It’s models, it’s macarons, and it’s everything in between. Each episode of the MODELS & MACARONS podcast serves up sweet bites of conversation with the men behind the fashion — host Jimi Sweet brings you unexpected stories, honest laughs, and a peek behind the perfect poses.
Episode 5: Jide Alao
“The biggest push at the restaurant is breaking that barrier; getting people to try Nigerian food, love it, and come back.”
Jide Alao is a model and entrepreneur who balances life in front of the camera with running a Nigerian restaurant in Rockaway Beach. He spoke about the realities of modeling—its repetitive grind versus the glamor people imagine—and his mission to introduce authentic Nigerian cuisine to a wider audience. From sourcing spices to reimagining traditional dishes, Jide is focused on breaking cultural barriers and creating a fresh experience for diners.
Episode 4: Angel Aguilera
“Home is where the heart is. Guatemala broke me down, but it built me back up into a whole different person.”
Angel Aguilera is a Queens-born model of Black and Mexican heritage who now lives in Guatemala, where he’s signed to ISTA Casting. His career began less than a year ago and has already included Guatemala Fashion Week and brand work with Skechers, Psycho Bunny, and Lacoste. Splitting his time between New York and Guatemala, Angel embraces his Afro-Latino identity while breaking barriers for Black male models in Central America.
Episode 3: Tobias Price
“Every wrong was for a right reason; those hardships gave me the courage and confidence I have today.”
Tobias Price is a model signed to State Management, originally from St. Louis and now based in New York. He grew up in a predominantly white community, which shaped his early struggles with identity and confidence as a Black man. Passionate about fashion history and culture, Tobias hopes to build a modeling career defined by authenticity and staying true to himself.
Episode 2: Canice Okereke
“Everybody kind of has to start off with those little small castings. You’ve got to grind. It’s a grind.”
Canice Okereke is a Nigerian-American model and actor from Philadelphia who first pursued athletics before shifting into fashion and entertainment. Signed with agencies in both New York and Philly, he’s built his career through persistence, networking, and a focus on versatility. Beyond modeling, he’s passionate about acting, where he finds greater opportunities to connect and express himself.
Episode 1: Randy Bowden
“Some things just come full circle like that. Once I was my full self, the career I always wanted started to happen.”
Randy Bowden is a New York–based model signed to State Management and NTA Los Angeles. Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, he began as a violinist before shifting into fashion and eventually finding his way into modeling. Today, Randy balances a successful career with a focus on self-expression, creativity, and using his platform to inspire others.
about MODELS & MACARONS
What happens when you sit down with a male model, a plate of macarons, and a couple of cameras? You get MODELS & MACARONS — a podcast dedicated to conversations that go beyond the glossy surface of ads and runways.Each episode of MODELS & MACARONS invites listeners into an intimate space where models share the stories behind their careers, their personal journeys, and the realities of working in fashion today. Between bites of delicate French pastries, we talk about everything from navigating casting calls and agency life to family histories, cultural identity, and what it really takes to succeed in a highly competitive industry.The premise is simple: models are people first. Too often we only see them as images, as silent faces in magazines or on billboards. MODELS & MACARONS is about giving them a voice. It’s about hearing how a violinist from Alabama became a model in New York, how a young man from St. Louis reflects on race and belonging, how a New Yorker turned Guatemalan resident built an unexpected international career, and how models balance the hustle of fashion with school, family, and their own dreams.This project celebrates the human side of modeling — the vulnerability, the hustle, the surprises, and sometimes the wild stories (yes, even the naked runway shows).Whether you’re in the fashion world or just curious about the people behind it, MODELS & MACARONS serves up candid conversations, unexpected perspectives, and a few crumbs along the way.
About Jimi Sweet
Jimi Sweet is a filmmaker, photographer, and all-around storyteller who never quite sits still. He’s shot real estate in New York City, designed for candy companies, run a photo studio in Brooklyn, and even built a YouTube channel before turning his camera on the community around him.With MODELS & MACARONS, Jimi takes on the role of host — not to grill guests, but to sit beside them, share a plate of pastries, and invite real conversation. His curiosity and sense of humor keep things loose, while his background in fashion and photography means he knows what it’s like on both sides of the lens.In other words: he’s the guy making sure the chat stays just as sweet (and just as messy) as the macarons on the table.
Want to Be a Guest?
Are you a model with a story to tell? Maybe you’re new to the industry, passing through New York for Fashion Week, or just looking for a chance to share what life is really like beyond the camera. MODELS & MACARONS is always looking for fresh voices and fresh faces to join the conversation.Agencies, if you’ve got talent you want to showcase, this is the perfect chance to introduce them to an audience that values authenticity as much as a killer portfolio shot.Bring your story. We’ll bring the macarons. Email us at [email protected].
email: [email protected] • call/text: +1-917-720-2124
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