Growing up in Horwich, Michael Mayren, 40, would never have predicted he would one day become a fashion photographer and successful CEO.
At Rivington and Blackrod High School, he left with four GCSEs and no A-levels, but always had a passion for art.
As a young creative, he wasn’t sure where his path would lead.
Yet, that unconventional route has since enabled him to build a thriving business in a notoriously tough industry.
Joining further education later in life, Michael began a foundation course at Salford University when he was 23.
He then went on to complete a degree in fashion photography.
It was during this time that his artistic skill began to flourish.
Michael Mayren shot by Inez and Vinoodh for the Diesel Reboot Campaign (Image: Supplied)
“I had never really had anyone who encouraged me or believed in what I did,” he said.
“But when I started the degree, my course leader saw my potential.”
By the end of his first year, Michael was taking trips to London, shooting for fashion magazines.
“I just got stuck in.”
He finished his studies with a list of regular publications under his belt, already establishing his name as a fashion photographer.
An incredible opportunity then emerged, working with Adidas at the London Olympics.
Michael took the plunge, swapping the Horwich hills for London streets, customising Adidas trainers for huge names like David Beckham.
In the densely populated capital, he saw an opportunity to start “street casting” for his shoots, rather than using traditional agencies.
“I enjoyed finding interesting people and started going into boxing gyms, or just out on the street.”
Michael said that in London, being scouted in this way is more common, and he always received a positive response.
“I was in my mid-to-late 20s and a working-class boy from Bolton, so I feel like it was easier for me.
“At that time, I think that being working-class was almost fetishised in fashion.”
Michael said that someone from a more conventional fashion background might have struggled to cast people in the way he did.
Brother Models shot by Michael Mayren (Image: Brother Models)
Eleven years ago, he moved back up north and settled in Manchester.
“There were far fewer creative opportunities compared to London, so I decided to create what I thought would be a side hustle with some of the guys I’d scouted.
“But it just took off almost instantly.”
At 30 years old, Michael launched Brother Models agency, a nostalgic nod to the 90s Manchester City shirts.
Thanks to his scouting determination in London, he already had a diverse modelling list.
“I continued to scout people in Asda, on the bus.
“Just whenever I’d see people, I would speak to them,” he said.
The first few years were just Michael, but he now leads a large, dedicated team that has grown alongside the business.
“It was built organically with no savings, no investors or help from anyone else.
“Starting with a laptop in my bedroom and gradually taking on staff and renting offices as enough money came through.
“We’ve made a profit every single year, turning over £2 million last year.”
The agency was originally just for male models, but now represents everyone.
“We were quite niche and specific when we started, but now we have commercial models, actors and some really cool content creators,” said Michael.
On the books at the moment are approximately 200 models and roughly 80 creators.
GQ Style, Raheem Sterling captured by Michael Mayren (Image: Supplied)
The agency has worked directly with Gucci, Versace, Burberry, Vetements, GQ, Vogue, i-D, Nike, Adidas, On Running and Stone Island.
Models have featured in music videos, album artwork and promotional campaigns for Frank Ocean, Liam Gallagher, Khalid and Pet Shop Boys.
As the business expanded, Michael learned to step back slightly.
“At first I didn’t want anything happening that I didn’t know about, but I’ve got a really great team by my side who I trust to make decisions.
“Everything grew very organically, doing what feels right.”
The key for Michael has been taking things one step at a time, though he added that “everyone is different when starting a business”.
Despite being based in Manchester, the agency has models all over the world, but Michael and the team still make time to get out and scout.
“I love having a nice place to work, with a good team who enjoy their job.
“For me, it’s most valuable when I scout people who aren’t doing much, and then go on to do great things.
“That’s far more rewarding than how much money’s in the bank.”
Reflecting on his career, Michael said: “I’d recommend anyone who is young and creative to just go for it.
“If you’re from a small place or struggling at school like I did, there’s something for everyone.
Michael and his team are celebrating 10 years of diversifying fashion through unconventional avenues this month.
“It’s been a mixture of working hard, being good at something and lucky with the timing.”
To find out more about Brother Models, visit www.brothermodels.com.