Mode Elle
Stories of Downtown
Mode Elle – Nicole Voskamp
When visiting the businesses of Downtown Belleville you get to take in the beautiful facade of the store front, discover unique local and international products and dine on delicious food. You may catch a glimpse of the owner as they wise by, the life of a small business owner is hectic – They want to engage with the customer though they also must be the boss, the marketing expert, the cleaner, the server, the accountant and that could be all before noon! We wanted to give those business owners an opportunity to slow down for a moment and share their stories. Because behind each storefront are people who had a dream and put in a whole lot of work to make it come to life. These are some of the stories of Downtown Belleville.
Located at 291 front street you will find Mode Elle, a full service modelling and acting agency and academy that has been in business for 34 years now! This mother agency helps build portfolios, teach and guide models 4 years old and up!
We chatted with Nicole Voskamp, owner of Mode Elle (Downtown Belleville) and the fashion boutique KC Closet (Picton ON). She relayed to us that Mode Elle was actually her first job out of Humber fashion school when she was only 20 years old! After 15 years of learning and growth in the industry Nicole took ownership from Audra Anderson who had owned Mode Elle for 28 years! Nicole was so excited to continue the legacy, she has seen Mode Elle grow and evolve over the years and has such a passion for the process. She could see the potential of the business of which she now owns and has two wonderful employees who also happen to be graduates from Humber!
“Mode Elle is a welcoming spot for all!” says Nicole, “Anyone who has an interest in the modelling, fashion or acting industry is welcome, but also even if you’re looking to try something new and step out of your comfort zone, Mode Elle provides a space to help teach and build self confidence! Everyone should leave Mode Elle feeling great and beautiful in their skin!”
When we asked Nicole about her choice to keep Mode Elle in Downtown Belleville she said that it was an easy decision. First because of location- “models come from all over Ontario and the downtown is centrally located, as well as walkable with lots of amenities for models staying in town.” said Nicole. “My favourite part about the downtown district though is the collaboration, the DBIA is active in supporting but it really helps that the businesses also are keen to collaborate with each other and participate in events.” Mode Elle has been a part of the Downtown At Dusk summer solstice event for years putting on a fashion show that is the ultimate kick off to summer fun!
Mode Elle specializes in confidence building, training and preparing their models and talent for the industry while also promoting them locally, nationally and internationally to clients. If you’re interested in the fashion industry, modelling, acting or in building your self esteem in a fun and empowering way then head to Modeelle.ca and submit your application!
It was wonderful getting the chance to chat with Nicole and learn more about another amazing business in Downtown Belleville. Before we left we had to ask one last tough question, which is her favourite cafe/restaurant downtown? “For a team lunch, Gourmet, Diem. For an afternoon croissant and latte, L’auberge de France. For an after work cocktail, Capers.” Nicole replied enthusiastically. Keep following along for our next Story of Downtown!
Click here to follow Mode Elle on Facebook and Instagram!
For a fun behind-the-scenes look, visit Downtown Belleville on Instagram and Facebook!
Stay tuned for more Stories of Downtown coming your way!
Funded by Bay of Quinte Regional Marketing Board
