Ashley Stetts

Ashley Stetts, also known as Ashley Gerson, is the founder of Stetts Model Management, a modeling agency based in New York City, Los Angeles, and Miami. She established the agency in April 2015, originally starting it as a fitting modeling agency while she was still working as a model herself. Over the years, Stetts Model Management has evolved into a prominent agency known for its commitment to diversity and inclusivity within the modeling industry.124

Background and Experience

Before founding Stetts Model Management, Ashley Stetts worked as a model for 15 years. Her experience in the industry informed her vision for the agency, which emphasizes representation across various dimensions including size, gender, age, and ability. Stetts Model Management is particularly recognized for its strong curve board and its efforts to represent models from all backgrounds.23

Agency Philosophy

Stetts Model Management prides itself on being women-owned and women-run, focusing on creating a supportive community for models. The agency has a unique approach that includes not only traditional modeling but also a newly formed division for content creators. This reflects the changing dynamics of the modeling industry and the increasing demand for diverse representation.12

Community Engagement

In addition to its modeling services, Stetts Model Management is involved in philanthropic efforts. Ashley has committed to donating 10% of the agency's annual profits to support maternal care programs through partnerships with organizations like African Mission Healthcare.23 This initiative showcases her dedication to making a positive impact beyond the fashion industry.

Challenges and Growth

Ashley faced significant challenges while building her agency, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when she was pregnant with her daughter. Despite these hurdles, she successfully navigated the crisis by fostering a family-like environment within her small team and maintaining open communication about business decisions.24

Overall, Ashley Stetts has made significant contributions to the modeling industry through her advocacy for inclusivity and her innovative approach to talent management.