The model platform for everyone
Every body
deserves a
spotlight.
Novae connects disabled models with photographers, brands, and creatives ready to tell real stories.
Discover Models
Built for those the industry forgot.
Novae was built on a simple but radical belief: every body is worthy of representation, and the fashion industry is long overdue for a change.
A Letter from the Founder
Jillian Mercado
I grew up watching my mother at her sewing machine, falling in love with fashion before I even had a word for it. But when I looked at the magazines, I didn't see myself.
I was diagnosed with spastic muscular dystrophy as a child. Growing up in New York, the daughter of Dominican parents, I understood fashion as love. But the industry's standards were built for someone else entirely.
In 2014, Nicola Formichetti chose me for a Diesel campaign. IMG Models came calling. Today, I am proudly represented by CAA. I've worked with Nordstrom, Target, Olay, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, and Beyoncé. I've covered Teen Vogue and spoken at the United Nations. The L Word: Generation Q. Dying for Sex on Hulu, & Tribeca Film Festival to name a few. I have stood in rooms that were never designed to hold someone like me — and I stood there anyway. And through every moment, I kept asking: where is everyone else?
Because I knew they were out there.
The disability community is one of the largest communities in the world — over a billion people globally. We are in every country, every city, every industry. We are not a niche. We are not an afterthought. We have always been here. But fashion didn't reflect that. Entertainment didn't reflect that. I would walk — or roll — into rooms and find myself the only one. Not because our community lacked talent or beauty or drive. But because no one had built the door.
So I built it.
"I just hope that underrepresented people see themselves in me, in any way possible."
That hope built Novae. The talent is there. It has always been there. What was missing was the platform.
— Jillian Mercado
Social Media & Community Manager
Syanne Centeno-Bloom
I grew up loving fashion and performance — the storytelling, the creativity, the way clothing and imagery can shape culture. But when I looked at the industry around me, I rarely saw people who looked like me.
As an Afro-Indigenous Latina who is also disabled, I learned early on that fashion and media operate within a very narrow idea of who belongs. Disability, especially, was almost entirely absent from the images and stories we were shown.
After years of complex health issues, I was diagnosed with autism, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, dysautonomia, mast cell activation syndrome, and other rare conditions. Over time my disabilities became more visible, and I began using a power wheelchair. Instead of stepping away from creative spaces, I leaned further into them.
Today I work as a model, actress, and civil rights activist. Disabled people exist in every community — and our stories deserve to be seen. Being part of Novae means being part of a space where disabled models are not treated as an exception, but as part of the fabric of the industry itself.
"The talent has always been here. Now we will be seen."
— Syanne Centeno-Bloom
Operations & Admin Manager
Jillian Curwin
Born a little person, I have always lived in a world that was not designed for me. The daughter of two former prosecutors, I learned early how to advocate for myself and for others — how to adapt in any space where I would often find myself the first, if not the only, little person to enter.
My entire life I have loved fashion as an art form. At the same time, I understood that fashion as an industry did not return that love. For years I simply accepted the belief that the industry would never design for me, would never see my body in fashion. It was not until I moved to New York City, found the disability community, and understood its power and resilience, that I said: enough is enough.
I would make the industry see and hear me. I started to write. I became a content creator. I started a podcast — Always Looking Up — a space to amplify disabled voices, to give disabled people room to tell their own stories, and to have honest conversations about the ways the world is not designed for us, and how we are changing it for the better.
"Being part of Novae means being part of an organization that is not only giving disability a platform — but putting it in the spotlight."
— Jillian Curwin
Built on unity. Driven by visibility.
Radical Representation
Every person with a disability deserves to see themselves in fashion — not as an exception, but as the standard.
Community First
Novae is a community where models support each other, and where every voice shapes the platform we're building.
Accessibility Always
Built to WCAG 2.1 AA — a platform for disabled people must itself be fully accessible. No exceptions.
Intersectionality Matters
We honor the full identities of every model — race, gender, culture, sexuality, and more. All of it belongs here.
Ready to be seen?
Join Novae and connect with a community that celebrates exactly who you are.
You stopped waiting
for an invitation.
So did we.
Novae connects disabled models with photographers, brands and industry pros ready to tell stories.
"I just hope that underrepresented people see themselves in me, in any way possible."
— Jillian Mercado, Founder of Novae
Welcome back.
