Conversations with the Inspiring Natalie Fletcher

Natalie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
When I was a little girl, a model came to my elementary school for career day. That was the day that changed my life. She played a television commercial that was all of 60 seconds long and after she played it she told us just how long it took to make it. I was hooked. And I found my young self fascinated wondering how can something so short take so long to make.

As a teenager, I would spend hours with my best friend going through stacks of ELLE Magazines tearing out pages. Cutting out countless pictures of models and gluing them in different environments. We made the impossible possible.

After earning my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Advertising and Public Relations, I held several different positions but I loved Art Buying.  I left advertising to become a Studio Manager for a commercial photographer.  Shortly after, I became a mother for the first time and then before I knew it I was expecting my second child.  Some time passed and I became a Producer for another commercial photographer and I worked with him for many years. He suggested that I start my own modeling agency knowing how I always loved working closely with models. So, I did! I am very proud to say that I have been the Owner|Director of nxt|MODEL (formally Natalie Lynn Models) & Natalie Lynn Talent for over eight years now.

Has it been a smooth road?
In the beginning, the road wasn’t always smooth.  When I started Natalie Lynn Models in April 2011, I was self-taught so it was a learning lesson with some peaks and valleys and looking back I would not change anything because it brought me to where I am now.  My internal team, actors, and models in those early days and currently deserve a lot of the credit for growing not just with the agencies but, growing with me as well. So, a heartfelt thank you to Christine Reed, Mike Kane, Sky Sigue, Kerry Barley, Brenda Voglewede, Sarah Garcia, and Nick Anderson.  Without them, the agencies would not be where they are today. And for all of you out there, whether you are young or old, do not give up. No matter what the odds are, no matter what anyone else says, if you work hard enough you can be successful. It takes blood, sweat, and tears but in the end, it’s all worth it. Dreams do come true. Most of all… never give up.

Looking back on your childhood, what experiences do you feel played an important role in shaping the person you grew up to be?
I always loved to create and play when I was young. Whether that was making collages from magazines, mud pies in my back yard or putting caterpillars on my Fisher Price toys (as if they were playing in the park), I always have thought outside of the box. My art classes in elementary school also taught me new ways to express myself as an artist.  That art room was my sanctuary, it was a place for me to dream and make whatever my ideas and concepts were real.  It helped build my confidence in my art and in myself which led me down the path of being an Owner|Director to nxt|MODEL & Natalie Lynn Talent.