Dale Noelle was one of the fashion industry's most successful and sought after fitting models for nearly two decades before she founded TRUE Model Management. During her career as a professional fit model, she worked for almost every mass retailer and major fashion company, as well as designers: Ralph Rucci for Chado, the late Oleg Cassini, Michael Kors, Calvin Klein, Oscar de la Renta, Ralph Lauren and many more.
Her love of the industry began in childhood while spending time at her father's clothing factories. There she learned to create and tailor her own designs as well as run a business. After obtaining degrees in business and marketing, she worked as a clothing production manager, sales representative, designer and owner of one of the Generra licenses before finding her calling as a fitting model.
Dale originally created TRUE to manage her own career as a fit model, but clients repeatedly requested her referrals for additional models. She now manages the entire team at TRUE while overseeing the many details that go into making TRUE the success it is for talent and clients.
Dale brings her commitment to community support and a healthy lifestyle into the running of her company, making TRUE a unique and fun place to work. Her passion for philanthropy is combined with sports and exercise through many company athletic opportunities led by TRUE models. With a degree in Health Counseling, Dale helps TRUE models to meet their nutritional goals and stay fit.
Her extensive knowledge, as well as her network of professionals allows her to foster important introductions to further the careers of models, patternmakers, technicians and designers. These elements make TRUE one of the most sought after management companies for fit models in the world.
What advice can you offer to women who want to start their own business?
Create a business that fuels your passion and makes a positive difference in others' lives. When you love what you do, the long hours don't feel so much like "work."
Women should develop strong networks in their fields and learn key skills prior to forming businesses. Find a mentor, a meticulous accountant and a trustworthy attorney, then hire and support passionate people with experience and fresh perspectives to walk the road with you, and keep you on your toes.
Remain optimistic, persistent, committed, driven, fearless and patient. When unexpected obstacles present themselves, re-evaluate and visualize your goals, explore your full potential, and have the faith that your efforts will bring your plans to fruition.
How do you maintain a work/life balance?
I make detailed lists with time frames and assignments sorted into groups. It may not be the system for everyone but outlining my tasks and priorities are the easiest way for me to keep track of everything. I am continuously trying to improve my time management skills!
Incorporating exercise into my daily routine, eating unprocessed foods and getting adequate sleep, also help immeasurably. When I start feeling tension, I rely on a couple of breathing techniques to help me stay calm and maintain focus. The line between my work and my personal life can easily blur, so setting boundaries helps me maintains balance, and know when it's time to delegate tasks, power down and connect with loved ones and/or yourself.
I have a positive attitude and believe that everything happens for a reason. Viewing mistakes as lessons initiates growth and self-improvement. I enjoy helping others achieve their goals, and find opportunities in what others may view as misfortunes. When I am calm and happy, those attributes carry over to the work place, making the balancing act much less stressful.
What do you think is the biggest issue for women in the workplace?
In the workplace, and in general, I find women feel like they need to "wear many hats" and feel pressure to be everything to everyone, which is an impossible goal. Many modern women financially support themselves and often need to balance work, life, social and family obligations. Being overwhelmed with responsibilities can potentially result in women neglecting their health and can cause burn out. In many industries, women receive lower pay rates, but thankfully I work in fashion, which is one of the rare industries that provides various lucrative opportunities for women.
How has mentorship made a difference in your professional and personal life?
My grandmother and my father were my mentors. They instilled a strong work ethic and focused on the importance of supporting others. These lessons, combined with first-hand practical experience were far more impactful than learning any other way.
I believe mentorship is pivotal to success and satisfaction, and the lessons you can learn from teaching are as valuable and fulfilling as the lessons you can learn from being taught.
Which other female leaders do you admire and why?
I admire so many women! However the women in fashion who immediately come to mind are: Eileen Ford, designer Nanette Lepore and Monica Forman who is the President of Color Club. All are smart and compassionate people who are, or were pioneers in their fields, and have paved the way for others while giving back to their communities.
What do you want True Model Management to accomplish in the next year?
TRUE will continue to grow exponentially and assist more young men and women to fulfill their dreams. We will support the health, beauty, fashion and clothing manufacturing industries and impact the world in positive ways by creating synergy among our business and charities to help others.