Don't have an account?
demo@hellonovae.com / passwordHelp Center
Everything you need
to know about Novae.
We're a small, personal team — if you don't find your answer here, reach out and a real person will get back to you.
Every account on Novae is approved by hand.
Whether you're joining as a model or as a hirer, your account is personally reviewed — by Jillian herself or a member of the Novae team. We're looking for real people: models who genuinely want to work, and industry professionals who are serious about inclusive casting.
We're very new to this, and we ask for your grace and patience. Approval typically takes less than one week. This personal touch is not a bug — it's the whole point.
For Models
Novae is built for disabled models of all kinds — whether you use a mobility aid, have an invisible disability, a chronic illness, a limb difference, or any other condition. We welcome all body types, ethnicities, genders, pronouns, and experience levels. You don't need to have worked professionally before. If you want to model and you're committed, we want to hear from you.
After you sign up, your profile is placed in a review queue. Jillian Mercado or a member of the Novae team personally reviews every application. We're looking for real people who are genuinely interested in modeling — not bots, not spam. Approval typically takes less than one week. You'll receive an email once your account is active.
No. Novae welcomes models at every stage — from first-timers to industry veterans. What matters is that you're real, you're committed, and you want to work. Your profile is your story; tell it honestly and you're exactly who we're looking for.
Once your profile is approved and live, hirers can discover you through our search and filter system. They can filter by model type, location, availability, ethnicity, and more. The more complete your profile — especially your portfolio photos and bio — the more likely you are to be discovered. Profiles with 6 or more photos get significantly more views.
Yes. Joining and maintaining a profile on Novae is completely free for models. We will always keep it that way. Our mission is representation, not a paywall.
Yes. You control your availability status, what information is displayed, and can turn your profile on or off at any time. We never share your personal contact details without your permission. Hirers message you through Novae's built-in system first.
For Hirers
Novae is open to photographers, brands, casting directors, art directors, stylists, MUAs, and other industry professionals who are looking to work with disabled models. We personally review every hirer account to confirm you represent a real business or creative practice.
Once your account is approved, you can browse and search the full model database, save profiles to your shortlist, and send direct messages through Novae's built-in messaging system. Models receive your message and can respond at their discretion. We encourage respectful, professional communication.
Novae is currently free for hirers during our launch period. Rates for the models themselves are agreed directly between you and the model — Novae does not take a commission on bookings.
Yes. You can save any model's profile to your personal shortlist with one click. Your saved models are accessible from your hirer dashboard at any time, and you can remove or add to your list whenever you like.
About Novae
Novae is a model discovery platform built specifically for disabled models. It was founded by Jillian Mercado — a Dominican-American disabled model, actress, and activist from New York City — who spent years being one of the only disabled faces in mainstream fashion. Novae exists because the talent has always been there. What was missing was the platform.
Novae is the plural of nova — exploding stars. A nova is a star that suddenly increases dramatically in brightness. We chose the name because every model on this platform deserves that moment: to be seen, to shine, and to be impossible to look away from.
No. Disability takes many forms — visible and invisible. Novae welcomes models with physical disabilities, chronic illness, neurodivergence, mental health conditions, and any other disability or health condition. You don't have to disclose your specific diagnosis. You decide how much you share and how you describe yourself.
Safety is foundational. Every hirer is manually verified before they can contact models. Our messaging system keeps your personal contact details private until you choose to share them. We have a zero-tolerance policy for harassment or discrimination.
Privacy & Account
We collect only what's necessary: your name, email, profile information, and the photos you choose to upload. We do not sell your data to third parties. Ever. You can request a full export or deletion of your data at any time by contacting privacy@hellonovae.com.
Yes, at any time. Go to Settings in your dashboard and select Delete Account. Your profile will be immediately removed from search results, and all your data will be permanently deleted within 30 days. If you need help, email support@hellonovae.com.
Approval typically takes less than one week. We are a small team doing this personally and carefully — your patience means the world to us. If it has been more than 7 days and you haven't heard from us, please email hello@hellonovae.com and we will follow up right away.
First-Time & Nervous? Start Here.
Start with digitals — and don't overthink it. Digitals are simple, clean photos that show who you are naturally: a front-facing shot, a side profile, and a few that show your full body. No heavy makeup, no elaborate styling. Natural light, a plain background, and your phone camera are all you need. The goal is for hirers to see the real you — not a polished production. That's what they're actually looking for.
