About

Denise Carol Models & Talent

Since 1976, Denise Carol Models + Talent has represented professional models and talent throughout Florida and the Southeast. For 50 years, our agency has built its reputation on strong client relationships, professional talent and an unwavering commitment to the people we represent.

Today, Denise Carol continues that legacy from our home in Northeast Florida — booking models and talent for commercial, print, lifestyle, television and advertising projects while developing the next generation of industry professionals.

50 years. One agency. A new era.

Ashley Luxenberg

Owner

Ashley Luxenberg has more than 25 years of experience in the modeling and talent industry and has led Denise Carol Models + Talent since acquiring the agency in 2012.

Her experience spans talent representation, model development, runway coaching and national television, with talent appearing on America’s Next Top Model, American Idol, The Voice and So You Think You Can Dance. Her runway coaching has included America’s Next Top Model winner Whitney Thompson, along with models and talent throughout Florida and across the country.

Today, Ashley leads Denise Carol with a strong focus on professional development, long-term client relationships and protecting the people behind the portfolios — particularly children and young talent navigating an industry that requires both opportunity and responsible representation.

Under her leadership, Denise Carol continues its 50-year legacy while moving into a new era of talent development, commercial representation and creative services through The Studio.

Suzi Young-Gaines

Second Owner

Suzi Young-Gaines joined Denise Carol Models in 1994, learning the business from founder Denise Carol Bolton from the ground up. In 1997, Suzi purchased the agency and became its second owner, continuing to build upon the reputation and legacy Denise Carol had established.

Ashley Luxenberg first met Suzi as a student at 15 and later worked alongside her at the agency. In 2012, Suzi passed the Denise Carol legacy to Ashley, beginning the agency’s third generation of ownership.

Suzi’s influence remains an important part of Denise Carol Models + Talent today. Her commitment to teaching, mentoring and encouraging new talent helped shape the agency’s culture and continues through its next generation.

History

Denise Carol – An excerpt from her bio in the 80’s

Her career as a fashion model began at the early age of 11. From the beginning she showed talent, not only in modeling and acting, but in leadership and organization.

Denise Carol’s active “teen” years were spent in study and completion of training in many areas… while modeling professionally in all medias. She graduated from Patricia Stevens Modeling School in 1969, during which time her studies continued in voice and dance… she also was offered and accepted leading roles in numerous theatrical plays.

At the age of seventeen, Denise was assistant fashion coordinator for a major Jacksonville department store and given the position of Charm School Director of two stores, coordinating and producing many fashion shows.

Her entry in State and Local beauty contests resulted in many winnings giving her the opportunity of traveling through the State of Florid while serving as a Public Relations representative.

After graduating with an Associates Science Degree in Fashion Merchandising and many modeling credits to her name… she opened the Denise Carol Modeling and Finishing Studio in 1976.

The International Method Modeling Training Program was introduced into the curriculum of the studio in 1977, and since has successfully started many students on their way to fashion careers.