We recently connected with MSDENISHIA and have shared our conversation below.

MSDENISHIA, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

Image growing up in a town where no one in your neighborhood or schools had the same dreams or ideas in life. Then you make up your mind that you can, and you will find a way to make your own dreams come true. So now you have to figure it out all by yourself on how to get started. This is when I looked in the yellow pages back in the 1980’s to find a Modeling agency in Tulsa, Ok. Well lucky me there was one! I called the Linda Lyman agency and spoke to Linda directly. She set up an in-person appointment. I had to audition by walking but did not have any real Model photos at the time. Linda listed me as one of her new Runway Models. I remember booking my first professional fashion show with the agency while still in high school. I loved being on the Runway in front of a live audience. This was the beginning of taking more risk to pursue my goals of becoming a Model in the Big City of New York. I continued to search for more opportunities in the field of Modeling. Although I had not made a paycheck with mentioning at this point it didn’t matter because I found my passion. I told myself if I keep gaining experience eventually, I will be paid enough to have a real Modeling career. I also knew in order for this to be possible it meant I needed to move to a major market. Shortly after graduating I relocated to Brooklyn, NY leaving my entire family behind. As a teenager I was pretty fearless and ready to take on the world which is exactly what I did never to look back.

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.

Born as Denishia C Moore in Tulsa, Ok. This was also the home of Black Wallstreet in the Greenwood District just 5 miles from my residence. My mother still lives in the same neighborhood and Greenwood has been rebuilt but history is still unknown to the majority of the world. As a little black girl from Tulsa, where people that looked like me can be murdered without justice, I knew that I had to be more than a survivor which meant leaving my entire family behind. This is a story about determination, self-love, leadership and mindset to want better for myself and future children. I never use the past as a crutch or excuse but instead as strength to “keep it on push” now the motto I live by. So, it came to no surprise that relocating to New York needed to be figured out to pursue my childhood goals of becoming a Model. Before leaving my hometown, I entered a model completion that took place in New York. I knew a photographer that told me if you can get to New York, find a place to stay and show up to compete he would get me into the competition without the entry cost and individual category fees over $500. I had been making my own money as a babysitter since I was 11 years old, I knew how to save money at a young age. Therefore, the plan was to drive my Honda Accord Hatchback to NY. Me and my then boyfriend drove 24 hours. The main expense was gas. Luckly, we were able to stay with his family in Brooklyn. Yep, it was in the cards that I would meet someone in Tulsa going to college, but he was from NY. And coincidentally, we met a fashion show rehearsal backstage afterwards. I could not believe I made it to the future city where my Modeling career would be starting soon! New York immediately felt like a second home. I learned a lot during the short visit and did pretty good at the competition for having no previous Model coaching to help. I competed in categories for most photogenic and the Runway division. While competing, I was discovered by Grace Del Marco a NY Agency. The head of the agency Dee Simmons told me if I ever moved to NY, she would work with me. I’ve come to discover that Ophelia DeVore was an American businesswoman, publisher, and model. She was the first model of African American descent in the United States. Her an I share the same Birthday August 12th. In 1946, she helped establish the Grace Del Marco Agency, one of the first modeling agencies in America. At eh age of 19, the time had finally come for me to relocate to New York. I hit the grand running. My first meeting was as Grace Del Marco Agency on the 31st floor in the empire state building. It felt like my first time on an elevator…lol. I walked in with excitement; my dreams were now a reality. I was living in New York for real! Dee was happy to see me. She kept her word and signed me on the spot. I had to attend several Runway classes, setup photo shoots, buy a model portfolio and get comp cards to be prepared for client auditions. The training was intense now that I was in a much bigger market. I quickly understood the seriousness of the Modeling business. Things were moving fast, I never images being an actor, but Dee booked me for my first speaking role on the Cosby Show. Shortly. I found myself setting trends as a Salon House Model for John Atchison hairstylist to The Stars. There were days I would be sitting right next to a major celebrity. Well, it went as fast as it came! in only a few short years, in the late 90’s along with my now Family, we relocated from the Big Apple to the Mini Apple (Minneapolis). I could not believe I was starting all over again in a mid-size market. But I soon discovered, I was a big fish in a small pond unlike NY as a small fish in a larger pond. I used all the Modeling skills and industry knowledge to my advantage. I knew how this business worked right? Wrong! What I didn’t know is that in a smaller market, the major agencies and clients already had their favorite Models they