Digitals (sometimes called "polaroids" in the industry) are your baseline photos — the ones that show hirers your natural look before any creative direction. Think of them as your starting point. They don't need to be perfect. They need to be honest. A clear front shot, a side profile, and one or two full-length photos in fitted, simple clothing. Good natural light makes all the difference. A window on a bright day is your best friend.
We hear this all the time — and we want you to know: you don't have to have it all figured out before you join. Every model on Novae started somewhere. Nervousness is normal. What matters is that you show up as yourself. You don't need a professional photographer, a studio, or expensive equipment to get started. You just need you. And if you're not sure where to begin, we have real people here who can help.
Yes — absolutely. Novae has experienced team members who are happy to guide you through building your first portfolio. They've been in the industry, they know what hirers look for, and most importantly, they know how to make the process feel less intimidating. If you'd like personal guidance, reach out to us at models@hellonovae.com and we'll connect you with someone who can help. No question is too small. We are genuinely here for you.
No. Professional photos are a bonus, not a requirement. Many of the most successful bookings on platforms like Novae come from models whose profiles started with simple, well-lit phone photos. What hirers respond to is authenticity — a clear sense of who you are, your presence, your energy. A professional shoot can come later. Right now, just show up. We'll help you with the rest.
A strong profile has a few key things: at least 4–6 clear photos (including your digitals), an honest and specific bio that tells your story, your model types selected, your availability kept up to date, and your location filled in. The more complete your profile, the more likely hirers are to find and message you. Profiles with 6 or more photos consistently get significantly more views. And remember — your uniqueness is your greatest asset. Don't hide it. Lead with it.
Platform Disclaimer
No. Novae is an independent model directory and platform — not a modeling agency. We do not represent, manage, or book models on your behalf. We are a space where disabled models get discovered and where the industry can find diverse talent. Think of us as a directory with community at its heart.
You are. All bookings, negotiations, rates, contracts, and agreements are made directly between you and the hirer. Novae is not a party to any agreement made on or through this platform. You book your own jobs and negotiate your own rates — we simply provide the space for those connections to happen.
We are not able to advise you on rates, contracts, legal matters, or negotiations. We can only provide guidance on how to use the Novae platform itself. For industry rate guidance, we recommend connecting with a union like SAG-AFTRA, a talent attorney, or an established modeling agency if representation is what you're looking for.
While we manually review and verify every hirer account, Novae is not responsible for the actions, conduct, or agreements of any hirer or model on the platform. We take safety extremely seriously and investigate every report — but we are a platform, not an agency, and we cannot be held liable for interactions that take place between members. If anything feels wrong, report it immediately to safety@hellonovae.com.
Still have a question?
We're a small team and we read every message. Reach us at hello@hellonovae.com and a real person will get back to you.
Legal & Accessibility
Accessibility Statement
Novae is built for everyone — including, and especially, the disability community.
Last updated: March 2026
Novae meets WCAG 2.1 Level AA accessibility standards — the same guidelines used by major government, healthcare, and public-sector websites worldwide.
What is WCAG 2.1 AA?
WCAG stands for the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, published by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). These guidelines define how digital content should be designed and built so that people with disabilities can use it fully and independently.
Level AA is the internationally recognized standard for accessibility compliance. It covers a wide range of disabilities — including visual, auditory, physical, speech, cognitive, language, learning, and neurological disabilities.
Why does Novae have it?
Novae was founded by and for the disability community. It would be a contradiction — and a failure — to build a platform celebrating disabled talent on a website that disabled people couldn't actually use. Accessibility is not a feature. It is the foundation.
We believe that every person who visits Novae, whether as a model, a hirer, or a curious visitor, deserves full, equal access to everything on this site.
What does this mean for you?
- Screen reader support — all images have descriptive alt text; all interactive elements are labeled.
- Keyboard navigation — every page and function can be used without a mouse.
- High contrast mode — toggle available on every page for improved visibility.
- Larger text option — increase text size across the entire site with one click.
- ARIA labels — assistive technology can correctly identify and describe every element.
- Color contrast — all text meets or exceeds the WCAG AA minimum contrast ratio.
Found an accessibility issue?
