We had the good fortune of connecting with Brigitte Heininger and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Brigitte, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Models, clients and friends had been telling me to start my on business for a while. For me it was an organic process, starting from accounting all the way to developing and managing international divisions. It was a natural growth process to start my own agency and there is always room for somebody new with an innovative twist in this business. I chose my model agency to be inclusive, diverse, environmentally aware and internationally remote. Our slogan is “Do you want to be linked?”
What should our readers know about your business?
LinkModels International is a model agency. Thinking about the environmental impact and carbon footprint of the modeling industry, I decided that our company should make a difference. We were the first remote modeling agency, allowing our agents to work from locations across the globe and reduce our carbon emissions. This was not an easy accomplishment in the early days of remote offices, but with perseverance, the right network and a lot of coffee in the morning and red wine at night we were able to build a portal connecting our international models to the market. Additionally, we are exploring how we can help make the fashion industry more sustainable and climate friendly. For example, our travel related carbon emissions could be offset through community-based mangrove conservation, as is currently being achieved in Kenya at the world’s first “blue carbon” project that I was fortunate to visit prior to the COVID19 pandemic.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I came to Miami in the late 80’s and i have grown with and love this city. Miami is a city on the ocean and I love taking my friends sailing in Biscayne Bay where on lucky days we see dolphins swimming in our wake. We then sail into Hurricane Harbor on Key Biscayne and have something sustainable on the menu with an ice cold local brew. My all time favorite are stone crabs at Joe’s or sometimes we are blessed and my husband catches them fresh. Wynwood is always good for checking out local artists, and if you are really lucky you catch us at a full moon party on SOBE. Of course we will end the night at the oldest bar in Miami, Club Deuce.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
YES! It’s definitely a team effort. It was a long time coming. In my 30+ years experience in the modeling business I have had the pleasure of meeting some amazing, smart, talented, creative and beautiful people who kept telling me to open my own agency, that they would love to see it happen and support me. My heartfelt thanks for the support, love and encouragement goes to the global community of models and clients I call friends.
Website: https://linkmodelsinternational.com
Instagram: @linkmodels_international