The Lions Founder Ali Kavoussi on How to Make It as a Model: From Staying Confident to Finding the Right Agent

The world is your runway! And few people know better than Ali Kavoussi, founding father of The Lions Management, the company behind icons like Alessandra Ambrosio, Candice Swanepoel, Coco Rocha, Kate Upton, Stella Maxwell, Behati Prinsloo, Amelia Gray Hamlin, and more well-known faces.

Now, the managing associate, identified for locating and nurturing rising stars, is telling ET precisely what it takes to land covers, e book exhibits, and break into one in every of vogue’s most competitive industries.

While your stroll and poses may already be strong, Kavoussi believes true success begins before you step in entrance of the digicam.

“We start with personality, story, and style and build everything from there. … Every person we represent has a point of view and we make sure the world sees it. … It’s not just about beauty. It’s presence, authenticity, and curiosity.”

From there, dedication to the craft is every part.

“One of the most surprising things about modeling is how much hard work, discipline, and self-awareness it requires. … It’s about showing up on time, being professional, understanding your brand, and building real relationships.”

And via all of it, believing in your self is key.

“Watching a model that everyone once overlooked walk the biggest runway in the world never gets old,” the businessman notes.

“I always tell the girls to fake it till you make it. Even if you’re nervous, walk in like you belong in the room, because you do,” he provides.

Just as important: Having the proper team behind you.

“It’s all about alignment. … Modeling can be overwhelming. You’re traveling constantly and signing major deals. An agent becomes your anchor. They fight for you and help you make the right long-term choices,” he shares.

This contains discovering methods to make supermodels triple threats via his progressive strategy with shoppers, whether or not it is at the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in Brooklyn, New York, or in ALO’s Luxe Bag campaign. 

“As we grow, my vision is to keep building a powerhouse that blends legacy names with the next generation of icons. … Seeing Amelia evolve into a creative force and Candice launch her brand are full circle moments,” Kavoussi says.

“My job is to protect individuality and make sure it translates from the runway, to a brand deal, to a single Instagram post. … We believe that a model can be an entrepreneur, a storyteller, and a brand,” he continues.

Of course, realizing your angles never hurts both.

“It’s an art form. The more you shoot, the better you get. … Study light and be patient with yourself. It’s a lot of trial and error. And never underestimate the value of a great photographer,” he spills.

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