This agency projects a real "fly by night" vibe. They were poor at communicating before my reading for them, giving me no information about their agency, which operates out of a Post Office box! My tryout was in a regular room with a "Flip" style video camera - I still question how effective they could possibly be in finding work - especially when there's not a single good review here from their own clients! When I can not only prepare my own demo for a couple of hours of studio time, but also buy any equipment that they seem to bring to the table for less expense than the studio time, I wonder why I need them to get started.... especially when I don't recognize any of their "talent"! [A note added after the owner's response: I DID ask several questions about their agency, and was told that they (or at least the owner) had been in business for many years. I asked this because I wanted verification that this wasn't an agency that makes its money on preparing head shots and marketing materials, like many "modeling" agencies. Since the short message that I HAD received pointed out my need for these very materials prominently and was short on other info, AND the address info wasn't up-to-date via Google, I thought that I had a valid concern. Then my tryout was less than a minute with an assistant (who hadn't overheard the conversation verifying that they are legit) with a camcorder, who declared that I had "the best speaking voice so far that day", when I was there for voiceover specifically. I was told that they would decide by the end of the week. Then, two days early I was told that they weren't interested. I'll leave it up to the reader to decide whether that sounds like she took offense at my checking their status as a legitimate business, or really was more interested in selling marketing materials to me. At the very least, the under-a-minute tryout and lack of their own physical space or professional equipment makes me think that their resources must pale in other ways compared to other agencies in town.] [Another update: I have since been in contact with another agency, Images Agency, that was actually willing to spend their time answering questions and finding out more about me before judging me for wanting info or basing a voiceover tryout on under a minute filmed on a Flip camera. Images's people were all polite, helpful, and treated the conversation like a real discussion, as opposed to the one-line e-mails and attitude that you're lucky to even get a response that I got from Azalea. I look forward to leaving a 5-star review for Images, whether they use me or not!] read more

I am a local photographer in town who works with lots of agency models and actors. There are a handful of agencies in town that are legitimate and professional. The ones I recommend make money off of booking their talent for professional work. Mandi does a great job managing talent, building relationships with casting, and connecting with the industry to provide work for all Azalea talent. It's always unfortunate to see people who were not accepted by an agency leave bad reviews, but that's the nature of the business. Not everyone is a good fit for every agency and it can be an ego hit to those who go home without a contract. read more

As a local model and promotional representative, I have found Azalea Agency to be the best Talent Agency in the St. Louis area. Having worked with a variety of agencies before signing with Azalea, I was familiar with being overcharged for headshots, receiving little guidance, and picking up little work. Mandi's (owner) attitude is so down-to-earth and helpful, I can't imagine ever signing with another agency. No matter what time of day, Mandi is always just a phone call away and available to answer any questions I may have. Thanks to Azalea Agency I've worked on fun promos such as the Bud Light Platinum party at the Chase Park Plaza, being featured in various commercials, and had the opportunity to meet Heidi Klum while working on her cosmetic line commercial. read more

I had a great experience working with Mandi. I had a rush audition for an infomercial and she was able to send me talent fast! Thanks so much! read more