We take every accessibility barrier seriously. If you encounter anything on this site that prevents you from accessing content or completing a task, please contact us immediately at accessibility@hellonovae.com and a member of our team will respond personally.
We are committed to continuously improving the accessibility of Novae and welcome all feedback.
Legal & Accessibility
Privacy Policy
We collect only what we need. We never sell your data. Ever.
Last updated: March 2026
This Privacy Policy explains how Novae collects, uses, and protects your personal information when you use our platform.
What we collect
We collect only what is necessary to operate Novae: your name, email address, profile information, and any photos you choose to upload. We do not collect sensitive personal data beyond what you voluntarily provide.
How we use your data
Your data is used solely to operate your account, display your profile to relevant hirers (if you are a model), and communicate with you about your account. We do not use your data for advertising purposes.
We never sell your data
Novae does not sell, rent, or share your personal data with third parties. Your information belongs to you.
Your rights
- Request a full export of your data at any time.
- Request deletion of your account and all associated data.
- Update or correct your information at any time from your dashboard.
To exercise any of these rights, contact us at privacy@hellonovae.com.
Contact
Questions about this policy? Reach us at privacy@hellonovae.com.
Legal & Accessibility
Terms of Use
Simple, plain-language terms for using Novae.
Last updated: March 2026
By using Novae, you agree to the following terms. We've kept them as clear and human as possible.
Who can use Novae
Novae is open to disabled models, photographers, brands, casting directors, and other industry professionals. All accounts are manually reviewed before activation. You must be 18 or older to create an account.
Your responsibilities
- Provide accurate, honest information in your profile.
- Treat all members of the Novae community with respect.
- Do not use Novae to harass, discriminate against, or harm any person.
- Do not upload content you do not own or have rights to.
Zero tolerance
Novae has a strict zero-tolerance policy for harassment, discrimination, or abusive behavior of any kind. Violations will result in immediate and permanent removal from the platform.
Content ownership
You retain full ownership of any content you upload to Novae. By uploading, you grant Novae a limited license to display your content on the platform for the purpose of connecting you with hirers.
Changes to these terms
We may update these terms as Novae grows. We will notify you of any significant changes by email.
Your photo, your permission
When creating your model account, you will be asked whether you give Novae permission to feature your profile photos on our social media accounts for promotional purposes. This is entirely opt-in — you are never required to consent.
If you consent at signup and later change your mind, you can withdraw your permission at any time by contacting us at hello@hellonovae.com. We will never use your photos after a withdrawal request has been made. Your decision will always be respected.
Harassment & discrimination
If you experience any form of harassment, discrimination, inappropriate messaging, or behavior that makes you feel unsafe — please contact us immediately at safety@hellonovae.com. A real person will respond. You will be heard. We take every report seriously and act swiftly.
Reporting suspicious or scam activity
We manually review every hirer account before it is approved. However, no system is perfect. If something feels off — if a hirer's messages seem suspicious, if you're being asked for personal information outside of Novae, or if anything feels like a scam — please report it to us immediately at safety@hellonovae.com. We will investigate promptly and take action. Your safety is more important than any booking.
Questions
Contact us at hello@hellonovae.com.
Get in touch
Contact Us
We're a small, personal team. A real person reads every message.
Safety & Reports
Report harassment, discrimination, suspicious hirers, or anything that feels wrong. We investigate every report.
We typically respond within 1–3 business days. For account approval inquiries, please allow up to one week.
Welcome back, Syanne.
● Available for Bookings
Syanne Bloom
New York, USA · She/Her
Your Stats
Recent Messages
Aria Chen Photography
Love your portfolio! Are you available for August?
Studio Blanc
We'd love to feature you in our upcoming campaign...
Marco Voss
Thanks for getting back to me! The shoot is on...
Platform Reminder
Novae is an independent directory. We do not represent you, book your jobs, or negotiate your rates. All agreements are made directly between you and hirers.
Welcome back, Aria.
● Verified Pro
Aria Chen
Photographer · New York
Your Activity
Recent Messages
Simone Adeyemi
Thank you so much! I'd love to discuss the project...
Leila Osman
Yes, I'm available that weekend! Send over the brief...
Platform Reminder
All bookings, rates, and agreements are made directly between you and the model. Novae is not responsible for any agreements. Please communicate respectfully and professionally at all times.