Ken

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Stylists to the Stars Need An Agent Too

Posted Aug 1st 2007 1:36PM by Nana Brew-Hammond

In an industry that measures success by celebrity affiliation -- think Jessica Simpson's BFF and hair stylist Ken Paves -- and number of hours logged on photo shoots and film and tv sets, hair and makeup artists, wardrobe stylists, photographers, even manicurists need help getting their portfolios in front of the right editors and celebrity handlers. This kind of access takes relationships. Enter Ken Barboza.

After 20 years representing a growing dream team of fashion and beauty professionals from ANTM's Jay Manuel to 'Textured Tresses' author and hair stylist Diane Da Costa, Barboza has steadily built the all-important rapport with celebrities like Tyra Banks and Halle Berry, publications like Essence and Giant, and powerhouse brands like Coca Cola and Verizon. In the process, he's built a one-stop shop for editors and producers putting shoots together."I started out just representing my brother who is a photographer, and things just mushroomed from there," Barboza remembers. "I tried to set myself apart from the industry standard by offering my clients a full package of talent for an assignment instead of just the photography."

(Barboza represents hair stylists, makeup artists, manicurists and wardrobe stylists)

This package deal approach is especially beneficial to newer talent -- which of course makes it all the harder to get on Barboza's radar. This said, Barboza says, "I always keep my door open to new talent. I may not always be in a position to work with someone, but by giving my time and knowledge I get to feel the pulse, and in some cases( discover that diamond in the rough."

For the newbies that aren't ready for professional representation yet, Barboza's advice is simple:

1. Perfect Your Craft.
   Barboza says adding that hones your craft includes developing strong business and people skills. "Perfecting your talent, being professional, taking your career seriously and remembering that you work in a people industry are important issues of concern," Barboza lists. "Those who keep things in perspective and become smart business people are the ones that end up as the sought after talent of the industry."


2. Don't Let Haters Discourage You.
   It's important to qualify the advice you get, and consider the source. There are always a thousand people( with a thousand different opinions, so you have to digest what makes sense.


3. Leave Your Inner Diva at Home.
   "You can be the best talent in whatever you do, but if you're difficult to work with," Barboza says, "have nothing but attitude and gossip, you will eventually find yourself without clients."


4. Be Careful About Chasing Trends.
   Barboza points out, "Styles and trends are always changing, [so] it's important to keep them in perspective rather than just jumping in... I mean, I don't think I'll ever wear platform shoes again, even if it's the new style."


5. Be a Resource to The Ones Coming Up.
   "Throughout my career there has always been someone that helped me to the next level and I always try to be that someone for others," Barboza says.

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