Ambiance Models & Talent was founded in Chattanooga, Tennessee in 1982, by mother-daughter team Marti Raymond and Jana Smith. Jana had attended two well-known modeling schools and had learned nothing but how to walk on the runway.  She had no idea about what kind of pictures she might need, how to put together a portfolio or how to get jobs. Both Jana and Marti found the lack of personal interest to be very frustrating.  Between the two of them, what they knew about the business would fit in a thimble. Marti's background was in education and Jana's was in broadcasting.  But they knew if their dream was big enough, they could overcome any obstacle. They decided to make it happen. After going to New York and Los Angeles for extensive training and landing numerous runway modeling jobs and print work, they eventually decided to open their own training and marketing center.  One where there would be personal involvement, where classes would offer curriculum with current and useful information about modeling and acting, where parental involvement would be encouraged and where those who really wanted it, could get the help and support they would need to fulfill their dreams.

Marti says, "...until we joined IMTA in 1990, we still didn't have a way to market our talent on a national or international level. Because of IMTA, we now have people working all over the world through the IMTA network and other contacts we've made."

Both Jana and Marti believe that Ambiance owes its success to a strong faith in God and the unconditional belief in His guidance.  Jana says, "We believe that we are accountable for every life we touch. We try to treat each individual as we would like to be treated.  We also have strong family support and a very talented family who does everything from teaching, to fixing copy machines."  Marti continues, "...and if it weren't for the support of my husband Don, who is the IMTA director, and a very talented actor, I'd still be teaching school instead of sharing the dreams of the talented kids who come our way.  We're always striving to make a difference."

(quoted from IMTA Spotlight Magazine)