Model Sunny, Director Jennifer Koning, Model Hayley
About JK Models
JK Models launched in December of 2008 with
the intention to help break down the barriers
and restrictions of the beauty industry.
Scouted as a young teen by one of Vancouver’s top
modeling agencies, Jennifer Koning, Director of JK
Models soon discovered that size mattered in the fa-
shion industry when her slight body began to grow
womanly curves. When she could no longer be the
typical model weight, she grew increasingly frustrated
with the industry and its limitations. To change this
situation, we need to get the people who hire models
to look beyond these very narrow
standards,” says Koning.
In her adult years, Jennifer worked with another leading model and talent agency in Vancouver, but still found her size limited her to commercial print ads and agents tried to get her to focus more on acting rather than modeling. Eventually, she was hired to work as a talent scout for the agency that initially scouted her as a young teen. “I quit after one month because I could not stand to break the hearts of all these young girls and guys who had stars in their eyes, thinking they’d be a top model one day. There are many men and women out there who are stunningly beautiful, but are told they will never be a model because they are too short, too big or too old.” Agencies would also typically tell recruiters to encourage applicants who do not fit the age, height and weight standards of modeling to enroll in acting workshops instead.
After a few years working as a self-employed marketing manager for various marketing and promotional companies, Jennifer started JK Models. The newly launched agency’s top requirement is a strong work ethic. Jennifer says, “I take the hiring process seriously. I want people to be punctual, professional and respectful of the client’s confidentiality. I have zero tolerance for lateness, rudeness, drug and alcohol abuse and unprofessional behaviour. I offer our clients quality service and quality staff with JK Models.”
The second most important prerequisite to join JK Models is a friendly and outgoing personality. Koning says, “Models and talents should have a sincere, friendly and outgoing demeanour. We provide a variety of services, including models and talent for promotions, trade shows, dinner parties and other events where they are interacting with the public or clients. So a great personality is a must!”
The ultimate goal of JK Models is to bring about awareness, education and hopefully, change in the modeling industry. Jennifer supports the Dove’s ‘real beauty’ campaigns, “They are a wonderful inspiration to everyone that beauty does indeed come in all sizes and at any age. I admire them immensely for what they have done and I hope I can get more “real women and men” strutting those runways, posing on billboards and photographed in fashion magazines!”
Jennifer has over a decade of experience as a fashion model and several years experience as a Brand Marketing Manager for many large promotional campaigns including; Coppertone, Air Transat Holidays, Lindt Chocolates, Bell Mobility, Bell TV and many others. Koning is also university educated in New Media, Business Communications and Marketing, and has her BA in Child and Youth Care.
*Parts of description are edited from an interview with Liza Lee of Artistrun.
 |