Mandy Maher
Owner and Director - Catwalk models
This week we talk to Mandy Maher, owner and director of Catwalk models, one of Ireland’s leading model agencies. Catwalk is celebrating its 10th anniversary in the business this summer, and is launching its new website this week www.catwalkmodels.ie Mandy has the drive, determination, and confidence of a successful manager, and knows what it means to work hard in order to achieve goals. Originally from Tipperary, Mandy moved to Limerick and started modelling part-time when she was 16. She dreamed of being a model from the age of six, and knew that was the industry she was going to end up in.
Mandy went to college and graduated from the University of Limerick with a qualification in health and fitness. It was then she moved to Galway, where she went on to work in Peak Physique gym for 14 years. Although Mandy loved managing their Galway and Athlone clubs, she went on to set up the Catwalk agency, with a lot of support from Peak Physique, and her husband Ger.
As with any entrepreneur, Mandy spotted a gap in the market, and saw great potential for a modelling agency in Galway. She began to scout for models herself, hand-selecting girls with potential, and built up the business from there.
Mandy said that the local businesses in Galway have supported the company from day one, and always book them for up-coming fashion shows and events. They provide an extremely professional and personal service, providing only friendly and down-to-earth models. “Personality is very important in this business, it’s no good having the looks if you don’t have the right attitude to match.”
Mandy’s approach to modelling has proved to be very successful, as Catwalk is the only modelling agency in Ireland to have girls win the Miss Ireland title three times, one of whom was renowned model Linda Duffy. She has also just signed an international model from Slovakia, who has graced the covers of such prestigious fashion magazines as Vogue and Marie Claire.
Mandy finds it hard at times to compete with Dublin, as it is the capital, and a lot bigger than the counties in the west. However, the agency does do fashion shows in venues around the country, and believes that by launching the website, it will make it a lot easier to compete nationally.
Mandy trains all the models herself and believes an integral part of modelling is the initial training. “It is an enjoyable business but it’s tough. People don’t realise the hard work involved when a model goes on a job, they have to look absolutely perfect, from their tan and hair, to their nails and waxing.”
Mandy is looking forward to the future of the company and hopes to make Catwalk renowned throughout the country. The new website will allow clients to view all aspects of the agency, including the models’ profiles and pictures.
To find out more information on Catwalk Modelling Agency, visit www.catwalkmodels.ie
