Introduction
Founded in 2018 by Solitha Shortte—an international model turned entrepreneur—Soli Productions Management Inc. (also known as “House of Soli”) was born out of a powerful vision: to challenge the fashion industry’s outdated norms and uplift underrepresented voices in Canada’s fashion scene.
A Vision Rooted in Personal Experience
After arriving in Halifax from the Caribbean in 2008, Solitha quickly recognized a harsh reality: models who didn’t fit traditional beauty standards—such as those with darker skin, natural textured hair, plus-size bodies, or mature features—were regularly excluded . Drawing on her own journey of feeling tokenized on the runway, she made it her mission to create a space that celebrates all forms of beauty .
From Model to Coach to Agency
-
Model → Coach: Solitha began mentoring other models early in her career, eventually transitioning into full-time coaching after the Cassidy Group disbanded.
-
Coach → Producer: Recognizing a lack of runway opportunities for her diverse roster, she launched her own events—starting with local shows like Fabric in Our DNA—and officially founded Soli Productions in 2018.
A Diverse Roster & Global Reach
Today, House of Soli represents clients spanning a breathtaking array of ages, genders, skin tones, and body types—from children to seniors, men with tattoos, to plus-size and gender-diverse models. Their commitment to representation has not gone unnoticed: in 2023, Soli made waves at New York Fashion Week, sending 17 of their models down the runway for eco-conscious label KeiKaiKoa .
Empowering the Halifax Community
More than just a modeling agency, Soli Productions has become a cornerstone of Halifax’s creative scene. They champion local talent through initiatives like Halifax Fashion Week’s “This Is Us” showcase series, collaborating with emerging regional designers and creatives. They also launched the Atlantic Scholarship Organization in 2020, providing financial support to Black students in Atlantic Canada—reflecting Solitha’s passion for systemic change.
Why It Matters
-
Redefining beauty: Soli actively rejects narrow definitions of beauty and proves that diversity isn’t just inclusion—it’s innovation.
-
Shaping the industry: By featuring models of all backgrounds in high-profile events, they’re influencing wider industry trends—locally and abroad.
-
Building community: Through education, mentorship, and advocacy, House of Soli is igniting positive change in Halifax’s arts and cultural fabric.