Hidden Gems: Meet Deb Williams – Entrepreneur

Today we’d like to introduce you to Deb Williams

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey begins as “Ms. Deb, the insurance lady” owning my own independent insurance agency in Grand Rapids for over 25 years. Over the past ten (10) years I have morphed into “Ms. Deb, the model lady”. I started working with my first local modeling agency at 48. I had no knowledge of the industry but relied on my sales background. It was a real learning experience. Every casting, commercial or print job I began watching and observing every thing that goes into a successful shoot. I booked my first runway show at 50 and working with the younger models was enjoyable. At one point, I was signed with six (6) agencies in three (3) states and had a really good understanding of what is required to stay actively booked. My desire grew into teaching and training more mature models to join me. So I started training other mature models. However I was also approached by younger models to assist in their growth and changed my format to assisting models ages 5 and up. I gather additional training from a few mentors (Madeline Zackery, Eugene Wilborn and Jeremy Cornelius) and started coaching and coordinating models for local fashion shows. Then Covid came along and most shows and bookings stopped but the models remained consistent in their desire to keep training. Covid taught us how to “work from home” and agencies requested auditions/castings be recorded/uploaded from home. So models had to pivot to online auditions and that required additional training. Social media also became more of a tool for models to showcase their talents. So in the middle of Covid, I relocated to Chicago to be closer to family, rebranded and launch a mother agency #616Model Management, LLC. The agency can now offer training in person and remote. Providing training, exposure and opportunities in multiple states. We have grown to over 50+ models in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin. We partnered with larger organizations throughout the year to provide the models with larger opportunities to be seen by agencies all over the country (ex: LaunchShowcase.com, ClickCon, Chicago Fashion Week). Most models come to us because they want to get into the business but they just don’t know how. So we provide the HOW … we get them prepared … build up their confidence … provide opportunities … and assist with their ultimate goal to get signed and booked. We currently have several models that are freelancing or with agencies and actively working in the industry! I have recently formed another partnership with Anna Coyle and Jason Arntz called Cor3 Talent, LLC as a founding member and launched a booking agency. It will be a cutting-edge talent agency, in collaboration with our esteemed sister company, Studio Cor3. So I’m now doing double duty as a mother agency and booking agent! My goal is to gain more knowledge on the booking agency side of the business. Working directly with companies and their marketing vision and placing models on paid bookings. This has been quite the journey over a ten year process and its still evolving so stay tuned!

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not been a smooth road but it has been a natural progression. This industry is full of NO’s so you have to develop a thick skin to keep a positive mindset. Rejection can be hard to deal with and most models have what I refer to as “pretty privilege”. Which means most things in life have come easy to them because they are attractive. So I always ask the question “what do you do when you are in a room full of pretty people”? You have to be more than just pretty. You have to be interesting, carry a conversation, know your why, practice your craft and most of all learn how to compete and sell yourself. What makes you unique? One of my main mottos for models is “Get Ready Stay Ready”… and the second one is “Some will some won’t so what … next!” #KeepItMoving I have been in sales for most of my adult life so you learn how to handle the NO, get to the point, sell yourself/product, talk to a lot of people and not take it personal. You or your product is not for every body. Learn your niche. You will never know unless you ask. A NO is never a NO … just a NOT right now!

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I have been a licensed insurance agent for over 35+ years. I had an insurance agency in Grand Rapids for over 25 years providing auto and home insurance to the local community. I proudly displayed my photo on all marketing material so that customers in my community would know that I was a minority agency. I maintained an office and presence in Grand Rapids until Covid and moved to home/remote office. Relocated to Chicago in 2021 and after losing my sister to both cancer and Covid in 2021 switched my focus to more life and group supplemental insurance products. I am currently licensed in multiple states which allows me to do business in multiple states remotely. I am fortunate enough to maintain my life customers in Grand Rapids while joining a team of dedicated agents in Chicago that works with the City of Chicago and their largest group account of over 38,000 employees. This allows me an amazing opportunity to get out and into my new community and began building my own team of agents in both locations. Life insurance is needed in “our” community and beneficial for those left with the financial burden. So my focus is more on Life, cancer, critical illness and accident insurance. Did you know 63% of cancer patients and loved ones reported financial struggles following a cancer, critical illness (heart attack or stoke) diagnosis? Did you know nearly 70% of Americans would find it difficult to meet their current financial obligations if their next paycheck was delayed for a week if they were off work due to an accident or critical illness? Not to mention those that are self employed, part time or temporary workers. I can help with insurance protection plans that provide a CASH benefit. What sets me apart is that I have a sincere passion to help that stems from my own family situation. I care about each and every one of my customers.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I apply the same mothering instincts to both of my businesses (insurance and modeling). Providing guidance to both so they know how much I care in looking out for their best interest. I enjoy talking to people and getting to know them better in order to assist with their needs and goals. Life has a way of showing us patterns and cycles. The older I get and experience more full circle moments, the more I realize everything and everyone is connected. I am thankful for the journey.

Pricing:

• Call, text or email for personal or business Insurance quotes
• We audition for new models twice a year (April and October)
• $75 Registration and $15 Monthly Fee

Contact Info:

• Website: https://616modelmanagement.com
• Instagram: @616Models
• Facebook: Deb Williams Agency and 616Model Management and personal Facebook is Debra Williams