There’s a difference between spotting a beautiful face and recognising potential, and Tia Harris has built a career on knowing the distinction. A model since her early teens, Harris now works behind the scenes at 62 Management as an agent and booker, shaping the next wave of talent with a sharp eye.
In conversation with Tia Harris…
Could you please tell us about yourself in a few sentences?
I’m Tia. I’m a 26-year-old model, agent, and booker, and I sometimes create content as well. I’ve been in the fashion industry since I was 14, starting out as a model before moving into an agent/booker role at 62 Management three years ago. I genuinely love this industry and feel very lucky that I get to do it for mahi.
What led you to scouting and model management?
I’m a model at 62 Management, and after finishing my university degree, I spent about three months in a similar role to what I do now, except in a different industry. I enjoyed the style of work, but it wasn’t something I saw myself doing long-term. My agent, who is now my boss, Andi, liked the way I communicated as a model and asked if I would be interested in working with her as an agent. The rest is history, and it has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. I really love what I do.
How would you define your eye when it comes to talent?
It is quite hard to define because we look after all sorts of talent, not just models, so it really depends on what I am scouting for at the time. Personally, I am always drawn to someone who is uniquely beautiful, someone you cannot take your eyes off.
Could you talk us through your approach when you discover someone new?
I think a lot of people assume it is just about looks, but it really is the full package. The best way to describe it is that ‘X factor’ feeling. The first thing that stands out is usually their presence and energy… that matters so much in this industry because modelling is very collaborative. People want to work with someone who brings a good vibe to the set. It is not about confidence straight away either; a lot of new models are quite shy at the beginning. It is more about a natural presence that feels right. In the early stages, we are looking at potential, how they photograph, how they carry themselves, and whether they feel like someone we can develop and grow long-term.
How do you guide models toward longevity beyond trend cycles?
A big part of that is open and honest communication with our models. Trends are something you cannot really control, so it is about helping models understand that and not take it personally if a certain look is not in demand at a particular time.
How do you see the industry evolving?
There are a lot more people outside of the industry influencing it as well (due to social media), which definitely impacts how things shift and change. There is a lot more visibility and access than there used to be, which can be really cool and exciting, but I personally also find it quite scary. It means the industry moves very quickly, and trends become much more dominant.
What’s a common misconception about your side of the industry?
… that our job is just about finding people who look good and that’s it. In reality, there is so much more to it. A lot of what we do is relationship-based, whether that is managing talent, supporting models through the highs and lows of the industry, building trust with clients, or helping people grow both personally and professionally. I also think people assume the industry is always glamorous, but there is a lot of hard work happening behind the scenes.
This article originally featured in the Winter ’26 issue of Fashion Quarterly.
Imagery: Supplied.
Words: Sophie de Renzy.
