Meet the Founders
Katie Halchishick is the visionary founder of Natural Models, with offices in New York and Los Angeles.
She made history as one of the first professional models to transition into agency ownership, building Natural Models from the ground up without investors and growing it into a multi-million dollar agency competing with long-established industry leaders.
Beyond business success, Katie has helped lead a shift toward greater size, ethnic, and body diversity in the modeling industry. Early on, she recognized that the industry wasn’t fully representing the talent and beauty that existed—so she built an agency that would.
Today, Natural Models continues to champion more inclusive representation and challenge outdated standards of who gets seen in fashion and media.
Her work is driven by one belief: if the industry wouldn’t change, she would build the agency that did.
Sara Davenport is the COO of Natural Models and the operational force behind its growth and structure.
With over 25 years of experience as a model agent across leading agencies in Los Angeles, Sara brings deep industry expertise combined with a strong ability to build systems, streamline development processes, and support long-term talent growth.
Her work has been instrumental in transforming Natural Models from a boutique agency into a recognized industry name, strengthening both its internal operations and its ability to develop models at scale.
Sara’s strength lies in translating industry knowledge into clear structure—creating the processes, standards, and guidance that help talent grow with consistency and professionalism.
Together with Katie, she helps bridge the gap between talent development and real-world agency expectations.
Meet Katie
I've experienced the modeling industry from both sides—as a professional model and as the founder of Natural Models and Model Hack.
That perspective shaped everything I teach.
As an agency owner, I've scouted, developed, and represented thousands of models. As a model, I've experienced the uncertainty, rejection, and pressure that comes with building a career in this industry.
I know what agencies are looking for because I've been in the room making those decisions. And I know what it feels like to be the model standing on the other side, trying to figure it all out.
That's why I created Model Hack.
My mission is simple: to give models the education I wish every aspiring professional had access to. I teach the skills that aren't often explained—how to move with intention, communicate through the camera, understand what agencies value, and navigate the business with confidence.
This isn't about shortcuts or empty promises.
It's about helping you build real skills, make informed decisions, and create a modeling career that lasts.
Meet Sara
I've spent more than 20 years on the agency side of the modeling industry—developing talent, building client relationships, and helping models create long-term, sustainable careers.
Throughout my career as the COO of Natural Models, I've worked closely with brands, casting teams, and agents to understand exactly what makes a model stand out—and what causes opportunities to be missed.
That's why I created Model Hack alongside Katie.
My goal is to help models understand how the industry really works—from agency expectations and client communication to castings, professionalism, and career strategy.
When you understand how decisions are made behind the scenes, you stop guessing and start making choices that move your career forward.
This isn't about industry secrets.
It's about giving you the knowledge, confidence, and professional skills to become the kind of model agencies love to represent and clients want to book again.
Our journey has been anything but ordinary and started in 2002. Yes, we go way back!
Our Story
Sara and Katie met in 2002 when Katie walked into an open call at a modeling agency in Seattle, Washington. Sara became Katie’s very first modeling agent—and from the beginning, there was something different about the way she worked. While Katie would go on to be represented by some of the largest agencies in the world, Sara consistently stood out as a favorite among models for her exceptional work ethic, clear communication, and genuine care for the people she represented—qualities that were rare in the industry, yet deeply needed.
Though life eventually took them in different directions, Sara and Katie always stayed connected. When Katie founded Natural Model Management, Sara became one of her greatest supporters and most trusted resources. She generously shared her knowledge, offering guidance and insight that helped Katie navigate the complexities of running an agency. In many ways, Sara became Katie’s industry coach—and her mentorship played a critical role in growing Natural Models into a top competitor in the modeling industry.
By 2021, Natural Models had reached a pivotal moment. Katie recognized that she had taken the company as far as her own experience alone could carry it. It was time to bring Sara onto the team to help co-create the next evolution of the agency. Together, they embarked on a full company overhaul—clarifying core values, rebuilding operating systems, and redefining the future of the model–agency relationship.
The result was an agency rooted in transparency, education, and support—for models, clients, and staff alike. Katie and Sara believe the modeling industry is entering a new paradigm—one grounded in alignment, creativity, and equality.
Model Hack is how they share what they’ve learned with as many people as possible. Because real change doesn’t happen in isolation—it happens when knowledge is shared, systems evolve, and we build something better together.