We recently connected with Tonya Hensley and have shared our conversation below.

Tonya , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s jump right into the heart of things. Outsiders often think businesses or industries have much larger profit margins than they actually do – the reason is that outsiders are often unaware of the biggest challenges to profitability in various industries – what’s the biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?

Profitability in the entertainment industry is often misunderstood because, from the outside, it can appear glamorous and lucrative. In reality, it’s highly competitive and unpredictable, with significant challenges that impact financial success. One major hurdle is the reliance on external factors. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, production sets were shut down, theaters went dark, and live events were canceled, halting revenue streams for months. Just as the industry began to recover, a series of strikes—including writers’ and actors’ strikes—over the past year and a half further disrupted operations. These events highlight how the industry is at the mercy of factors beyond anyone’s control, creating long periods where generating revenue is impossible. Add to this the high upfront costs of production, shifting audience preferences, and the need to split profits among multiple stakeholders, and profitability becomes even more elusive. These challenges demand resilience, adaptability, and strategic planning to navigate successfully.

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.

I’m Tonya Hensley, the founder and owner of TDH Talent Unlimited, a talent agency that I established in 2011. My journey into this industry began with a passion for the arts and a dream of becoming an actress. While pursuing acting, I encountered challenges that many aspiring artists face—lack of guidance, limited access to trusted resources, and navigating an industry that can be overwhelming without proper support. Those experiences inspired me to create a space where talent can thrive with integrity and professionalism.

TDH Talent Unlimited represents a diverse roster of actors, models, and performers, providing personalized service and career development tailored to each client. We aim to bridge the gap between talent and opportunities, connecting our clients with casting directors, production teams, and industry professionals. What sets us apart is our commitment to high standards, transparency, and fostering long-term relationships with both clients and collaborators.

One of the key problems we solve is offering our clients a trusted partner in navigating the entertainment industry. From securing auditions to guiding career growth, we prioritize personalized attention and professional integrity. I’m proud to say that TDH Talent Unlimited has grown from a vision to a respected agency known for its dedication to advancing talent while meeting the needs of casting professionals.

What I’m most proud of is the impact we’ve had on our clients’ careers. From actors booking their very first professional gig to actors landing a major role in a blockbuster hit film, being part of their success stories is incredibly fulfilling. For me, it’s not just about business—it’s about empowering artists and ensuring they feel supported every step of the way.

For potential clients and followers, I want them to know that TDH Talent Unlimited is rooted in a passion for the arts and a deep respect for the people who bring creative visions to life. Our mission is to provide a nurturing, professional environment where talent can reach their full potential while maintaining the highest level of integrity.

What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?

Yes, my side hustle eventually became my full-time career and the foundation of my business, TDH Talent Unlimited. My journey began with a lifelong passion for the arts and a dream of becoming an actress. As soon as I was old enough, I pursued that dream, but without any guidance from a mentor, agent, or manager, I encountered some unsettling situations in the industry. One experience, in particular, shifted my perspective and made me realize that film and television acting weren’t the right fit for me.

I turned my focus to theater and live performances, where I felt more at home. I studied drama, became actively involved in community theater, and worked on stage productions as an actress, director, and producer. Over time, my passion led me to start teaching acting classes to youth, form a drama club, and organize performances for nursing homes. What started as a way to share my love for the arts with others eventually became a side hustle.

As my sons grew older and began their own acting journeys, I naturally stepped into the role of their “momager.” I managed their careers and honed my organizational skills while staying deeply involved in the world of theater. But as my youngest son prepared to graduate high school and leave for college, I was struck by the realization that I would soon be an empty nester. This transition motivated me to think about what my next chapter would look like.

A turning point came when I applied for a front desk position at my son’s acting school and didn’t get the job. Rather than feeling defeated, I took it as a sign to create something of my own. My family suggested that I become a talent agent and open my own office. With their encouragement—especially the support of my sons and my husband—I embraced the idea and began laying the groundwork.

Key milestones along the way included writing a detailed business plan, setting clear goals, and educating myself about the talent industry. I wanted to have everything in place before my son graduated, so I worked tirelessly to ensure my vision became a reality. In September 2011, I officially opened the doors of TDH Talent Unlimited.

What started as a side hustle—teaching, managing my sons’ acting careers, and staying active in the theater—grew into a full-time business. Today, TDH Talent Unlimited reflects my passion for the arts and my commitment to helping others navigate the entertainment industry with professionalism and integrity.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

One story that truly illustrates my resilience is from the early days of establishing my talent agency. In order to access a major casting resource site, which is crucial for connecting talent with opportunities, I needed the approval of top casting directors. However, there was a catch-22: casting directors wouldn’t approve me unless I had seasoned, professional actors on my roster, and seasoned actors wouldn’t join me unless I had connections with top casting directors.

For four years, I hustled tirelessly to break this cycle. It was a frustrating time where progress seemed slow, and I wasn’t making much money. One pivotal moment came when I managed to schedule a meeting with one of the top casting directors in the industry. I was incredibly nervous, but I flew out to meet him, knowing this could be a game-changer.

During our meeting, he reviewed my roster, critiqued audition tape samples, and explained what he and his team look for in top-tier talent. While he didn’t immediately offer his endorsement, he gave me valuable insights, recommended additional casting directors I should meet, and told me to return when I could present four to five solid audition tapes.

I left that meeting feeling a mix of defeat and empowerment. While I didn’t get the referral I hoped for, I gained a clear roadmap for what I needed to do. Back in Georgia, I got to work. I prepped my strongest actors, organized training classes, started hosting monthly workshops, and expanded my network by connecting with other industry professionals.

Eventually, my persistence paid off. I secured two referrals from Georgia-based casting directors and, a year later, returned to meet with that same top casting director. This time, I was ready. I presented the solid auditions he had asked for, and he gave me his stamp of approval.

Though there were moments when I felt like giving up, I stayed the course, bolstered by the unwavering support of my family. That moment of approval was a turning point for my business. It allowed me to access the casting resource site, opening the doors for my talent and solidifying my agency’s reputation.

This journey taught me the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and believing in my vision, even when the odds seemed stacked against me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tdhtalent.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tdhtalent
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tdhtalent

Image Credits

Teri Lynn