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

Shaw, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

Under Shaw’s leadership, STRUT’s mission as the only fully Black owned agency is to promote and encourage diversity within the industry – on the catwalk and campaign. And to work behind the scenes to continue the struggle for representation. The agency books men and women reflecting the full tapestry of beauty and Shaw is on a personal mission to advocate for those not traditionally considered.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Shaw Bernard is on a mission to not just run the best modeling agency in New York City, but one that takes the mission of diversity and inclusion to heart and is integral to the company’s success. Shaw emigrated from Trinidad and Tobago in 2002. Born in 1988, she spent her teenage years in Brooklyn, Harlem and, for a quick bit, Maryland. As she grew older, she was frequently asked if she played basketball or if she was a model. At 6’1 it wasn’t the weirdest question. She wasn’t destined for the WNBA, so after enough prodding, at age 22 she decided to give modeling a go. But “Modeling While Black” is real and she was quickly confronted by the lack of diversity within the industry. Through frequent rejections, and frustrated tears, she was often told “sorry, we already have a Black model”. Shaw decided she could do better. In 2013 she started a “mother agency” and modeling school with a mission to elevate the experience for the young models participating both professionally and emotionally. She and her agents make sure these models are fully prepared and supported through the entire process. A few years later the company grew to become a full-service modeling agency with a roster of nearly 100 working models.

How’d you meet your business partner?

Shaw’s business partner used to be her boss when she worked in Early Childhood Administration. She worked there for a year and a half . Though it was an industry that she never imagined herself in, she was diligent and I soaked up all the information she could. She even began a Master’s program in Early Childhood Special Education and a Graduate Certification in Children’s Program Administrator Credential (CPAC). She approached Shaw to learn more about her business and on the spot made a declaration to invest in STRUT. They have been on this journey together for the last 2.5 years.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Holding on to STRUT for the last 10 years is Shaw’s demonstration of resilience. Throughout the years she has wanted to give up and many times and came close. Every time she was at her wits end, an opportunity would present itself to her to move to the next level. She has so many more things she would like to accomplish with STRUT Models and she continues to hold fast to the mission that she set forth on 10 years ago.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.strutmodels.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strutmodelsnyc/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strutmodels/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawbernard/