We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jessica Sloan. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jessica below.

Jessica, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

First Take started as a spark after nearly two decades of working with actors at every stage of their careers. I saw so many talented people with incredible passion but no clear roadmap for navigating the business side of acting. They had the drive but often felt lost when it came to understanding how the industry really worked.

What truly inspired me was my love for teaching. Coming from a lineage of teachers, I resisted the idea for quite some time but eventually realized not only how much I loved it but also how good I was at it. During my time as an agent, I really enjoyed helping actors achieve those “a-ha” moments—when they finally understood how to position themselves for success. Shaped by years of working behind-the-scenes along with my experience in casting, working on film sets, and serving as an agent, I have a unique and deeply informed perspective.

An impetus for launching First Take was seeing a gap in the industry. Here in Texas, no one else was offering business coaching for actors from my side of the industry. Most coaches are actors themselves, which is valuable, but hearing directly from someone who’s been the person making decisions—reviewing headshots, negotiating contracts, and setting auditions—brings a whole new level of insight.

Every First Take session and workshop is designed to give actors the tools and knowledge to take control of their careers. It’s about demystifying the industry and empowering them to move forward with clarity and purpose. Knowing I get to play a part in their journeys makes this work so rewarding.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My journey into the entertainment industry began early, sparked by a deep love for film and TV. From a young age, I knew this was what I wanted to do. Like many, I started on stage and initially thought I wanted to be an actor, but that changed during college. I discovered I found more joy in creating projects rather than being in them.

Growing up in Austin, I developed a passion for storytelling and the creative process, which led me to earn a degree in Broadcasting with a minor in Theatre from Texas State University. My early internships with the Austin Film Society, Troublemaker Studios, and Detour Film Productions gave me valuable insights into the industry. Later, my work in casting and nearly 17 years as an agent at Collier Talent Agency solidified my love for helping actors succeed and reach their full potential.

In January 2024, I launched First Take to help actors navigate the business side of their careers. I tailor my services to meet actors wherever they are in their journeys and provide actionable guidance to help them move forward.

With insider knowledge that most actors don’t have access to, I’m proud to be the first business coach in Texas to offer this level of guidance as a non-actor. My approach is practical, honest, and deeply informed, empowering actors to achieve their goals with confidence.

Outside of First Take, I’m deeply involved in the Austin community. I’m a proud graduate of the Hispanic Austin Leadership (HAL) program with the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GAHCC). I currently serve as the Community Partnerships Chair on the Board of Directors for Women in Film and Television Austin. Both roles allow me to connect with other industry professionals, foster collaboration, and create opportunities for creatives in our region.

I’m most proud of seeing my clients’ transformations—watching them grow from feeling unsure and overwhelmed to confident and clear about their career paths. I want potential clients to know that First Take is here to guide and support them every step of the way. My mission is to demystify the entertainment industry and empower actors to thrive on their own terms.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Last year was one of the most challenging yet transformative years of my life. In the spring, I lost my dad to cancer, and navigating that personal loss while building First Take was incredibly hard. My dad’s passing was a profound reminder of how short and precious life is, and it gave me the clarity and motivation to finally pursue my vision with purpose.

Launching a brand-new concept like First Take wasn’t easy, especially in an industry where many actors focus so much on their craft that they overlook the business side of things. There were moments when I questioned if actors would see the value in what I was offering or if I was pushing uphill with an idea that wouldn’t land.

What kept me going was resilience—my belief that this work could genuinely make a difference. I leaned into my years of experience, the relationships I’d built, and the knowledge that actors truly do better when they understand the industry they’re navigating. Slowly, the light bulbs started going off for my clients, and they began to see how powerful this kind of guidance could be.

Graduating from HAL and serving on the Board of Directors for WIFT Austin reminded me that collaboration and connections are key. Those networks not only supported me personally but also helped me amplify my message and reach more actors who needed it.

Building something new while navigating personal loss was tough, but seeing actors grow, build confidence, and take control of their careers makes all the challenges worth it. If anything, those rough times proved to me—and hopefully to others—that resilience, combined with purpose, can create something truly impactful.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is knowing when it’s time to move on—when to recognize that staying in a role too long can hold you back from reaching your true potential. As an agent, I believe I overstayed my welcome. I loved working with the actors. That part never changed. I thought I wanted to continue as an agent indefinitely because it felt like the natural place for me, but looking back, I can see I’d reached as far as I could go career-wise.

But as the years went on, I found myself increasingly frustrated with the burnout. That’s when it hit me: I wasn’t stuck because of external circumstances; I was stuck because I had outgrown the role. I had poured nearly 17 years into being an agent, but the job no longer aligned with where I wanted to be. It was time to take a leap, even though it meant leaving behind the stability I’d grown so used to.

Staying too long in one place can not only limit your growth but also rob you of the chance to rediscover your passion. Leaving was hard, but it was also the best thing I could’ve done.

Now, I share this lesson with my clients: Don’t wait until you’re burned out to make a change. Pay attention to the signs, trust your instincts, and know that sometimes stepping into the unknown is exactly what you need to find something greater.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.firsttaketx.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/first_take_tx/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/first.take.tx.pg
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/99025899/admin/feed/posts/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@FirstTakeTX
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/first-take-austin?osq=First+Take

Image Credits

Joi Conti and Jennifer Sydney