A university student from Abergavenny is making waves in the modelling world, after signing with a modelling agency launched during lockdown.
EMKAI Models is a modelling agency founded by model Martin Kurina from Swansea in March 2020.
20-year-old Josh Edwards was scouted on social media in late 2019 before signing with modelling agency EMKAI in March 2020, becoming their first model.
Since signing with EMKAI, Josh has built an impressive portfolio of modelling work, including a recent appearance on Welsh television magazine programme Prynhawn Da on S4C with TV presenter and designer Huw Rees representing brands such as Ted Baker and ASOS.
Alongside this Josh has also collaborated with well-known brands River Island, BoohooMAN and JustHype, worked with over 50 brands on various modelling shoots from hair products, jewellery and skincare and even featured in a Philippines fashion magazine for an article and interview.
Josh’s modelling achievements are made all the more impressive with him juggling his modelling commitments with his studies at Cardiff University where he is studying for a sports degree.
Speaking to the Abergavenny Chronicle about his modelling, Josh said: “I have always had an interest in fashion and have really enjoyed the experience of modelling and have been inspired by the potential opportunities it has to offer.
“I was scouted via social media back in August 2019 and was invited to my first ever photo shoot the following November which was a success. I really enjoyed it and felt like this new experience was something I was good at and would like to pursue. I was then given the opportunity to sign with my current modelling agency in March 2019 which I was excited about and have been at EMKAI ever since.”
Since launching in 2020, EMKAI Models has grown within the fashion industry, with numerous models joining Josh in signing with the brand.
Founder Martin Kurina said: “It’s been a really crazy journey especially launching the agency the first week of lock down.
‘‘Josh was the first model to sign with us and I really can’t explain how happy, proud and grateful I am to have been given an opportunity to see and witness his journey.
‘‘There’s never been a time where Josh has failed to impress, if that’s us all at the agency family, the management team or our clients on a daily basis.
‘‘We always appreciate and love Josh’s commitment, dedication and the consistent support and help he gives us and the whole team.”
Along with his modelling commitments and university studies, Josh has also taken up small acting parts in BBC’s Casualty programme and is also taking on greater responsibilities within EMKAI taking on management roles such as Social Media Admin and Casting Agent as he continues to grow as a fashion influencer.
In the short term, Josh’s modelling continues to keep him busy with him featuring on St David’s Shopping Centre advertising and he will soon be featuring as part of Swansea Fashion Week 2022.
Speaking about his plans for the future, Josh added: “My plans for the future are to gain further experiences being in front of the camera. The sky is the limit in terms of opportunities. I’m faced with new and exciting jobs each week that get better and better than I would ever have imagined. The support within EMKAI and outside of the agency has been phenomenal and I have learnt that everything and anything is possible when you work hard, remain patient and recover from setbacks.
“Modelling has opened doors for me in the sense that it has been a huge confidence boost in everyday life.
‘‘Prior to joining the agency, I would describe myself as someone who was afraid to step outside of my comfort zone.
‘‘Now I feel part of a community/family where I am able to express myself, share the same vision and be surrounded by the most supportive people which has allowed me to feel like a ‘somebody’ in life.”