We recently connected with Gherald Alaman and have shared our conversation below.
Gherald, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
Growing up, I yearned to see faces like mine gracing the silver screen. The lack of representation left a profound void, fueling a burning desire to create a platform for all ethnicities. I envisioned a world where individuals could pursue their passions without societal constraints, where their dreams were not confined to traditional expectations.
Talent & Skills was born from this aspiration after my college years. My mission was not merely to provide opportunities for those who looked like me but to empower anyone seeking a break in the entertainment industry. I wanted to guide them through the complexities of the industry, offering mentorship, and coaching to help them navigate the path to success.
My personal experience with scams, which I encountered when first trying to break into the industry, fueled my determination to protect others from similar pitfalls. I was determined to create a free platform that would provide honest guidance and support, ensuring that aspiring talents wouldn’t be exploited.
By offering a space where individuals could learn, grow, and connect with like-minded people, Talent & Skills became more than just a platform; it became a beacon of hope, inspiring countless individuals to chase their dreams and make their mark on the world.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
A Passion for Entertainment: From Teen to Talent Management.
My Journey into the World of Entertainment:
My love affair with entertainment began as a teenager. Seeking a sense of belonging and self-expression, I discovered acting. Through acting classes, I found a passion for performing and a desire to share my creativity with the world. As a high school student, I immersed myself in various artistic endeavors, from DJing at the school radio station to participating in stage crew, writing for the school paper, and choir.
My passion for entertainment continued into college, where I studied filmmaking and broadcasting law while simultaneously honing my acting skills at two different schools in New York City. During this time, I gained valuable experience working for renowned entertainment companies like The WB Network, KTU, MTV, and Barbizon. These experiences provided me with a deep understanding of the television, radio, and modeling industries.
A Natural Talent for Talent Scouting:
While pursuing my acting career, I often found myself connecting other aspiring actors with film and television projects. My ability to identify and recruit talented individuals quickly became recognized by producers and directors. This natural talent for talent scouting led me to start my own entertainment company, driven by a desire to create a more inclusive and supportive platform for diverse artists.
Empowering Diverse Voices and Building a Global Community:
My company’s mission is to empower diverse voices and promote inclusivity in the entertainment industry. We are committed to representing a wide range of talent and providing them with opportunities to showcase their skills. Through our extensive network and global reach, we have successfully produced projects that celebrate diversity and reflect the rich tapestry of cultures.
What Sets Us Apart:
What sets our company apart is our unique blend of talent and experience. Our team members not only possess exceptional artistic abilities but also have a deep understanding of the industry from both sides of the camera. We believe in the importance of education and practical experience, and we strive to foster a supportive environment for aspiring artists.
Our Commitment to Excellence:
We are incredibly proud of our company’s growth and the positive impact we have made on the entertainment industry. Currently, we run 11 Facebook Groups around the world called Talent & Skills where you can find and post auditions. We are committed to providing exceptional services to our clients and fostering a sense of community among our talented artists. Our goal is to continue inspiring and empowering diverse voices, and we invite you to join us on this exciting journey.
In addition, I’m deeply honored to have received the Junior Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Film Festival Manhattan and the JCI New Jersey Innovative Award in Innovation in Entertainment & Talent Advancement. These accolades are a testament to the dedication and passion I have poured into my work in the entertainment industry. I’m grateful to both organizations for their recognition and encouragement, which continue to fuel my drive to create meaningful and impactful content.
We’d appreciate any insights you can share with us about selling a business.
My first entrepreneurial venture was a web design company called Blazing Sites, which I founded during college. At the time, we were considered the ‘IT’ company on campus. Our work even garnered recognition from reputable publications like Yahoo and IT Recruiter Magazine, who featured us in a full-page spread as a company to watch. Unfortunately, due to poor timing and a client’s failure to pay, the business ultimately faced challenges. Despite these setbacks, the experience served as a valuable learning curve for my entrepreneurial journey.
Here are some key takeaways that entrepreneurs can glean from my experience:
* Embrace Failure as a Learning Opportunity: Setbacks are inevitable in business. Rather than dwelling on failures, view them as opportunities to learn, grow, and refine your approach.
* Stay Persistent and Resilient: The entrepreneurial path is often marked by ups and downs. Cultivate a mindset of perseverance and resilience, allowing challenges to strengthen your resolve.
* Learn from Others and Continuously Improve: Take classes/workshops, Seek guidance from mentors, industry experts, and fellow entrepreneurs. Continuously learn and adapt your strategies based on the insights and experiences of others.
* Maintain a Positive Outlook: A positive mindset can be a powerful catalyst for success. Focus on your goals, believe in your abilities, and approach challenges with optimism.
*Network: Network and collaborate with others. Grow your network and always be thankful. Never forget those that helped you along the way.
*Volunteer / Give back: Volunteer whenever possible and give back to the global community. You will find that the universe will reward you back.
By embodying these principles, entrepreneurs can increase their chances of overcoming obstacles and achieving long-term success in their ventures.
Does your business have multiple or supplementary revenue streams (like a ATM machine at a barbershop, etc)?
Talent & Skills: Your One-Stop Entertainment Solution:
As a dynamic enterprise, Talent & Skills is committed to redefining the entertainment industry. Our diverse portfolio of services extends far beyond traditional talent (actors, singers, dancers, models, and comedians) booking, offering a comprehensive suite of solutions for unforgettable events. We offer photobooth rentals: Mini, enclosed, 360, drone rentals, photographers, make up artists, editors and much much more.
From securing the perfect performer to providing essential party equipment and captivating photography services, we’ve meticulously curated a range of offerings to meet your every need. Our dedication to excellence is evident in our ability to host and sponsor a variety of events, including film festivals, fashion shows, theater productions, talent shows / competitions, and charitable initiatives.
By diversifying our revenue streams and fostering a commitment to community engagement, we’ve positioned ourselves as the premier choice for clients seeking exceptional entertainment experiences. Experience the difference with Talent & Skills.
“Good Talent is Hard to Find. Not Anymore.”
Contact Info:
- Website: About.me/gherald | About.me/talentandskills
- Instagram: Actorandmodel | talentandskills
- Facebook: Facebook.com/GheraldAlaman. | Facebook.com/talentandskills
- Linkedin: Linkedin.com/in/gherald | Linkedin/in/talentandskills
- Twitter: Actorandmodel | talentandskills
- Youtube: https://Youtube.com/talentandskills
Image Credits
Snapxpressions Photography
Studio7