In the middle of a desert, exotic architecture, grand palaces, finest of foods, feathers in their hair, big shows and pretty show girls; you guessed it. Las Vegas. Here in one of the most toured places in the world, lies some of the best of everything one could look for; including business, BIG business. Upholding to the standard, Talent Associates, Las Vegas’ premiere model agency that specializes in shoe models, is the crème of the crop that has been in operation since 1997. Owned and operated by none other than former shoe model / professional singer / corporate presenter-narrator: Tammy Lee and her husband Michael Merillat.

Talent Associates has the largest quality footwear model base in Las Vegas and is equipped to handle the various needs necessary to help make your trade show experience a great success! They were also the last official model agency of the WSA show. In the late 90’s Tammy Lee was shoe modeling at WSA for Amalfi when her dear friend Werner Marx, of Marx & Newman encouraged her to take the leap and open her own modeling agency, specializing in footwear models for WSA. With almost 20 years of modeling experience under her belt she and her husband opened Talent Associates. With much hard work, faith, ethical business practices and sincere hearts to serve the needs of WSA exhibitors their business rapidly grew and became a success. Their clients  include Nine West Group, Steve Madden, Skechers USA,  Brown Shoe Company, Nina Footwear, Aerosoles, Wanted Footwear, Earth Footwear, Anyi Lu, Corso Como and Maloles, just to name a few. 

Tammy states, “I am very select with my models and hold them to very high standards, as they represent our company and our values. We require them to be friendly, polite, professional, punctual, well-spoken and accommodating. It takes more than good looks to be a quality model, you must be able to know what your client wants and be able to deliver it; while upholding a professional image. And when it comes to footwear modeling models must possess good well kept feet;  nice even toes, without gaping spaces between them, no corns, bunions, or high insteps… And accurate sizing is crucial. We brannock measure each model and offer Free Pre-fitting Services for our clients Fit Assurance. Honesty is key, we never misrepresent.”

When I inquired in our interview to learn more about Tammy Lee’s professional music background she described her years of working as a professional singer, performing the music styles of her roots; Jazz Standards, including Big Band (much like her mother before her, who sang with the Stan Kenton Orchestra), as well as Pop/Top 40, with performances in a variety of Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe and Laughlin, NV  Hotels & Casinos, the Caribbean and New Country performances in Northern California with her band Tammy Lee & The Posse. She loves singing and still performs occasionally, as recently as a May 2009 gig in the state of Washington, however her career took a different turn with the growth and success of Talent Associates, est. in 1997. Her motto, “Count your blessings and always remember to be thankful because God is good all the time! Be good to others and bloom where you are planted!” J

The quality services that Talent Associates provides are: Models, Hostesses, Assistants, Beverage Servers, Translator-Interpreters, Presenter-Narrators, Look-a-likes, Specialty Acts, such as Jugglers, Magicians, Singers, Dancers, Polynesian performers… and of course fabulous Footwear Models!   

Talent Associates, with its extensive resources and impressive customer profile, is without a doubt a profitable shining example of quality and integrity in the fashion industry! For more information or to contact them CLICK HERE!