At just 26, Olivia McGauley is building one of Scotland’s most inclusive modelling agencies
In the ever-evolving world of fashion and creative talent, carving out space for emerging artists and models can be a challenge. But Olivia McGauley, founder of Oi! Agency, has done just that — and impressively, she started while still at university.
Based in Scotland, Oi! Agency is a boutique modelling and talent agency dedicated to celebrating individuality and supporting fresh talent — particularly those who may not fit the traditional mould of the fashion industry.
In this exclusive interview, Olivia shares her inspiring journey from student to business owner, the challenges she’s faced along the way, and her passion for making the creative world more accessible. From the vibrant Scottish fashion scene to the importance of building a supportive community, Olivia’s story is a testament to the power of determination and vision.
To kick things off, could you tell us a little about yourself and Oi! Agency?
Hey, I’m Olivia! I’m 26 and live in Glasgow now, but I’m originally from Newry, a small city in the North of Ireland. I set up the agency during my final year at uni because I wanted to create a space where my peers could connect with talent — like models, makeup artists and stylists — who were all starting out in the industry. I kept getting asked by people if we could use the same models for our Honours projects, so I thought it would be great to build a platform where we could showcase the talent, share resources, and help the models grow their portfolios.
Oi! Agency is often described as a boutique modelling and talent agency. What does that mean in practice, and what kind of work do you focus on?
Oi! is a boutique modelling agency, meaning we’re a much smaller, more specialised agency that focuses on building relationships with models and clients. We especially love supporting faces that don’t fit the typical agency narrative — I’m always on the hunt for unique and interesting faces that make you double-take! We also don’t have restrictions on height or size. Our focus is on community and nurturing our relationships, rather than aiming for mass-market success like the larger agencies.
A great piece of advice I was once given that’s stuck with me throughout my journey is, “If they’ve got the face, the rest will fall into place.”
I heard you started the agency while still at university, which is seriously impressive! How did you manage to juggle it all — and what motivated you to take the leap?
I started the agency in my final year of uni. During my time studying Fashion Communications at Heriot-Watt University, I had my eyes opened to how incredibly inaccessible the fashion and creative industries were to ‘normal’ people from working-class backgrounds. I remember being told on one of my first days of uni that we shouldn’t have jobs because that’s what student maintenance loans were for. I also saw my peers taking out credit cards just to book models for their final-year projects.
That really inspired me to create a platform that would help ordinary people grow their creative talents without being hit with huge bills. It’s a community space in many ways.
What has your experience been like as a young business owner? Have there been any particular challenges, or has your age worked in your favour?
It’s been a pretty organic journey for me, but it definitely comes with challenges! The biggest struggle is finding balance between my full-time job, progressing my career, managing a social life, and running the agency. You really have to push yourself and keep reminding yourself why you’re doing it — otherwise, it’s easy for it to slip down the list.
Another big hurdle has been knowing my worth and pushing back against imposter syndrome, especially when dealing with more established businesses. But in the end, it’s about remembering that every bit of experience counts, and people do value your work!
Scotland has such a vibrant and unique creative scene. What’s your perspective on it — and what makes it special to you?
Scotland, and especially Glasgow, is absolutely bursting with talent in all sorts of areas. What I love most is how everyone supports each other — which really sets us apart from bigger cities like London, where it can sometimes feel like it’s every man for himself. We’ve got some incredible creative hubs like Ponyboy and Lunch Concept that are doing an amazing job of nurturing talent.
One of the reasons I started the agency was to do my part in supporting the creative scene here in Scotland and help open doors in the fashion industry. The industry here might be more limited, and unfortunately we are in tiring times where our clubs and spaces are dying, but I think we need to resist the temptation to take our talents to the big, bad London — haha!
Do you have any advice for someone in Scotland thinking about starting their own business? Anything you wish you’d known starting out?
Keep resisting the urge to move away, and think about the impact you can have on Scotland’s creative scene. Building your business here won’t be easy, but the talent in Scotland is truly unmatched — and it’s not going unnoticed. Support your peers, local businesses, and community spaces along the way, and you’ll thrive.
And finally — what’s next for Oi! Agency? Any exciting plans on the horizon?
I’m about to kick off a drive to bring on new talent for 2025, and I’m super excited to see what comes of it! If you think you’ve got what it takes, don’t hesitate to get in touch: olivia.oiagencyscotland@gmail.com.
To learn more about Oi! Agency, follow them on Instagram at @oiagencyscotland. If you’re interested in joining the agency, reach out to Olivia directly at olivia.oiagencyscotland@gmail.com.
