Our Story
Founded in 1990, Marie-Josée Trempe created SPECS Model Management with the mission of offering a pioneering vision of beauty that was more expansive and inclusive than the industry standard. As a result, SPECS became the first agency in Montreal to represent a diverse range of ages, ethnicities, and sizes. Always on the lookout for that magical blend of beauty and personality, Trempe represented iconic super model, Coco Rocha for 19 years, helping to secure her landmark first Canadian magazine spreads and covers, with Elle Quebec and Elle Canada in 2007 and her first Canadian ad campaign with Jacob in 2011.
For over three decades, SPECS has committed itself to education and guiding its models when it comes to understanding their industry. As a result, the models it represents are not only recognized for their beauty, but for their professionalism and their commitment to their craft. The agency’s openness and willingness to continuously question the industry has made it the reference for the media and it is the most often quoted agency in Quebec. We stand by our deep commitment to both our models and our clients. Creating relationships that are not only supportive but allow our partnerships to thrive is one of our proudest accomplishments. At SPECS, we’re so much more than pretty.
Our Team
Marie Josée Trempe, President and Founder
Marie Josée Trempe made her mark on the modeling, beauty, and fashion industries by staying true to her values and building her agency on a foundation of inclusivity, diversity, and respect. Beginning her career as a makeup artist with major houses including MAC and Chanel, she saw an opportunity to create an agency that embraced a broader perspective of beauty. “From the very beginning, we offered a different kind of representation, my interest was always to remain an agency that was human: we are committed to helping our models flourish and helping brands grow their visibility.”
As the very first modeling agent in Montreal to advocate for a varied representation of beauty, Marie Josée also focused upon shifting industry standards, helping to create the ground-breaking Quebec Charter for a Healthy and Diverse Body Image (CHIC). She also served on Équilibre’s judging committee for the “Image In Awards” which acknowledges companies for their initiatives that encourage body diversity through their messaging or through the healthy and realistic images of the body that they present.
Deeply respected by her peers, Marie Josée Trempe is regularly sought out as a media expert to share her opinions, as both a champion and a critic, of the industry.
What makes SPECS standout?
“The fact that we have stayed true to that vision for over three decades is a great source of pride for me. We’ve had to pivot and remain flexible, but we’ve never strayed from our original intention of promoting beauty in all of its forms.”
Béatrice Arsenault – Booking Agent and Placement
Taking a vision, refining it, and keeping it current is Béatrice’s superpower. After graduating from LaSalle College in Fashion Marketing, she worked in the PR industry in both Toronto and Montreal before arriving at SPECS. “It was love at first sight for me. I think what attracted me the most was the fact that the agency is completely in alignment with my own values. It’s amazing to work in an environment that prioritizes inclusiveness, body-positivity, and respect the same way that I do. We’re a small, high-personalized team, which means that I get to actively be a part of so many aspects of the business. No day is ever the same!” she says. Collaborating with brands to execute their vision, scouting potential new faces, and helping models strategize on expanding their careers, are just some of her favorite tasks. The common denominator in all of her interactions? The commitment to building strong, nurturing relationships with both her clients and the models the agency represents.
What makes SPECS standout?
“Our attention to detail and how we interact with our clients and our models is very special. We are really focused on building long-term relationships that are fulfilling and prosperous for everyone. We truly act as a team with all those we collaborate with.”
Eva Pinzon – Executive Assistant, New Faces and Social Media
Eva brings a unique perspective to her position at SPECS, thanks to a background in marketing, a love of teamwork, and a modeling career that spans more than seven years. Graduating with a marketing certificate from the Ecole des Sciences de la Gestion at UQÀM, as well as having studied fashion commercialization at Marie Victorin, Eva then worked in sales and account management before arriving at SPECS. “I love taking everything I’ve learned and using it to help models build their careers. I can see things both from the client’s perspective and the model’s perspective and that’s really helpful when you’re guiding new models and helping them learn the ropes of the industry,” she explains. Dynamic and passionate, she loves to create teaching tools that enable models to empower themselves, gain confidence, and help them shine at castings and shoots.
What makes SPECS standout?
“Our years of experience! Agencies are essential when it comes to negotiating contracts and protecting models’ and clients’ interests. We take that role to heart.”
Evans Metellus – Administrator and Accountant
Having worked closely with Specs from the onset, Evans is extremely proud of the high standards that the agency continually sets for itself. “We understand our purpose as a company, and we are dedicated to creating a vision and an environment that embraces respect and understanding.” As Specs’ administrator, Evans enjoys a multi-faceted role that is focused on evolving the agency to its highest potential. From creating stream-lined payment systems for models to billing and ensuring photoshoot usages are respected, he is always on the lookout for strategies that will create more ease and flow for the agency and all of its clients.
What makes SPECS standout?
“It’s the amount of care that we put into everything. We are focused on being high-level communicators with both our models and with our clients. Our goal is always to make the process as easy and as enjoyable as possible.”