These women are in the hottest music videos on BET and MTV and they’ve appeared in several blockbuster movies. Who are they? They are the models of Ethnicity Model Management and Promotion. The exotic looks and curvaceous bodies of the women of EMMP have helped them gain a “semi celebrity” status in the entertainment industry. As companies seek to target the urban market, beautiful ethnic models like those of EMMP are in high demand. As the models grow in popularity and achieve major accomplishments, they still fight to erase the stigma placed on music video models as being gold diggers.

LaShawnna Stanley, an ex-stock broker and clothing storeowner, is the brains behind Ethnicity Model Management and Promotion. Thanks to Stanley’s eye for beauty and determination to be successful, the Miami based agency has received recognition by prestigious members in the entertainment world since it’s opening in 1999. Once consisting of only a few local models, EMMP is now in charge of promoting over 60 of the most beautiful women on the planet.

For many years, women have been objectified as sex objects in the media because “sex sells.” Though sex may be a key aspect of marketing, Stanley feels that her exotic beauties are represented in a classy manner at all times. "Ethnicity keeps a professional image and provides a positive image for our people. We provide opportunities for ethnic models that are not degrading," Some remain skeptical about scantily clad women prancing around men in a video as something classy  ,however, Stanley expresses that sexually displayed by models while working is to visually stimulate consumers. "The models are used as eye candy the same way the Victoria's Secret models are used to sell lingerie."

As major corporations continue to look towards the urban market as potential consumers, the ladies of EMMP will remain in high demand. The women have been used to promote everything from clothing to cosmetics to new products and have been seen on every form of media imaginable. Apart from becoming “semi celebrities” in South Florida, they are being increasingly familiar to people across the US and overseas. “Look for us, we are taking over!” Stanley.

Ethnicity Model Management and Promotion is allowing LaShawnna Stanley to follow her dreams in producing a company that will grow into an import part of Hip-Hop culture. How does the company with women of color surpass traditional modeling agencies? Stanley feels that it’s a combination of her model’s unparallel beauty, their willingness to never sacrifice their standards, and her belief in God that keep her business going strong. Whatever the case may be, EMMP is diffinently representing for women of color. For more information on Ethnicity Model Management and Promotion, go to www.ethnicitymodels.com