Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Marie Brandon.
Hi Danielle Marie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
A few years prior to me establishing my mother agency, I was cheering in the NFL for the Jacksonville Jaguars. I had to cut my season short due to being diagnosed with cancer. I then moved to Texas to be closer to family for more support as I was going through that. Fast forward a few years, I decided to take a leap of faith and start EIRAM Model Management during the COVID-19 pandemic. I felt it was the perfect time while the world was shutdown. I went with a friend and found a suite off of K Ave in Plano. While it did not look like something with old blue carpet not only on the floors, but the walls too! I saw the vision and remodeled it. It did not hit me until I walked in and saw EIRAM Model Management in huge letters on the wall. I officially established EIRAM October 1, 2020, signed my first model October 12, 2020. Booked with so many well known brands thus far. Attending one of the best scouting showcases that help bring visibility and placement for my models. For my 5th year anniversary as a gift to the agency, I moved to a location in Dallas. The one then and now that will never change and keep a fire lit under me is seeing in real time changing so many lives and watching them accomplish their goals and dreams.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road growing my agency. The no’s I can deal with. The doubters I never paid attention to. The long nights and early mornings, I am use to. The biggest thing for me is my social anxiety. From the outside looking in with the accolades I have, it would come as a shock to people but they do not know what goes on from inside. Trying to establish a business while having diagnosed social anxiety is not for the faint of hearts. Not wanting to put myself in the forefront of my agency made it difficult, because naturally people will be skeptical not knowing who is the person behind the business. I would go to events to try and establish myself, but found myself in my head in my vehicle and leave or I would go to corners and just observe. I was on that repeat cycle for almost two years before I decided if I truly wanted to get established and grow I had to take control of what kept me from excelling. So, I started therapy and created ways to cope with my social anxiety. Having social anxiety has made this journey difficult, but like any other road there will be speed bumps, stop signs, pot holes, etc. but I will always make it to my destination, God willing.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
EIRAM Model Management is a mother agency based in Dallas that was established in 2020. I focus on developing new faces, placement with larger agencies, and career management for all markets. I am known for our diverse roster and dedicated time to develop new faces. What sets my agency apart is my focus on quality, not quantity. Instilling in my models and talent that getting in the door is one thing, but staying in and opening up new doors is another. Establishing a solid foundation is the most important thing to starting on this journey. Remain open minded when starting and trust the process. It takes dedication and consistently working on your craft to keep growing in this industry. My proudest moments come from seeing my models grow and watching them accomplish their goals and dreams in real time. Truly feels like a proud “mother” moment.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
My advice for networking is start early in life and maintain connections. Reflecting on my own experience, I recognize I should have utilized my network better. I was always the person that did my part and then went home. No engagement, no hanging out, no real conversing while in those spaces. Now that I have focused on managing my social anxiety and actually networking, it has made such a huge difference in my life professional and personal life. My advice for networking is be genuine, do not think someone is not an “important” person to speak to, and most importantly be yourself. You will not be everyone’s cup of tea, but being authentically you will align you with who and what is for you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.eirammodel.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eirammodels?igsh=ems1MTVpeWJ6Zzg2&utm_source=qr
