Our Story
About SL Models & Talent Agency
A world-renowned boutique agency born from a singular vision — to elevate diverse talent onto the national and international stage with uncompromising excellence.
Est. September 2019
Where It All Began
Established in September of 2019 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, SL Models & Talent Agency, LLC emerged as one of the leading national and internationally recognized boutique agencies in the industry. From its inception, SLMTA was built on a foundation of distinction — representing a diverse and extraordinary pool of professional, celebrity-caliber, and newly trained talent across runway, print, commercial advertising, competition-based dance, vocal performance, fine art, and acting, for talent of all ages from five and up.
What sets SLMTA apart in this highly competitive landscape is our singular and unparalleled niche: the seamless integration of both a Fashion Division and a Lifestyle Division under one prestigious roof. This dual-division architecture allows us to serve the full spectrum of creative talent and client demand with a level of sophistication that few agencies in the world can match.
Our Journey
A Legacy in the Making
2020
Classic Trends & Southeast Expansion
In 2020, SLMTA launched its celebrated 40+ Fashion Division — now known as SLMTA Classic Trends — which swiftly became the most sought-after resource for local, regional, and national advertisers targeting that distinguished demographic. That same year, in response to surging demand across the Southeastern tri-city corridor, SLMTA Chattanooga opened its Southeast Division, extending the agency's reach and influence across the region.
2021
Pro Talent Division & SAG/AFTRA
In 2021, SLMTA initiated the formal process of franchising with SAG/AFTRA, giving rise to the SLMTA Pro Talent Division for comprehensive Talent Management Services. This milestone opened the door to union contracts and elevated the agency's capacity to represent on-camera and commercial talent at the highest professional level. The SLMTA Youth Division — Young SLMTA Talent — was also formalized, ensuring that emerging talent of all ages receives the same world-class representation.
2022
Fashionista Studio & International Division
Recognizing the untapped potential of emerging talent, SLMTA launched Fashionista Studio — a sister company dedicated to developing, training, showcasing, and promoting new models and talent regardless of prior experience. Graduates of Fashionista Studio are invited to apply for full SLMTA representation, creating a seamless pipeline from discovery to the global stage. This year also marked the establishment of the SLMTA International Fashion Representation Division and the Talent International Certified Division, both helmed by the world-renowned Achraf Taoussi, representing international models and talent from ages five to thirty-five.
Influential MODA
SLMTA Influential MODA
With the ascendance of social media as the defining force in modern marketing, SLMTA positioned itself at the vanguard of this transformation. The SLMTA Influential MODA division was established to provide clients with influential talent possessing a commanding and authentic social media presence — bridging the worlds of high fashion and digital culture with precision and prestige.
2023 & Beyond
ArtistGALA USA & The Fashion Tour
The horizon of SLMTA's ambition continues to expand. ArtistGALA USA, LLC was established to provide a grand convention venue where models and talent compete for awards, prizes, prestige, and recognition — and to confer Award Pageant Recognitions celebrating Diversity, Community Service, Artistic Excellence, and Accountability. Simultaneously, the SLMTA Fashion Tour Division was created to showcase fashion designers and models at regional, national, and international venues, with the Celeb Talent Tours by SLMTA to follow. SLMTA is actively seeking experienced models and talent with resumes, reels, and updated portfolio work.
Our Standard
A Representation Agency. Not a Training School.
SLMTA is a professional representation agency. We do not operate as a training agency or school. Our Fashionista Studio sister company exists to develop emerging talent — but SLMTA itself represents only those ready to perform at the highest level. We look forward to working with you.
Leadership
The Faces Behind SLMTA
Dr. Samuel Lombardo
Founder & CEO
Achraf Taoussi
Director of International Affairs & Haute Couture
Joel Orasma Martinez
South America Talent Scout & Model
Ready to Join the SLMTA Family?
Whether you are an experienced professional or an emerging talent with a compelling story to tell, we invite you to take the next step.
Apply for Representation