KAREN LEE GROUP

Karen Lee Grybowski

Karen Lee Grybowski is the Founder of Karen Lee Group, where she specializes in scouting, coaching, developing, and casting exceptional talent. Her career began as a fashion model before seamlessly transitioning behind the scenes, where she discovered her passion for recognizing potential and guiding individuals toward lasting success.

Karen's distinguished career includes scouting for Wilhelmina Models and the acclaimed Pauline's Model Management, one of New York's premier agencies in the 1990’s,  followed by 18 years as Director of Scouting for Elite Model Management. She was also a valued member of the production team for the internationally renowned Elite Model Look competition, helping discover and develop the next generation of top models.

With a Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education and a Master's Degree in Education, Karen brings a unique blend of industry expertise and educational leadership to every client she mentors. Having traveled to more than 50 countries, she offers a global perspective that enriches her coaching. She is also a certified yoga teacher and a licensed New York City tour guide.

Today, through Karen Lee Group and KLG Model U, Karen empowers teens, young adults, and adults with the confidence, professionalism, and presence to succeed in the modeling, fashion, and entertainment industries. Whether preparing aspiring talent for agency representation or helping individuals develop their personal brand, her approach is refined, authentic, and deeply personal. She is committed to helping every client discover their unique strengths and present themselves with confidence, polish, and purpose.

MODEL COACHING

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DEVELOPMENT

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SCOUTING

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CASTINGS

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MODEL COACHING | DEVELOPMENT | SCOUTING | CASTINGS |

“Karen Lee was a major influence in my career from the start and I’m forever thankful for her guidance and her sincere interest in me, and all the models she has taken under her wing, over the years. As someone who has grown up in this industry and seen it all, I can tell you there aren’t many with the knowledge and passion to share that Karen has.”

— Coco Rocha

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KLG Services

Coaching & Development*

  • Talent evaluation & consultation

  • Runway Walking and Presentation Training.

  • Digital Photos, Video,  & Portrait Development

  • Image Consulting: Dress for Success for Models and Actors

Casting Services*

  • Fashion Shows

  • Photo Shoots

  • Special Events

Scouting & Agency Placement

  • Street Scouting, Digital Scouting, & Web Submissions

  • Introductions to leading agencies*

We offer flexible pricing based on project type and complexity.
After an initial conversation, we’ll provide a transparent quote with no hidden costs.

  • "Karen Lee is the best Mother Agent in the game! Everytime I leave Karen’s I walk away more confident than before. She made me feel comfortable and at home when i was just a young model living in new york city."

    — Abby Meeker

  • “karen lee scouted me when i was 15 and completely took me under her wing. I have shot all around the world and i’ve learned so much through working with her.”

    — London Scully

  • “Besides being one of the best scouts in the business and instrumental in finding many of today’s top Stars, Karen Lee understands the needs of a model and truly cares about their well-being.”

    —John Casablancas

MODEL U
101 Book

Over many years of experience in the modeling industry, I have often been asked about penning a resource guidebook for models. This guide is a handy and accessible reference for models on the rise and their parents to find important general information from an industry veteran: yours truly. The information contained in this book has been accrued over decades, through my time spent as a teacher, as a fashion model, and through my time working for several top modeling agencies: Wilhelmina, Pauline's, and Elite Model Management, where I was the Director of Scouting

KAREN LEE GROUP

Your Questions, Answered

CONTACT

karen@karenleegroup.com

Karen Lee Group ("KLG") is a scouting, coaching, and mentoring company for aspiring models. We embrace diversity and inclusiveness and consider the safety and well-being of our models a top priority. As such, we believe it is important to advise models about unethical people who may prey on their ambitions and talent. Please be aware that there may be certain individuals on the internet or in person falsely claiming to be a representative, photographer, or scout for KLG. 

If you are contacted by anyone claiming to be a representative of KLG, do not respond without first verifying their identity. Promptly reach out to Karen Lee Group directly to confirm that the person or entity that has reached out to you is affiliated with KLG. If you are under the age of 18, it is also important, and sometimes required by law, that a parent or guardian be involved in your career.

We wish you the best and please know that your safety is a priority.