booked regularly. Coming from Tulsa, going to NY then Minnesota I figured out how to adjust sooner than later. I did my research found the best agencies and setup appointments. Although I got signed to every agency I applied to. The downfall as the New Model in the area, it took almost 2 years to become a favorite. I did start working as a full time Model and quit my retail job. The blessing in disguise was that the agencies wanted me to train the other Models for Fashion Shows since I was considered a NY Fashion Model. One specific agency in MN would let me know that all the Models I trained were booking their first paid Fashion Shows. They kept sending me aspiring Model clients and this is where my new adventure began as a Runway Coach. In 2006 I started a Modeling Boot Camp “Be The Star That You Are!” for straight to the point industry training combined with experience, industry trade and skill sets taught from a NY perspective with an exclusive vibe. Being the first of its kind to train Models at any level, the word spread like gossip…lol. My MBC Program became known nationwide to be one of the best. I had Models come as far as San Diego, DC, Kansas City and Nebraska. With this kind of success, I took the MBC Program to Atlanta, Reighley, Virgina, Atlantic City and Bowie, MN. You can add to my list of national and international clients from Detroit, North Dekota, Wisconsin and Africa virtually. You did not find working Models willing to give up their resources and be a cheerleader for other Models to succeed. As homecoming queen once in my life, I know the importance of cheerleaders for motivation to thrive. It was clear, I found my true purpose! As a professional Model turned educator, I help beginners avoid the many pits falls along the way. and established models rebrand to take their careers to the next level. My client’s success is my success. Our MBC Programs offers an opportunity to gain valuable industry information, and Modeling skills that can be applied to any number of professions throughout their lives. We provide hands on training with industry professionals. The program had grown so that I was able to open THE MODEL BOUTIQUE & CO. LLC in 2018. Here is where we empower our clients. The process is to understand they can be in control of their own careers if they believe in themselves and take the necessary steps. I let them know there are no short cuts or overnight success, you MUST do the work! My clients have access to me for a lifetime of guidance at no additional cost. They are no longer alone in their Modeling journey. The Summer Camp for Kids launched in 2021 during COVID to help with the disconnect of our youth ages 5 to 18 years old during this trying time for us all I later focused on supporting my Youth and Teens Outreach Program by creating a platform without judgement where all were welcome. Now more than ever our communities needed a positive outlet to foster creativity toward a brighter future. The summer programs have proven to build confidence, self-love, personal development, life skills and enrich the lives of our youth/teens especially amongst the black and brown skin. I have excepted my responsibility as a Black Woman Owned Business. Parents have appreciated my mentorship. Many express how they have been scammed in the past but learned more from me for a lot less. Thus led me to be best known as MSDENISHIA THE TOP MODEL COACH. Since 2006 we have been giving back in style through Fashion Show Fundraisers. These are volunteer opportunities to showcase my MBC Alumni as well as bring awareness to a worthy cause. We have raised thousands of dollars for organizations national and local such as Susan G. Komen, Toys for Tots, Minnesota Food Shelf, Children with Autism Deserve Education (C.A.D.E.), Special Olympics, Youth with Vitiligo, Adopted Children with disabilities and not limited to individuals facing hardship. I’m most proud of having a business that has changed lives an according to one Mother MBC saved her daughter’s life. This was powerful to hear. MSDENISHIA™ became an official Brand in 2006. Someone once said to me “There was never a doubt in my mind that you have a level of passion that most can’t meet. With your help and passion, the sky is the limit.” The MBC programs are unlike any other that aspiring Models and Parents have been to before. We not only provide Runway coaching, skincare, fitness, nutrition, photo movement, the art to Modeling, portfolio building and model comp card services, we are the one stop shop from A to Z in Modeling. Our clients do not leave empty handed. The MBC Handbook is a guide to answer many unanswered questions along with do’s and don’ts, industry etiquette, how to submit to agencies, what to have in a Model bag, preparation for auditions and photo shoots and much much more. We also offer opportunities to have your makeup and hair professionally done during our photo shoots. The majority of our MBC Alumni are given a chance to walk for real designers during the Fashion Show Fundraisers. This alone is huge for a Model fresh out of Modeling Boot Camp. Some of our MBC Alumni are discovered at the fundraisers by local agencies and go on to get paid work. Although THE MODEL BOUTIQUE & CO. is the home of our MBC programs as a Modeling School it’s also a Talent Support Agency that can submit MBC Models for auditions and paid bookings. The Modeling Industry is forever changing. To have THE TOP MODEL COACH in your corner is priceless. Just know that as a working Model over 50 who walked in NY Fashion Week at age 52, I will always dream bigger! What do I say? “Keep it on push!”

