not impossible; but since most businesses fail it is ideal to keep financial risks low. I don’t think I made much income, if any, year one, but having savings and support at home was helpful and allowed me to work for free or close to free while our business grew.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.malissayoungmgmt.com and www.bicoastalmgmt.com
- Instagram: @malissayoungmgmt and @bicoastalmgmt
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BICOASTALMGMT/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bicoastalmgmt/
Image Credits
Sieta Leon (Featured photo)
Sam Braslow-for the party shots