“Family” is a word that’s most often used by Audrey Wilson when she talks about her business. Not only does she think of her GEMINI team in such warm terms, but she extends that to all of the women, men and children who have, over the years, come to GEMINI to build on their image and self-confidence. Audrey is now entering her 23rd year as the owner and director of the Region’s largest Modelling Agency, Training Academy and Fashion Production Firm. She’s excited about what the future holds.

Audrey started her work experience as Supervisor of Staffing in the Human Resources Division of the Waterloo Regional District School Board, and remained in that position for 17 years. At the same time, on a part-time basis, she modeled and instructed classes at GEMINI Modelling Studio in Kitchener.

For Audrey had a dream and worked diligently to achieve it. The dream was to grow a small local business into a multi-faceted company.  In 1991, Audrey’s dream became a reality when she purchased GEMINI.

Over the years, and with the capable assistance of her close-knit team, Audrey Wilson’s GEMINI has vaulted into its present position as the most dynamic fashion and image-making leader in Ontario.

In the fall of 2013, GEMINI will be branching into the Guelph market, where they will be opening a “pilot” Academy, which will offer weekend classes for girls ages 5-18. “There is such a high demand for self-development today,” says Audrey.  “We are simply expanding to help more people achieve their fullest potential.”

To complement a new satellite location, Audrey will be revising the curriculum to include information for teens on safe uses of social media. “We will be teaching students and models how to conduct themselves professionally and safely as technology continues to develop.” says Audrey.

Word of the Year: Exalt: To increase intensity, to stimulate the mind or imagination.

Laurie became interested in the fashion & beauty industry at a young age. She started with Gemini in 2001(at the age of 14) taking the full year modelling program. Throughout her year at Gemini, she participated in several Fashion Shows, both as a model and as a back stage assistant.

In January of 2002, she joined the Gemini team as an Office Assistant. After returning from a modelling contract in Korea and Hong Kong she has taken over the role of Model Bookings Manager. Laurie handles the day-to-day operations in the office and as well, she works daily on keeping the Gemini website up-to-date.

Laurie continues to challenge herself by taking on roles of creative direction, whether in Make-Up, Hair or Wardrobe Styling. She also studies Digital Imaging.

Word of the Year 2013: Devotion: [Profound dedication; earnst attachment to a cause or person, An assignment of appropriation to any purpose / Cause.]

This year it's not about just managing expectations, it's about being devoted to doing the things that really matter for me. It makes all the difference in the world when you accept challenges, know your limits and really follow though on each and every task you take on. My goal this year is to continue to build my reputation on being the best, because i care. This year it's about being devoted to my own causes!

Word of the Year 2012: Aspire: to long, aim, or seek ambitiously; be eagerly desirous,especially for something great or of high value.

www.lauriecadman.com

Samantha Czerlau has been an integral part of GEMINI for over 6 years. Beginning in a program at the age of 14, Samantha continued to support the Agency while pursuing a part time career as a model both locally and in Toronto.

Samantha is currently a favourite fitness model for Tony Little and she can be spotted regularly on the Shopping Channel.  Samantha brings a sense of calm sophistication to a high-energy office environment.

Word of the Year 2013: Experience

Word of the Year: 2012: Patience

Meaghan Dietrich has been a part of the GEMINI team for over 6 years. She currently serves as the Academy’s Director. A graduate of the National Ballet of Canada, she has worked as a professional dancer on the global entertainment scene and as a dance instructor, Meaghan brings her passion for performance into her daily lesson plans at the Academy.

Under Meaghan’s direction, GEMINI’s curriculum is unique to most in the business. The standard runway, fashion, poise, grooming and makeup classes are complimented by personal hygiene, healthy-living and fitness components.

Self-styled photo shoots at the end of each term are a highlight for the students. When Meaghan is not dancing or instructing, she can be found gracing the runways for all of GEMINI's fashion show productions. She always leaves a lasting impression with her graceful walk and electric smile

Word of the Year 2013: Achieve.

Word of the Year 2012: Promise: This year I promise to commit to everything I do. I promise to give 100% of myself towards my students and all tasks I undertake!

Sarah Davidson fulfills the roles of Director of Make-Up Artistry, Modelling Instructor, and Model. At age 15, she began her journey with GEMINI. Always fascinated by the fashion and beauty industry, at age 18, Sarah became a beauty advisor for Estee Lauder. There she was trained in both skin care and make-up application.  

Fast forward twenty years, and Sarah, now a busy mother of 3, continues to fulfill her role at GEMINI.  Her passion is teaching women of all ages the importance of understanding ingredients found in cosmetics and skincare. She is also the Area Manager and Independent Consultant for Arbonne International.

Sarah’s enthusiasm, positive energy and contagious smile are always warmly welcomed by her eager students.

Leah Hall has been a member of the GEMINI family since taking her first program at age15. Now 20, and in her second year of studies at Wilfrid Laurier University, Leah is GEMINI’s Blog Writer, Model, and Agency Administrator.

She brings her exceptional organizational and customer service skills to the office where she greets all guests with a welcome smile.

Word of the Year:

Ema Suvajac is a photographer based in Guelph, Ontario. She has always had a love for photography - running around with a camera from early childhood, she set out to compose and capture memorable images of family, friends, and nature. Almost two decades later, she is still running around, albeit with a much more expensive camera and a better eye for what works as an image.

Ema's current focus is fashion and portraiture, however, she has experience in a variety of other photographic themes as can be seen at emasuvajac.com.

In Ema's spare time she is a graduate student at the University of Guelph, where she studies Molecular and Cellular Biology, with a B.Sc. in Molecular Biology and Genetics. While she discovered her love for research, photography quickly became a way to indulge her more creative side, whether outdoors or in the studio.

This year Ema has teamed up with Laurie to teach the "Model In Training" program offered to advanced students and models looking to build their portfolios.

Word of the Year: Live: to remain alove; to have an exciting or fulfilling life.

www.emasuvajac.com

Stephanie Storm is a clothing designer for the emerging label Glyphiks. She started her company in 2000, deciding to embark on an unpredictable business idea: Artistically simple Canadian clothing. A graduate from the University of Waterloo Fine Arts Department, she used her skills in computer graphics, sculpture and photography to develop a clothing line that appeals to women with an eye for something unique. The following year, Stephanie attended the Venture Creation Program and learned the necessary skills to run the business.

Today, the label is going strong, as it continues to grow and evolve into a unique alternative to mass produced clothing.

“Glyphiks has different outlook on the Fashion Industry. Our goal is not to mass produce our garments, but to bring our customer a sense of individuality by only doing small productions runs with high quality fabrics and unique designs. We do our best to promote green living by creating a garment that will stand the test of time, and we are conscious of limiting our waste and avoiding plastic packaging. All manufacturing is sweat shop free in Canada.” –Stephanie Storm

Glyphiks is available in select stores across Ontario as well as various online stores.  For more information, please visit www.glyphiksdesign.com.