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I may be The Top Model Coach, MN Super Model amongst my peers and local celebrity to some so with these credentials one may think I’ve made it right? Wrong! Being good or even considered the best does not always mean doors will open for you easier, sometimes it makes things harder. I used to believe if I work hard enough, put in sweat equity, be great my career would be rewarded. Yes, I have had a successful career compared to other aspiring Models. Yet being a Black Model held me back and my years of experience was ignored. In fact, the more popular I became in MN the less work started to come my ways. It was as if the industry was trying to limit me to how far I can go. I soon figured out it was not who you knew or who knew you but who knew you and wanted to help you succeed. Other way to look at it is to find a new circle of professionals that invite diversity economic inclusion without bias. Find those that want to celebrate you and your accomplishments. I had to tell myself to walk the walk, in hope that others will see that I can maintain success, and this is not a trend. By opening my own Modeling School, I help others in ways that I wish others had helped me. Based on the lack of community support for those who are considered not as popular yet, I decided to produce an Annual Achievements Award. The ceremony gave me an opportunity to honor MBC Alumni and leaders in the community that may not otherwise be recognized. I will never forget when a prominent Musical artist told me that they had never received an award in MN after performing for decades. This was heart felt because I can relate. After hearing this disappointment, I made a choice to present them with an Achievements Award that very same year. Reason being, I was a fan of their work, it was way overdue and more than well deserved! My conversations with industry professionals in positions to book my Models for paid opportunities has fallen on death ears. I won’t make a fuss if we not just as good if not better than the other Models they are booking through other agencies. I have received audition information days later then my white counterparts which is a huge disadvantage. I’ve learned there is a buddy system in the industry that I was unaware of until I became MSDENISHIA™ THE BRAND. I’m now being looked at as a threat. This took years to figure out and realize what was really going on right in front of me. Although I still don’t understand it, I had to start listen a little closer, pay more attention to people’s actions and the words they were saying to me. Many people have listened to me state what needs to happen in order for Models of color to grow and sustain their careers, but their actions spoke loud and clear that they are not willing to be an ally in making a difference to help us move further ahead. Instead of unlearning how to be great, I work on being undeniably greater. I did have to unlearn that friends or those that claim they like me do not owe me their support even if I feel it should be expected. Some people are simple not going to help you. Some people are simply not givers. Some people do not help out friends, family or people they know and that’s okay. I cannot reck my brain trying to solve this mystery because I never will…lol. If me being one of the best is intimidating that is not my problem. I had to stop relying on individuals for anything to do with the growth of my business. I went back to networking at events for answers that I did not have. This method has paid off. I am now starting to connect with other likeminded people within organizations whose vision is to partner, educate and support Black Women Owned and BIPOC Businesses to help us learn how to scale. I found out that complaining is a waste of time when I can be proactive in seeking out the handful of people who will celebrate me, support my mission and appreciate the effort I put forth. And these are the people I intend to keep finding one step at a time. What do I say, “keep it on push”!

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

You know the old saying “word of mouth is the best advertisement”, well in my case it’s definitely true! I must say that my clients have really be champions are referrals. Along with being found on Google, word of mouth is one of the best resources to me finding new clients. When clients leave a 5-star Google review with their experience it really helps the readers make a decision to register for our programs. I did try social media ads on Facebook and Instagram, but they did not work well for me. I’ve hired marketing companies to help promote and known of them had good results, I put ads in several different locations from restaurant menus, bathroom stalls, golf courses etc. yet in still none have produced the results as well as word of mouth in combination with Google. Many new clients find me online when searching for my services such as Modeling School or Modeling Agency.     

Contact Info:

• Website: https://topmodelcoach.com
• Instagram: @msdenishia
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/msdenishia/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/msdenishia/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/MSDENISHIA
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@topmodeltalkshow5887
• Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-mDL9DL4IFlt1wTzJTEU0A https://www.facebook.com/msdenishiamodelcoach https://www.instagram.com/topmodelcoach_msdenishia/ https://www.instagram.com/fashionshowfundraiserorg/

Image Credits
Chad Moon Janaye Johnson Paula Preston Ktyal Price Tim Pearson Brandon Woller The Model Boutique & Co.