Today we’d like to introduce you to Brenda Skouras.
Hi Brenda, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
First, thank you so much for including me in your publication. It’s truly an honor to share my story, and I hope it encourages anyone out there who’s navigating their own path, whether that’s launching a business, switching gears, or simply trying to find clarity in their purpose.
I grew up in Holbrook, NY, and even as a kid, I knew I was drawn to creativity, connection, and independence. I had a deep love for fashion, modeling, events, and the idea of building something that was entirely my own. After college, I moved to New York City to pursue a modeling career—full of hope and determination. I picked up some work, but the road wasn’t as glamorous or consistent as I had imagined.
To support myself, I took a full-time position in Marketing and PR at a luxury watch company. That’s where things really started to shift for me. I was suddenly immersed in high-end events, working with celebrities, and talking to people from all walks of life about a product I believed in. I realized that what lit me up wasn’t just the product—it was the people side of it all. I loved the storytelling, the energy of the events, the behind-the-scenes magic. Around the same time, I was also working as a promotional model for some wine and spirit brands, which gave me a whole new perspective on experiential marketing and brand activation.
Then came the moment that changed everything. A client casually asked if I knew any other models who I could bring to their event. I rallied a few friends, and just like that, a light bulb went off. I saw a need. I saw an opportunity. And I knew I could build something bigger than myself.
I didn’t follow a perfect plan. I figured it out as I went, and that made the journey all the more real. I tried launching staffing companies with partners—twice—and both times, it didn’t work out. But instead of giving up, I got clear. I knew what I wanted, and more importantly, I knew what kind of business I wanted to build. So, fifteen years ago, I launched B9 Model and Event Staffing on my own. No partners. No safety net. Just vision, determination, and a deep belief in what was possible.
Today, B9 is a nationwide force, with 32 full-time employees, a dedicated Guest Services department, and over 8,000 brand ambassadors across the country. We’ve staffed thousands of events and built a reputation for excellence, energy, and heart. I’m incredibly proud of the culture we’ve created—one where our team feels like family and our clients know we’ll always go above and beyond.
And now, I’m stepping into a new chapter with Vision 66—an apparel line inspired by the very people who bring events to life. It’s made for the producers, the planners, the doers behind the curtain. It’s stylish, comfortable, and designed to move with the fast pace of the real world. Just like our team, it’s bold, functional, and full of personality.
Looking back, my journey wasn’t about following a straight path—it was about paying attention to the signs, embracing the pivots, and turning setbacks into stepping stones. If there’s one message I’d share, it’s this: sometimes the dream doesn’t show up the way you imagined it—but it shows up exactly how you need it to. Trust that, and keep going.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I wouldn’t call the journey smooth—but I also wouldn’t trade a single part of it. Every obstacle, every misstep, and every unexpected twist helped shape the woman I’ve become. There were moments when things felt uncertain, when partnerships fell apart, and when I honestly asked myself, “Can I actually do this?” But I’ve learned that real growth doesn’t happen when everything is going right. It happens when things get uncomfortable, when you’re stretched beyond what you thought you could handle and still find a way to keep going.
One of the earliest and toughest lessons I learned was about partnerships. When I first started, I was enthusiastic, hopeful, and probably a bit too trusting. I assumed that shared ambition was enough to build something solid, but it’s not. You need clarity. You need defined roles, shared values, and honest communication. I entered into two partnerships that ultimately didn’t work out. Both times, I was the one left holding everything together. It was painful and disheartening, but also incredibly clarifying. It made me realize that I was the one with the vision and if I wanted to see it through, I needed to fully own it.
There were also plenty of moments where I felt like I was figuring things out on the fly. I knew how to work hard. I knew how to connect with people. But there were so many behind-the-scenes aspects of running a business—contracts, operations, systems that I had to learn by doing. Sometimes that meant making mistakes, and sometimes that meant staying up late just trying to figure things out. But every time I stumbled, I got back up a little stronger and a lot wiser.
Looking back now, I don’t see those moments as failures. They were turning points. Each challenge pushed me to evolve. They taught me how to lead with strength and softness, how to trust my instincts, and how to build something that reflects both my values and my voice.
No, it hasn’t been easy. But I’m proud of the messy parts. They gave me grit. They taught me to be resourceful. And they reminded me that I don’t have to have it all figured out—I just have to be willing to keep moving forward. Because every detour along the way was really just preparing me for the next level. And today, I’m standing in that space—running a business I built from the ground up, stepping into new ventures, and showing others what’s possible when you stop waiting for permission and start trusting yourself.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
B9 Model and Event Staffing is a national staffing agency, but to us, it’s always been much more personal than that. We’ve been in the game for 20 years, staffed over 7,500 events across the country, and built a network of more than 8,000 amazing brand ambassadors, with 32 full-time employees on our core team. But what really sets us apart isn’t the numbers. it’s how we show up.
