We were lucky to catch up with Sheree Hartwell recently and have shared our conversation below.

Sheree, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I had been modeling during high school for local brands and fashion shows when I had the opportunity to work in Milan, Italy for the summer. I had just turned 18 years old and thought I knew it all :) Although I enjoyed modeling, I began to realize while living in the model apartment that I had much more of an interest in the business side of the industry. I found myself rearranging the model portfolios for my roommates, inquiring why they were working with certain clients that others weren’t, and trying to understand the rates and negotiations. I was enthralled by it all.

Sheree, 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?

Hi there, My name is Sheree Hartwell and I have been in the fashion industry for the last 30 years. I got signed with the agency that I currently own, Ford/Robert Black Agency when I was 12 years old. I got the interview after winning a dance competition for my tap routine. I worked as a model with clients in the local Arizona market during high school and college. After a stint in Milan, my eyes were opened to the European market and my intrigue for the business side of our industry peaked. I went to college to study fashion and advertising and tried to learn all I could. During my senior year of college, I needed an internship to graduate, so I connected with Robert Black, the owner at the time. He said that he would love to have me, but I would have to come off the roster as a model. That was no problem to me, as I was ready to make the transition to the other side of the business.

After graduating from college, I accepted a job in San Francisco as an agent working on the women’s board. The door had been opened and during the 5 years at that agency I received what I would equate to a master’s degree in the industry. I was 22 years old when I started there and had no prior booking experience, so I had to learn very quickly to prove myself.

I moved back to Arizona as my mother was ill and I needed to be with her. I called Robert Black and told him I would be returning and at 27 years old, I asked him if he would ever sell his company to me. I wanted to work as an agent in the Arizona market, but also wanted to secure a future for myself with ownership.

That was 18 years ago and although there have been many challenges and hurdles along the way, it was one of the best decisions I have made.

As a full-service agency, we currently represent over 350 models, actors, voice-over talent, kids, hair/makeup artists, wardrobe stylists, and photographers. I have a fantastic, tenured staff and feel very blessed to work with the talent that we do.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Every day I wake up with the excitement of what new project, model/talent, or opportunity will happen at the agency. After being in the business for over 2 decades I have come to realize that there is never a day that is the same. This means that there are always new opportunities for our talent and new directions in which we can guide them. My goal is to help create long-term careers for our talent that are rooted in a solid foundation preparing them for every facet of our business. I hope that we help to transcend their trajectory in the most positive way.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

When I first bought this agency, I was very young and was without a business background. I had never hired/fired anyone, looked at a profit/loss statement, or knew how to manage people. Throughout the turbulent times when I didn’t feel equipped in my position, I continued to lead with my ethics and morals which I believe has aided in the success of the business. I believed in myself and knew that I would quickly learn these things and add those skills to my toolkit. Today I am grateful to have had the experiences when I really had to dig-deep as they helped to shape me into the entrepreneur and leader I am today.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.fordrba.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fordrba/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fordrba
• Other: @fordrbatalent

Image Credits
Brad Reed Photography,