Exclusive: Founder of TRUE Model Management Dale Noelle Wants to 'Drive Positive Change in the Modeling World' With Her Company: 'I'm Passionate'

Dale Noelle decided to turn lemons into lemonade after her modeling career ended due "to the simultaneous challenges of an unexpected pregnancy and cancer diagnosis."

"I transformed TRUE Model Management from my personal career management venture into a model management company representing models of all shapes, sizes and ethnicities. My journey from model to manager became a catalyst for innovation and inclusivity in fashion. By broadening representation, I reshaped my career while opening doors for aspiring models facing their own challenges," the businesswoman exclusively tells Morning Honey of founding TRUE Model Management.

"My entrepreneurial spirit has always driven me, leading to the founding of several businesses before TRUE. Throughout my modeling career, I found happiness in connecting brands and designers with models," Noelle, who dreamt of becoming a fashion designer at a young age, continues. "So, when faced with an unexpected career transition, starting my own company felt like a natural progression. I leveraged my passion for connecting people and industry knowledge to fill a market gap. As clients began seeking my expertise for model referrals, I recognized the potential to expand my personal network into a full-service management company. I aligned my values with industry needs, fostering success for both models and brands. I created a supportive environment for models that prioritizes inclusivity, professionalism and long-term career growth, while also connecting brands with models in efficient and ethical ways."

Noelle, who wants models to "increase their confidence, become more independent and thrive," began to develop a "deep understanding of its intricacies and nuances" after being in the fashion industry.

"My journey began with family in apparel manufacturing and has led me through running fashion and modeling companies, working in apparel sales, and experiencing both agency-represented and independent modeling careers," she says. "My diverse professional background has given me valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities that both models and companies face. My personal experiences of navigating unexpected life changes has infused my company with a unique perspective on resilience and adaptability in the modeling world. At TRUE Model Management, we leverage these experiences and knowledge to create synergistic partnerships between models and brands. Our approach is distinctive because we recognize untapped potential and nurture it in ways that benefit everyone involved."

"We're not just about booking jobs; we're about fostering growth and creating meaningful connections. This holistic perspective allows us to stand out in the industry, as we're truly invested in the success of both our models and the brands we work with. It's about building lasting relationships and watching models and influencers flourish in an environment that values authenticity and individual strengths. I'm passionate about using my experiences to empower others and drive positive change in the modeling world," she adds.

Ultimately, Noelle's goal is to connect people — from models to brands and industry professional — "to create professional collaborations."

"I prioritize mentorship, guiding models through industry complexities while promoting camaraderie within our community. I strive to create a supportive environment and connect models with each other instead of pitting them against each other as competitors," she shares. "The most rewarding aspect is watching models' careers, relationships and personal lives flourish and grow over the years. Balancing the operational demands of running the company with nurturing relationships is challenging. Juggling the administrative tasks such as managing contracts, logistics, employees and finances can be time-consuming and frustrating for me. However, I find joy in investing in relationships and those relationships have also become the foundation of our success so it’s always worth the effort."

Noelle is helping her clients "improve skills, build their portfolios and better understand the business side of modeling."

"For brands, we focus on finding the best possible match for their needs, whether it's a fit model, runway model, lifestyle/commercial model or influencer. It’s all about creating the right partnerships," she notes. "I believe TRUE Model Management is helping shift the industry toward a more professional and ethical standard — where models are treated with respect, paid in a timely manner, diversity is celebrated and brands prioritize quality over shortcuts."

In the future, Noelle plans for TRUE Model Management to "continue elevating and expanding while staying true to our core values," she notes.

"I’d love to see more opportunities for models and influencers of all backgrounds and continued growth in ethical and sustainable fashion," she says. "Our mission is to empower models while providing exceptional service to brands. We believe in professionalism, integrity and creating long-term careers rather than just booking short-term gigs."

Noelle, whose goal is to "inspire people to pursue their passions, take risks, work hard with integrity, embrace obstacles, overcome fears and develop grit," wants everyone, including her clients, to know they "more than capable of fulfilling their dreams if they are confident, truly believe in themselves and persevere."

"This mindset of empowerment and resilience is crucial for success in the dynamic world of fashion modeling and beyond," she declares.

Though being an entrepreneur has its up and downs, she loves what she is doing and hopes to continue helping others along the way.

"The best pieces of advice I've learned throughout my career are to trust your gut, do not follow the crowd, always remain open to opportunities and act on them, cultivate resilience and stay adaptable. I've seen firsthand how the world, and especially the modeling industry, is in constant flux and can be harsh at times. In my experience, true success comes from the ability to stand strong in the face of challenges, evolve and pivot when necessary — all while staying true to core values. This approach has not only helped me navigate the complexities of the fashion world but has also been instrumental in my personal growth and in guiding those I mentor," she states.

She concludes: "My life has not been easy but I am incredibly grateful for the journey so far, and I’m excited about what’s ahead. My goal has always been to share my experiences to help and create opportunities for others. If there’s one thing I’d say to aspiring models, entrepreneurs and creatives — it’s that passion, an idea, persistence, grit and integrity can take you as far as you imagine and beyond."