At B9, we’re known for being the team you can count on, no matter what. Whether it’s a red-carpet event, a product launch, a brand activation, or guest services for a major venue, our clients know they’re getting more than just staff they’re getting a reliable, polished, and enthusiastic team that feels like part of their brand. We take pride in that.
What makes us different? We don’t cut corners. Every single person we place has been interviewed, trained, and matched with intention. It’s not about just checking a box, it’s about making sure the energy, the personality, and the professionalism all align with the client’s vision. We get to know our talent, and we get to know our clients. That’s how we’ve built real, lasting relationships over the years.
I think what I’m most proud of, beyond the growth, the brand, or the numbers—is the culture we’ve built at B9. This company truly feels like a family. We show up for one another, we celebrate wins together, and we push through challenges side by side. That sense of unity isn’t just felt internally; it radiates outward into everything we do. Our clients feel it, our talent feels it, and I think that’s a big part of why people trust us and keep coming back.
Our internal team is truly the heartbeat of this company. Behind the scenes they are the ones making it all possible—managing operations, supporting talent, building client relationships, solving problems in real time, and doing it all with incredible passion and professionalism. They aren’t just employees—they’re partners in the mission. They care deeply about the experience we deliver and the people we serve, and that energy is contagious.
In an industry that moves fast and demands a lot, having a reliable, committed, and creative internal team makes all the difference. They’re the reason we can scale without losing the personal touch. They’re the reason we can say “yes” to complex, high-profile projects and know we’ll execute with precision. And they’re the reason I still feel excited to go into work every day—because I know I’m surrounded by people who truly care, and who take ownership of what we’re building together.
At the end of the day, B9 is about people. Whether we’re building a dream team for an event or designing clothing for those working behind the scenes, our mission stays the same: to help others shine—and to be the team that’s always in their corner.
And now, we’re bringing that same heart and hustle into a new chapter—Vision 66, our apparel line inspired by the fast-paced world of events. It’s made for the people behind the scenes, the ones running point, handling details, and making the magic happen. It’s where comfort meets hustle, because the behind-the-scenes crew deserves to look and feel amazing too.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Consistency.
It’s the backbone of everything I’ve built. In business and especially in the event industry where timelines are tight, expectations are high, and first impressions matter, you don’t get to be hit or miss. You have to show up, every single time, with the same level of dedication, professionalism, and excellence. That’s how you earn trust.
Consistency isn’t just about delivering a great event or a reliable brand ambassador, it’s about how you communicate, how you lead, how you handle problems, and how you follow through. It’s what turns a one-time client into a long-term partner, and it’s what makes your team feel safe and supported. When your staff knows what to expect from you and your clients know they can count on you, it creates a ripple effect of reliability and respect.
I’ve seen firsthand how being consistent in my values, my work ethic, and my delivery has opened doors, created lasting relationships, and given my brand a strong foundation to grow. Trends change, markets shift, but if you’re consistent, you’ll always be a steady force in the industry.
Transparency.
Being transparent in business is just as critical. It’s about being real with your clients, your team, and yourself. That means clearly communicating expectations, owning up to mistakes, and not sugarcoating challenges. People don’t expect perfection they expect honesty.
I’ve always believed that trust is built in the moments where you choose to be open, even when it’s uncomfortable. If something unexpected comes up on a project, I’m the first to pick up the phone, not to make excuses, but to offer a solution. That openness creates confidence my clients know I’ll always be upfront, and my team knows they’re part of a culture where truth and accountability are valued.
Internally, transparency has helped me build a team that feels empowered and respected. We talk openly about goals, challenges, and feedback. It’s not just about keeping everyone informed it’s about creating a space where people feel safe to contribute and take ownership.
At its core, transparency is respect. And when people feel respected, they give you their best—and they stick around. That’s how strong businesses are built.
“Build with consistency, lead with transparency, and never be afraid to start over—because the most remarkable journeys begin the moment you choose to believe in yourself.”
Contact Info:
- Website: www.b9models.com and www.vision66official.com
- Instagram: B9 Model Event Staffing + Vision 66 official
- Facebook: B9 Model Event Staffing + Vision 66 official
- LinkedIn: B9 Model Event Staffing
- Youtube: B9 Models Official
- Other: Tik Tok Vision 66 Official
Image Credits
@briwatkinsphoto
