Kimbel Simeon is emerging as one of the most intriguing figures in Africa’s creative and fashion landscape. As the founder and director of FS Model Management, he has developed a sharp eye for global talent and an instinct for opportunity that has already generated international buzz. Based in Nigeria, Simeon’s influence stretches beyond scouting and agency work; he plays a pivotal role in launching careers that bridge local authenticity and global platforms, including taking fresh faces from Port Harcourt to prestigious fashion runways in Paris. With a growing presence on social media and a reputation for spotting potential before the world catches on, Simeon represents a new generation of African creative entrepreneurs reshaping how talent is discovered and celebrated across continents.
In this interview, Kimbel Simeon opens up about building FS Model Management from the ground up, the realities of developing African talent for the global stage, and the discipline required to sustain relevance in an industry driven by image and perception. He speaks candidly about spotting potential, navigating international markets, and the vision guiding his next chapter as one of Nigeria’s rising creative power players.
Kimbel Simeon’s entry into talent scouting was not born out of convenience but of redirection. He began as a model, fueled by the same ambition he now sees in the young faces he discovers. “I started out as a model, and early on I realized that being a 5’11” male wasn’t ideal for the industry,” he says candidly. For many, that realization might have marked the end of the road. For Simeon, it was simply a shift in direction. “My love for fashion and modeling never faded, so quitting wasn’t an option for me.” Instead of stepping away, he stepped back and recalibrated, turning his attention toward scouting talent for agencies. The transition felt instinctive. “I’ve always had an eye for identifying unique faces and raw potential,” he explains. What began as informal scouting gradually evolved into full agency representation. At its core, his drive remains deeply personal. “My inspiration really comes from the industry itself and from discovering beauty and talent across different walks of life, especially being able to help young talented Nigerian boys reach their full potential. My inspiration is living my dreams through these boys.”
His personal journey into fashion carries the same persistence that now defines his management style. Years ago, Simeon relocated to Port Harcourt in pursuit of his modeling dream, inspired by the polished campaigns and runway clips he consumed online. “At the time, where I lived didn’t offer much exposure to the industry,” he recalls. Social media became both his window and his motivation. But reality intervened when he discovered his height limited his prospects. “Though I was initially disheartened, I didn’t give up.” Instead, he pivoted with intention. He began scouting for agencies, leaning into his ability to recognize marketable faces others might overlook. That instinct soon sharpened into expertise. Eventually, he founded a modeling school where he trained aspiring models, refining their walk, presence, and confidence. A pivotal breakthrough came when he shared a student’s runway video online and it went viral, drawing the attention of major international agencies. That moment reframed his trajectory entirely. “That was a turning point,” he says, noting how it solidified his evolution from aspiring model to instructor, and ultimately to global talent manager and agent.
In those formative years, Simeon also found inspiration in industry figures who embodied the behind-the-scenes power he aspired to build. He credits Precious Visan, a respected model agent based in the same city, as one of his strongest early influences. Watching Visan operate within the industry expanded his understanding of what was possible beyond the runway. It affirmed his belief that his impact might not be in front of the camera, but in shaping the careers of those who stood before it. “Watching his work and impact in the industry reinforced my belief that there was a bigger role for me behind the scenes,” Simeon reflects. From that realization, his journey evolved naturally, guided by instinct, observation, and an unwavering commitment to staying within the world he once dreamed of conquering himself.
For Simeon, discovery is rarely polished or predictable. It happens in ordinary places, often far removed from fashion capitals or curated castings. “We often discover talent in the most unexpected places, schools, churches, on the road, or even at work,” he says. The unpredictability is part of the thrill. “The most exciting part is that we never really know where the next star will come from.” But spotting a striking face is only the beginning. While height, physique, and structure remain important in the global market, he insists they are not the defining factor. “Personality is key,” he emphasizes. “While looks, height, and physique matter, it’s the model’s personality that truly stands out.” Simeon evaluates facial features, body structure, and proportions with a trained eye, yet what ultimately convinces him is authenticity. Confidence. A unique presence that cannot be manufactured. In his world, charisma often outweighs perfection.
