From Confidence to Company Owner: ACE Models Expands Entrepreneur Opportunities

 

ACE Models International, the established modelling and personal development institution founded in 2005, has announced the addition of new strategic shareholders at Head Office level to support an ambitious new phase of international expansion, brand growth and youth empowerment.

With more than two decades of industry leadership and a network of over 30 active franchise locations, ACE Models operates across Africa and Australia, with further international expansion already underway. The organisation has built a reputation as a premium youth development brand focused not only on modelling, but on confidence-building, leadership development and preparing young people to become articulate, professional and industry-ready future leaders. 

 

The strengthened shareholder structure provides new capital dedicated to public relations, marketing, franchise support and international market expansion. The next phase of growth includes the planned launch of at least 15 additional franchises across South Africa, broader Africa, the United Arab Emirates and the United States. 

 

CEO Joani Jacobs says the expansion reflects both the proven strength of the ACE business model and the growing demand for structured youth development programmes.

 

“ACE Models has always been about far more than modelling. Our mission is to build confident young people who step into the world as leaders, professionals and role models. This new investment allows us to scale that impact into new territories while maintaining the values and standards the brand is known for.”

Operations Director Ari Powell, who leads the growth of the franchising division, emphasised the importance of empowering entrepreneurs through the ACE system.

 

“Our franchise model is designed to create sustainable and financially successful businesses for aspiring entrepreneurs while delivering meaningful programmes for students. Many of our franchise owners are women building their own successful businesses while positively impacting their communities. Expansion means more opportunities, more jobs and stronger local leadership.”

 

Development Director and Shareholder Cindy Nell-Roberts, international television presenter, entrepreneur and former Miss South Africa, highlighted the brand’s unique positioning at the intersection of media, youth development and global opportunity whilst creating jobs, offering business opportunities and growing young aspiring stars and leaders.

 

“ACE Models has helped shape the journeys of many successful international models and public figures, including Miss Universe Demi-Lee Nel-Peters, who trained with ACE for many years. But our greatest success stories are the thousands of young people whose confidence, communication skills and leadership ability were transformed through the programme. As we grow globally, our purpose remains the same: to change lives.”

The organisation’s curriculum-driven system, scalable franchise structure and recurring revenue model have enabled sustainable expansion while maintaining quality and operational stability. Franchise directors benefit from manageable overhead structures, diversified income streams and predictable student enrolment models, making ACE one of the most accessible and structured youth-development franchise opportunities in the region.

 

The company’s expansion strategy also aligns with broader economic and social goals in South Africa and internationally, particularly in supporting women in business. By enabling franchise directors to operate their own businesses, ACE Models continues to contribute to job creation, entrepreneurship development and youth empowerment across its territories.

 

As the global modelling industry continues to grow and South Africa maintains its strong reputation for producing world-class pageant winners and international talent, ACE Models aims to strengthen its role as one of the region’s leading confidence and development academies for the next generation. 

 

Photo 2: 
Ace Models International is proud to announce its new board of directors (from left to right): Cindy Nell-Roberts, Anri Powell, Roshini Pakkiree, Joani Jacobs, Lechar Knezowich. 

 

Photo 3: 
The new shareholders of Ace Models International. At the back Cindy Nell-Roberts, Margaux Louw. Middle: Lechar Knezowich, Joani Jacobs, Kyla Taylor. In front Roshini Pakkiree, Anri Powell.