“Ellen Wasser-Hrin and her staff want you to be happy and to have a good career.” – Megan Irminger
Model Management Agency – MMA has been helping people to pursue their dreams for 23 years. Serving models in the Philadelphia area since 1989, the company has grown to become one of the most respected talent agencies in the Tri-State area. Ellen Wasser-Hrin is its Founder and Director.
One of their rising stars, 19-year-old Megan Irminger, has begun a flourishing career because of her association with the Langhorne-based firm. This blue-eyed blonde has the classic American look that many models share.
Because industry competition is always intense, every aspiring person wonders how their ‘brand’ will be chosen and that is where Irminger’s mother agency (Model Management Agency – MMA) has become key.
“When I first met Megan, I immediately felt that she had the look, personality and motivation it takes to become a successful model,” Ellen Wasser-Hrin said.
Confidence counts
Confidence counts in life. There is a way to be sure of oneself, while simultaneously being kind-hearted. Irminger has carried those character traits with her since she was a child. Today, she also projects them through her professional career.
“I never considered myself to be pretty growing up. I always thought that people really didn’t mean it when they complimented me. I didn’t take it to heart,” Irminger said.
Modeling wasn’t Irminger’s focus as she was growing up, despite the number of people who told her that she should pursue that path in life. Instead, the fit teenager joined the cross country team.
Sneakers and high-heels
“I was a junior in high school when I entered the ‘Miss Teen Maryland Pageant’. My mother was really against it, but eventually I won her over,” Irminger said.
Born in Washington, DC, Irminger was raised by her adoptive parents in Maryland.
“I have a younger brother Jonathan (15), who is also adopted. I also have two half-brothers Noah (4) and Peyton (3) and a half-sister Reagan (6 months) through my birth-mother. As the oldest, I like having the responsibility of being a role model for all of them,” Irminger said.
During one outrageously successful day, this hardcore multi-tasker crossed two finish lines.
“I ran the cross-country state tournament in the morning (which her school won to become state champions) and was in the pageant (in which she was a semi-finalist) at night. It was really exciting,” Irminger said.
At that point in our conversation, I was struck by how matter-of-factly she recalled those two distinct accomplishments. Notice how her example underscores the importance of the choices that we make and of the company that we keep during each part of our lives.
Honestly caring
Irminger first met Ellen Wasser-Hrin during her senior year in high school.
“Ellen told my parents and me about the ups and the downs of working as a model. She was very sweet about it and is a really good person.
“That summer, before college, she (Ellen Wasser-Hrin) took me to New York. We went to all of the big agencies and I thought that I could really see myself as a model.
“She then signed me with Supreme Management in New York and I absolutely adore them as well. I completed my freshman year in college before I started modeling. After that year, I went to New York and started working as a model full-time.
“Ellen is so amazing! I could never have done this without her. She has a heart of gold and is a blessing,” Irminger said.
Many opportunities began to present themselves after Wasser-Hrin helped Irminger to make positive connections. She met top designers, went to test shoots and was taught how to present herself at castings and for clients.
Traveling the world
In January, she attended ‘Fashion Week’ in Europe.
“Paris is so peaceful, just like all of the movies show. It is the most gorgeous city that I have ever seen. The streets are all so different. I just loved walking down them. It’s so beautiful and so romantic,” Irminger said.
She has walked for well known designers including: Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss, Emporio Armani and J. Crew.
After recently having a casting with Prada in New York, she left on a three-month trip to Auckland, New Zealand and Sydney, Australia in order to build her tear sheet portfolio.
Confidence equals success
Today, there are many fresh faces representing well-known products.
“I think that it’s impressive that a lot of women are getting jobs. Everyone has a different body type and a different look. You need to have the confidence in yourself, no matter what you look like.
“Fashion really helps you to express your individuality and personality. It’s very bold and bright, like a landscape,” Irminger said.
Model Management Agency’s rising star will be continuing her college pursuits this summer, with a goal of eventually becoming a Psychologist.
She concluded our conversation by keenly noting the importance of honesty, which is the basis of all working relationships.
“There is an aura about Ellen. She is very trustworthy and honest. She is really working for you, not for herself.
“Ellen and her staff want you to be happy and to have a good career. They are all such good people,” Irminger said.
“My staff and I are delighted to represent Megan. She is driven, vivacious, has integrity, understands teamwork and is extremely professional. We are blessed to represent very strong talent,” Ellen Wasser-Hrin said.
Sean O’Brien is based in the Philadelphia region. He has written professionally for over two decades and is currently a Featured Contributor for Yahoo! You can follow him on Twitter @SeanyOB.
