We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Leila Ciancaglini a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Leila, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Often outsiders look at a successful business and think it became a success overnight. Even media and especially movies love to gloss over nitty, gritty details that went into that middle phase of your business – after you started but before you got to where you are today. In our experience, overnight success is usually the result of years of hard work laying the foundation for success, but unfortunately, it’s exactly this part of the story that most of the media ignores. Can you talk to us about your scaling up story – what are some of the nitty, gritty details folks should know about?
I am so grateful for the opportunity to share my journey with you. When I first started my modeling agency, I was determined to make a name for myself in the industry. One of my first breakthrough moments came when I landed Tecate Beer and Budweiser as clients. Their faith in me and their recommendations opened doors to other clients, leading to more opportunities and growth for my agency. Working with these initial clients at conventions allowed me to network with numerous business owners, building relationships and gaining more referrals. By consistently providing excellent service, adapting quickly to their needs, and always staying persistent, I was able to expand my client list significantly.
It is through these experiences that I learned the importance of fostering strong connections and going above and beyond for my clients. This commitment to excellence has been instrumental in helping me reach new heights in the industry.!
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am Leila Ciancaglini, and my journey to success in Los Angeles began with a leap of faith just 3 months after arriving in the city. It was thanks to my first clients, Tecate Beer and Budweiser, that my modeling agency took off. Subsequently, television channels like Univision and Estrella TV further expanded my opportunities by offering me roles as an actress. From starting in theater to venturing into film and television, I have always been drawn to the world of entertainment. Today, I am the proud founder of RLC Talent Agency, a thriving business that represents talented individuals across various industries.
In addition to managing RLC Talent Agency, I have also ventured into producing fashion shows for the past 6 months. To date, I have successfully produced 14 shows which have received acclaim from both industry insiders and audiences alike.
I take great pride in the strides I have made in my career thus far. Through hard work, dedication, and seizing every opportunity that comes my way, I believe there are endless possibilities for success in this industry. Thank you for allowing me to share a glimpse of my journey – it is an honor to reflect on how far I have come.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Certainly! Here is a story that illustrates my resilience in the face of challenges: During the COVID-19 pandemic, like many businesses, RLC Talent Agency faced significant obstacles. Determined to overcome this setback and support both talents and clients, I made a pivotal decision to pivot and adapt. I launched an international website, https://rlctalentagency.com/, to provide job opportunities for thousands of talents worldwide.
To amplify the agency’s reach and enhance our marketing efforts, I delved into producing fashion shows. What started as an idea quickly gained momentum, resulting in remarkable success. The shows not only garnered widespread acclaim but also proved to be a boon for local restaurants and nightclubs by driving substantial profit for them.
Moreover, my designer clients benefited from increased advertising through these shows, further solidifying our partnerships. Simultaneously, talented individuals represented by RLC Talent Agency found enhanced visibility through participation in the fashion shows, paving the way for more work opportunities.
This experience underscored the importance of collaboration and mutual support in business success. By creating synergistic relationships between talents, clients, local businesses, and industry partners, we were able to navigate challenges creatively and emerge stronger together. This journey exemplifies how resilience, adaptability, and a spirit of cooperation can lead to transformative outcomes in business.
Feel free to use this story in your magazine article!
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
The Power of Diversifying Your Business Portfolio In the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, one lesson I had to unlearn was the idea of solely relying on a single business venture for success. Previously, I believed that pouring all my energy and resources into one successful business would ensure its continuous growth. However, my perspective shifted drastically when I realized the importance of diversifying and expanding my portfolio to weather any storm.
The pivotal moment came during the unprecedented challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic. As RLC Talent Agency faced uncertain times, I recognized the need to embrace change and explore new avenues for growth. Instead of waiting for an economic downturn in my existing business to consider new ventures, I understood that it is crucial to seize opportunities during peaks as well.
This realization led me to embark on a journey of diversification by launching an international website catering to talents worldwide, producing fashion shows that garnered immense success and profitability for local businesses, and introducing a new talent magazine. Each addition aimed not only at expanding my reach but also at creating a network of interconnected ventures that could support each other in times of need.
Through these experiences post-COVID, I have come to understand that having multiple businesses does not dilute focus but instead strengthens resilience and enables greater strategic decision-making. By balancing stability with innovation, I have been able to navigate challenges more effectively and set a solid foundation for lasting success.
As RLC Talent Agency continues to thrive alongside these new endeavors, I have embraced the mantra that growth comes from adaptation and diversification. The key lesson learned is clear – in today’s dynamic business landscape, having several businesses is not just an option but a strategic imperative for sustaining long-term success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rlctalentagency.com/
- Instagram: @leilaciancaglinitv
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leilahollywoodlife?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Linkedin: Leila ciancaglini
- Twitter: https://x.com/leilaciancaglin/status/1772813925190717745?s=46&t=fy4e37N65KTT_U5UPWu9gg
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@leilalivetvshowbyleilacian1450?si=7DqEhV6aqXM9CgON
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/ragazalcmodels?igsh=MWQ1ZGUxMzBkMA== https://www.instagram.com/rlctalentagency?igsh=MWQ1ZGUxMzBkMA== https://www.instagram.com/rlccastingdirector?igsh=MWQ1ZGUxMzBkMA== https://www.instagram.com/leilalivetvshow?igsh=MWQ1ZGUxMzBkMA==
Image Credits
Fotografo – [x] Luis Delgado @photography_by_delgado – [x] usmaan mela @climartx – [x] James Vázquez – [x] Abel Hernandez Goldenhourpv – [x] Nilo Sembrano @OnlyNilo – [ ] Ronald Benjamin – [ ] Kevin Le Studio – [ ] Beasley Josh @Thebeazkneez24 – [ ] Graham Anthony thebrycestudio – [ ] Jaime Lim liquidstarphotography – [ ] Medios Suru – [ ] Aarón Cox – [ ] Anthony Bryce Graham