MEET THE TEAM

International Agent - Owner		SWAN ELLIOTT Swan Elliott Owner- Agent of Focus International Hawaii Model & Talent Agency LLC, is a veteran in the Modeling Industry. While starting her career at 12 years old, she traveled to many exotic places, such as: Japan, China, Chili, Panama, Greece, Turkey, Switzerland, Mexico, Canada, and of course the US. She opened her first Agency back in 1975 in Canada where Focus International later evolved as one of the top Agencies in the country. Swan had the Winning Agency of the year in 1994 & runner up in 1995. Starting in Kona Big Island of Hawaii, in 1996 she opened Focus International-Hawaii, representing models-talent from around the world. Her wealth of knowledge and resources has given Focus Agency the power to provide Top Professional Models & Talent to their many clients (Locally, Nationally and Internationally). Clients such as; Toyota, Sony, National Geographic, Tyra Banks-Americas Next Top Model, Old Navy, Eddie Bauer, Pottery Barn, Cirque Du Soleil, Mens Journal, Fortune and Conde Nast-magazines, Pepsi, Japanese Playboy, Candid Camera, MTV. Airlines: JAL, Aloha, Hawaiian and Australian Jetstar and Quantas. Many Hawaiian Resorts; Hilton Grand Vacation, Outrigger, Four Seasons, Shell Vacation, Classic Resorts, Sheraton,Weston, King Kamehameha Resort, Orchid Mauna Lani, Marriott and more.. Also casting such productions as Maui Above and Below-hosted by Bo Derek, which won five Emmy's, as well as Wind On Water and Beyond Paradise. She also created her on production company “Focus On Aloha Productions LLC” known for Tribal Motion Stage and Runway Show and her future project- Focus WithIn Reality TV. Working behind the scenes on many photo shoots, Swan helps with hair/makeup/styling, also personally trains at the monthly workshops and seminars; everything from Runway, Photo Movement, Marketing, Health and Skin care and more. Giving Focus talent the opportunity to stay fresh and ready for their next job. Through her annual scholarship program, she helps provide a platform for new and existing model-talent of all ages to succeed to their highest level . You will find Focus International Agency models & talent, based on all the major outer Islands (Maui, Kauai, Oahu-Big Island as well as mainland US ) and now in Tokyo Japan. Swan's biggest joy is helping to empower and encourage Focus talent to reach their goals and achieve their dreams.

Kauai Scout		STUART, started modeling in 2007 with a company called Digital Savant, doing mostly print ads for surf wear and destination getaways. Enjoying every minute ! He stays active doing yoga, surfing and everything under the sun. Stuart says “if there's any modeling agency that he would work for it would be Focus International Model & Talent Agency, as the people & staff are great and it's super fun” . Giving big kudos to (owner) Swan Elliott for creating an amazing business. He is also one of our leading scouts for Kauai Island, recruiting models & talent of all ages.

Artistic Director of Photography		PEGGY RUELKE, photography skills are the culmination of years in the beauty industry at many levels. First as a young model herself and later through operating her own photography business, she has specialized in presenting models at their top advantage through the combination of her professional cosmetology skills, utilization of natural settings, and creative styling. As a Registered Nurse with certifications in laser and skin care, Peggy has developed an eye for the structure and beauty of the face.. She continues to work as the Artistic Director for Photography with Focus Hawaii International Model and Talent Agency with Swan Elliott Owner/Agent and Reggie Trusel Agency Director/ Booker. Working with, and teaching models photo movement, portfolio development, hairstyling and make-up techniques; ultimately, giving the talent an edge in achieving their goals. Her unique vision and creativity expresses the beauty of the people who live in the Islands. Her goal is to give back by mentoring those interested in learning about this fascinating field. She and her husband of 30 years, and most cherished daughter moved to the Big Island in 1987 from Southern California in search of paradise. Twenty seven years later, she is still in love with this big beautiful island of Hawaii.

Focus Japan Planning Director		MARIKO OKAMOTO, Mariko Okamoto has more than 30 years experience for planning events as well as model student recruiting. She is very instrumental in organizing and preparing International Models / Talent for Hawaii USA travel and Focus Model training programs.

Runway Trainer & Big Island Scout		ELENA, The beauty, kindness and people of Hawaii have made this Island Elena's home for the last 16 years. Originally born and raised in Russia, she started her modeling career working as a runway model. She is disciplined, hardworking, resourceful and patient. Enjoys spending time in the ocean, paddling, dancing, hiking, theater, traveling and learning new things. She is a true believer every one is beautiful and special in their own way. Her goal when teaching runway, is to not just show the different modeling techniques & styles but to bring confidence and embrace each models uniqueness. Elena is a great asset to Focus agency, training runway at our monthly workshops as well and scouting new talent on Big Island.

Instructor		KITTY, has worked for Focus Hawaii for 20 years in all areas to include: booking; runway, commercial, print, modeling; actor and instructor. She has a background in nursing, specializing in maternal child care, alternative medicine, demonstration sales world marketing, management, teaching, dance, yoga and pilates. She moved from New England to Hawaii 47 years ago. Always Aloha!

Big Island Scout		MELBA, has been a resident of the Big Island of Hawaii since 1992. Her early career years were spent in corporate management and R&D. The natural beauty of the island and the endless summer environment called for more creativity so she moved into sales and management of boutiques and art galleries. These experiences have served to lead her through the artful and creative business avenues that brought her to Focus. Melba's earliest and oldest passion is discovering and motivating the passions of others that lead to personal transformation and increased selfconfidence. She now brings this passion and the desire to aid others in achieving their goals to the model and talent arena. As a new comer to Focus International, she is looking forward to scouting out new faces to nurture and develop both the new talent and the agency.