Today we’d like to introduce you to Becca Mikesell.
Hi Becca, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I actually started out in the industry as a wardrobe stylist. I went to the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, which gave me the opportunity to connect with a lot of other creatives. I started working with some of my photographer friends on portfolio shoots, styling the models and helping bring their concepts to life.
At the same time, I was working in operations for a small children’s wear company in Oakland. By 2015, I was in my early 20s and at that point where I was ready to try something new, so I applied for an assistant position at Scout Model Agency. I really had no idea where it would lead and now, somehow, I’m still here 11 years later lol!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Honestly, it was pretty smooth sailing until COVID hit. That was definitely the biggest obstacle in my career. I was briefly laid off, and during that time I decided to start my own mother agency, Blossom Scouting & Development. It ended up being a really exciting venture because I was building something of my own while scouting, developing, and booking models independently.
Once business started picking back up at Scout, I was brought back on and returned to the agency. I still have Blossom today, but it’s very much taken a back seat now that my focus is back on Scout.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
One of the things I love about working at a boutique modeling agency is the amount of creative freedom I have. I get to scout and develop models of all sizes, identities, and looks, and there’s something really exciting about discovering someone unique and helping them grow into a successful model. Watching that development happen and then seeing them book their first big job is honestly one of the best feelings.
I’m also very honest with my talent, but I want them to feel like they can confide in me, especially the younger girls who are just starting out. I think I naturally give off a little bit of motherly/big sister energy, which has become a big part of how I approach being an agent. I want my models to have the right guidance from the beginning so they feel supported, informed, and set up for success.
Unfortunately, there are so many stories of models being taken advantage of early in their careers because they simply don’t know any better yet. I’m very protective of my talent, and I want to make sure that is NOT their story.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I’m very passionate about dog rescue! I volunteer at Rocket Dog Rescue in Oakland, and over the past couple of years it’s become one of my favorite things to do. I’ve gotten involved in pretty much every way I can, from advocating and fostering to helping at events, grooming, photography, transporting dogs, and whatever else needs to be done.
I’ve always felt a really strong connection to animals, especially the ones that have been mistreated or had a rough start in life. There’s something incredibly rewarding about watching a neglected, sick, or injured dog slowly come out of their shell and blossom into a happy, healthy dog. Seeing them learn to trust people again and eventually find the right home is honestly the best feeling.
I think rescue has also taught me a lot about patience and meeting an animal where they are. You can’t change what happened to them before they got to you, but you can play a small part in making sure the rest of their story is better.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.scouttm.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beccamikesell
