Inspiring Conversations with Aubrey Knox of Wildfire Models

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aubrey Knox

Hi Aubrey, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up on a small farm outside of Salina, KS with big desires to be in the entertainment and art industry. Coming from a small town, opportunity felt limited in this space. With persistence, eventually I began to find a niche in staffing. Specifically, staffing models for photoshoots, large scale events, tradeshows, and more. I began immersing myself in the scene…Working various types of events, meeting new people and networking was key. A saying that has always stuck with me is ” The day you plant the seed is not the day you eat the fruit.”

In the beginning stages of the company I wore many hats. Wildfire Models was just a side hustle while I worked a full-time job to make ends meet. A teacher for a brief period in time, before getting my Realtor license in hopes to have more flexibility, allowing more time to focus on my true passion, Wildfire. During this time, many people told me to quit, that I was wasting my time and stretching myself to thin. It didn’t matter. I had it stuck in my head that we could be successful if I put in the effort. It was quite the risk, but the reward was 10X sweeter.

Wildfire Models is now nationwide with models in every state and some in different countries! We have staffed some pretty epic events lately such as the Taylor Swift concert, MLB Sporting events, Wrestlemania, Beyonce Concert, PGA Tour, Magic Fashion Markets in Atlanta, Dallas, Miami, Nashville, New York City, and Vegas! Forever grateful for these events and the clients who have given us these opportunities. Looking forward to finishing 2024 off strong and welcoming more events and excitement in 2025!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There were various challenges along the way as there is for any business when starting from the ground up. You run into different challenges at each road point in the growth of the business.

In the beginning, the biggest challenges were finding clients. And also having the time to dedicate to Wildfire being that I was also working a full-time job and another part-time job to keep it all going.

Once we had clients and a flow of jobs coming in, the obstacles shifted more to finance and the ability to pay staff upfront while we (the business) personally might not be paid for net 60-90 days. During these first growing pains, I can remember living as frugally as possible, while also working as many side jobs on top of my full time. At one point I reached out to any friends/family I thought might have $20-30K that they would allow me to borrow if I provided an interest payment. It was a safe bet for them…the job had already been done, I was just waiting for the money to come in. I got quite a few chuckles! Thankfully, some said yes. This truly allowed us to stay afloat and continue growing and taking on events while also paying staff. Forever thankful to those that took a bet on us! Also thankful to be through those times, phew!

Now, I think our challenges which will always be there, are staying in front of competition, making our name known, and not becoming complacent.

The obstacles faced test you..
You find out how bad you really want it!

As you know, we’re big fans of Wildfire Models. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Wildfire Models is a full service talent agency specializing in event staffing as well as photoshoots, commercials, and content creation. Our clients gain brand awareness and exposure that is unparallel to others in the market. A female owned company with years of experience and some of the most elite talent in the industry. Licensed and insured to protect all parties.

“Let us help your brand spread like Wildfire!”

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
A tough word to define…
Success cannot be given, it is earned.

A series of trials and tribulations providing a path to achievement.
Continuing on even when the path is tough.. Going the extra mile.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/wildfiremodels
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wildfiremodels?mibextid=LQQJ4d