Deiwght Peters - contributed

Saint International limited is widely known in Jamaica as one of the premiere modelling agencies.

Staging shows such as the Fashionblock, which features a 120ft, catwalk on Knutsford Boulevard and the popular CVM Faces of Summer Contest, to be replaced with the 'Model Icon The Search for Jamaica's Brightest Fashion Star' the agency continues to grow and make an impact on the local and international fashion and entertainment scene.

"It (Saint International) is far more multi-faceted in creating the divisions (focus areas within the agency) which have created additional opportunities for models," Deiwght Peters, CEO of the company said.

He commented that they have made a significant mark in the fashion industry not only by making several Jamaican models famous in the industry but also in promoting local designers.

"Many people acknowledge that we are leaders in that regard," he said.

The agency's story began back in the early 90s when Peters graduated from the University of the West Indies (UWI) with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Management Studies with an emphasis in International Marketing and Business Strategy.

In 1993 he started to work in finance sector at the Workers Bank. But his direction shifted in late 1990s with the meltdown of the sector.

Peters moved on to work in the tourism industry, co-ordinating various entertainment production and in 1999, he started to research international talent and model management. He then went on a self-financed international fact-finding mission to learn more about the industry.

While on the mission in Atlanta, he met Rodney Harris, now director of new faces at Elite Atlanta who has been like Peters' 'godfather' in the business.

This link proved priceless as it allowed Peters to access some of the senior players in the fashion business. His objective was to place models internationally, having realised that it was important to select the right models and market them properly.

Hard work

To achieve this he got some of the best names in photography and fashion styling to him build his models' portfolios. Although start-up took a lot of hard work, when the agency started to fully operate the successes quickly rolled in.

Among the agency's first successes is being the first Jamaican or Caribbean agency to sign 18 models internationally in one year to agencies in Miami, New York, London and South Africa.

It is also the first Caribbean agency to appear as a part of V Magazine's listing of the world's best agencies.

He said the agency has provided several opportunities for young Jamaicans.

"The fact that many of the models who are now based overseas were young school-leavers with limited job possibilities speaks to the opportunities that Saint International is providing to young Jamaicans," he said.

Although the agency started out with a focus of international model management, it has since grown to include other aspects including commercial talent management, public relations and show production and fashion talent representation.

The agency is also to complete the set-up of its television division which will provide models with another medium to use their talents as well as allow the agency to produce even more reality series to be broadcast locally.

As the agency continues to grow, Peters says he is seeking to take a holistic approach in the industry and providing more than just modelling opportunities for his models by building and creating stronger divisions within his company.