Meet the Team

Swan K Elliott

Founder and CEO

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 travelled to many exotic places, such as Japan, China, Chile, 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, Men’s Journal, Fortune and Conde Nast-magazines, Pepsi, Japanese Playboy, Candid Camera, MTV. Airlines: JAL, Aloha, Hawaiian and Australian Jetstar and Qantas. 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 Emmys, and recently Mermaids’ Lament and assisted casting on Beyond Paradise. She also created her own 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 Skincare 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.

 

Terry Proctor – Chief Administrator

Terry is a Vietnam Era Air Force Veteran and a retired school principal from Kauai. As a Principal of a school with almost 1000 students, he managed 122 employees doing all of the hiring, firing, and evaluations along with managing a multi-million dollar budget. He also served on several Boards of Directors including; Kauai Workforce Investment Act, Boy’s and Girl’s Club of Kauai, and Ho’ike Public Television. As a school administrator he created new and inventive partnerships with local businesses and moved his school from under-performing to one of the best in the state. He has lived in Hawaii for 35 years most of it on Kauai and now resides on the Big Island with his wife Swan.

Valerie Matsunaga – Administrative Assistant – Maui Director

“Express your voice through the media, where words and actions matter.”  

Valerie’s passion is to kindly serve the Lord, family, friends, community and the world through storytelling of hope and truth; Valerie currently lives, works, and thrives on Maui; 

She is a Screen Actors Guild Actor with experience in local television and film productions (Hawaii Five-0, Magnum PI, Doogie Kamealoha,MD, The White Lotus and Improvisation).  

Her credentials include Film and TV Essentials from NYU.  Her modeling experience includes Focus Hawaii model training.  

Sue Fortney – Big Island Assistant Director

Suzie Fortney started her own business at 18, she built her business and became a “Jewelers Jeweler “for 30 other Jewelry stores. After moving to Hawaii 23 years ago, she ended up working as the executive sales and director for Big Island TV and Paradise Television in Maui where she sold advertising for the visitor channel, wrote commercials, coordinated production, helped with editing has well as other big name productions on the Big Island.

 

Faith Rivera – Creative Director Oahu

Faith Rivera is a Grammy-nominated, Emmy award-winning Singer/Songwriter, a Podcast Host for Voices of Unity on MindBodySpirit.FM and a Transformational Tour Guide using music & unique live experiences to bring more love and aloha to hearts around the globe.  She is excited to support Focus Hawaii talent in the islands, like her young daughter Izzy, to deliver quality work to clients while having a positive growing experience. 

June Dillinger – Oahu Assistant Director and Scout

June joined Focus Hawaii International as a way of creating growth for herself and envisioning hope for other mature people who are looking for ways to enrich their second half of life. Her background is in public relations, owning a professional and self development business and a destination wedding business on the island of Oahu. June is all about love and supporting people in their greatness.

 

Ivy Antolin – Administrator Assistant – Kauai Director

Co-Owner & Partner of JenZ LLC dba Teen Debut Magazine, Hawaii Editorial Staff of Wedding Illustrated, Direct Sales Beauty Guide for LimeLife by Alcone, Bookkeeper/Payroll Clerk by trade

 

Ala Bahdanovich – Scout & Instructor Big Island

Being a model herself for many years, modeling instructor and scout for Focus International for over 15 years Ala utilizes principles of modeling to instruct individuals about methods of self-improvement and to analyze appearance of individual. She provides instructions to students in managing wardrobe, capability of wearing all types of clothing styles, ability to look good at all times, being flexible, adaptable, very stylish, versatile, efficient, hard-working, good at taking directions.
As a model instructor, she conducts classes and teaches the learners about various aspects of modeling as an art and profession.
As a scout her focus is to identify models who are dynamic and relevant, with long-term potential.
Originally from East Europe, country of Belarus, Ala is fluent in Russian, Belarusian and English languages.

Nicole Glennie – Dance Director

Nicole Glennie , of New York has been dancing since the age of two. Growing up as the daughter of dance master, Debra Wood she had the opportunity to train daily and train to a professional level. She is classically trained in ballet, jazz , tap , hip hop , ballroom and contemporary styles. Nicole has studied in NYC at Broadway Dance Center with instructors such as tap and hip hop legend, Jared Grimes and Rockette, Cheryl Cutlip. She completed an internship at the National Museum of Dance , Saratoga NY, while also teaching and directing the tap department. Nicole has directed and owned a studio in New York for 10 years . She has performed in many venues in NY such as annual performances in Times Square NYC, The Nutcracker with Ballet Atlantic at Tarrytown Music Hall, Bleeker stadium , Soul Desire Hip Hop Dance Crew , International ministry “Project Dance.” National Museum of Dance, Glens Falls Civic Center & “The Egg”at New York’s capital. She has won several competition trophies as “ Best choreography” with her dance company. Nicole is a vibrant , versatile teacher who now lives on Big Island with her family. She is delighted to be the dance director for FOCUS International Talent & Model Agency.

Mariko Okamoto – Focus Japan – Planning Director

Mariko Okamoto has more than 30 years of experience in 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.

Peggy – Artistic Director of Photography

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 skincare, 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 express 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.

Peter Baratti – Photographer and Scout
Peter Baratti, is an American fashion/beauty photographer located in Hollywood,
California. He travels around the world for magazine editorials and commercial
and fashion accounts. His list of clientele include many celebrities in the fashion,
movies and music industries.
The beautiful islands of Hawaii have always been some of his favorite locations
for their beauty and natural settings as well as the abundance of new talents to
discover for the industry. He has been visiting the islands since early 2000,
primarily working with FOCUS HAWAII and has produced some of their industry
demanding photographs, therefore discovering great talent for modeling and
acting markets.

Sage

International Scout & Stylist

 

Michael Gregory

Scout & Actor

 

Bethany

Scout

 

Kayle V

Scout