Not every discovery becomes a success story, and Simeon speaks openly about the lessons hidden inside disappointment. One experience, in particular, lingers with him. He recalls scouting and developing a model he describes as “absolutely stunning.” He invested deeply in the talent’s growth, arranging travel, facilitating placements with agencies, and committing resources to build momentum. Expectations were high. Yet the trajectory did not unfold as planned. “Unfortunately, despite their potential, the model didn’t achieve the expected success,” he shares. Agencies eventually released the model, and the talent chose to walk away. “It was heartbreaking,” he admits. The moment was sobering, a reminder that promise does not always translate into longevity. Still, Simeon frames it as necessary education. “That experience taught me a lot about the realities of the industry. It’s part of the journey, and we move forward with optimism and resilience.” In an industry driven by timing, perception, and shifting standards, resilience is currency.
Beyond market dynamics, cultural perception presents another significant barrier. Launching Nigerian talent into global fashion spaces requires more than portfolio development and agency meetings. It often begins at home. “One of the biggest hurdles we face is getting parental consent,” Simeon explains. In Nigeria, modeling is not universally understood as a viable career path. Many parents approach it with caution, if not outright skepticism. “It often takes time and education to build trust and help them feel comfortable with the process.” Convincing families that fashion can be structured, professional, and internationally rewarding demands patience and transparency. For Simeon, talent management extends beyond the runway. It includes reassurance, negotiation, and the steady work of shifting mindsets.
There are moments in Simeon’s career that feel cinematic, but few compare to watching a discovery step onto one of fashion’s most revered stages. He remembers the day he first saw Prince Charles vividly. “The moment I saw Prince Charles on the road, I knew he was destined for greatness,” he says. That instinct was validated when the young model debuted for Louis Vuitton, a milestone that signaled both personal triumph and cultural shift. “It’s rare to witness such a big break for a new face from Nigeria,” Simeon notes. While he insists he was not surprised, the pride was undeniable. The achievement represented more than a booking; it underscored how Nigerian talent is steadily reshaping international fashion narratives. “Nigerian talent is making a remarkable impact by bringing fresh perspectives and challenging old stereotypes,” he adds. As more models and creatives from the country gain global recognition, they are redefining how African excellence is perceived on elite platforms. For Simeon, being part of that momentum is deeply fulfilling. “I’m proud to be part of this movement and contribute to breaking barriers and opening doors.”
Behind every runway breakthrough is a deliberate process. Before signing anyone, Simeon evaluates the intangible as carefully as the measurable. “Personality is crucial for us,” he says, reiterating that while height, structure, and beauty matter, individuality is non-negotiable. He aims to build a diverse board filled with distinctive faces, where standout character meets a unique look. Once signed, development becomes intensive and structured. “We guide them through a thorough development process, runway training, virtual and verbal development, and exposure to shows and events,” he explains. Beyond technical skills, he prioritizes community, connecting new models with others in the industry to expand their networks and confidence. Growth, he believes, happens gradually through exposure and experience. Watching that transformation unfold, from raw potential to polished professional, remains one of the most rewarding aspects of his work.
Looking ahead, Simeon’s ambitions for FS Model Management are expansive and intentional. He envisions the agency evolving into a globally recognized powerhouse defined by structure, innovation, and measurable impact. “Our vision is to establish FS Model Management as a global leader in talent management and development, known for excellence and innovation,” he says. For him, growth is not just about signing more faces but about refining systems, elevating standards, and positioning his board to compete confidently in the most demanding markets. He speaks of world-class management not as a slogan but as a responsibility, one that requires discipline, international alignment, and constant reinvention. “We are committed to nurturing unique talent, providing world-class management, and ensuring our models shine on global platforms,” he explains. The long-term goal is clear: to foster innovation, expand opportunities beyond borders, and empower each model to reach their fullest potential while redefining how African talent is represented on the global stage.
As the conversation draws to a close, what becomes clear is that Kimbel Simeon is building something far larger than an agency roster. His work sits at the intersection of ambition, instinct, and cultural shift, driven by a belief that Nigerian talent belongs on the world’s most prestigious platforms. Each discovery, each setback, and each breakthrough feeds into a broader mission to expand visibility and redefine possibility. For Top Charts Africa, Simeon represents a new generation of African creative executives who understand that global impact begins with local vision, disciplined development, and the courage to see potential where others might not.
