We recently had the chance to connect with Jessica Sloan and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Jessica, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: Would YOU hire you? Why or why not?
Yes. I look at people the same way I look at any business or professional relationship: what they’ve done, who continues to trust them, and what they’re doing now. I bring years of experience across many areas that surround acting, which gives me a practical, well-rounded understanding of the industry. I’ve helped people reach meaningful milestones, experience real breakthroughs, and gain clarity around how the business actually works. I also stay deeply involved in the community, continuing to meet new people, join organizations, and contribute to making this industry stronger and more connected.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Jessica Sloan, a business coach for actors and the founder of First Take. I’ve spent years working in different areas of the entertainment industry, including casting, representation, and education, which gives me a realistic, big-picture understanding of how acting careers actually work.
I started First Take because I kept seeing actors who were talented and trained but overwhelmed by the business side of the industry. A lot of people can tell you how the industry works, but what I focus on is teaching actors how acting itself is a business and helping them build that business for themselves, using a real understanding of how the industry operates. My work is about clarity, strategy, and helping actors make informed decisions that actually move their careers forward.
What makes First Take different is that I come from the industry side, not the performer side, which allows me to be honest, direct, and practical. I’m very involved in the creative community, continuing to meet new people, teach, mentor, and collaborate with organizations that care about strengthening the industry. Right now, I’m focused on expanding my classes and resources and continuing to create spaces where actors feel informed, supported, and confident in their next steps.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
A close group of friends. They saw what my life looked like day to day before I fully acknowledged it myself. I was always working, always on my phone or carrying my computer with me wherever I went. They watched me pour everything into my job while struggling financially and rarely having space to step away.
It wasn’t a planned conversation, but they offered honest feedback and some much needed tough love. They reminded me that I was capable of more and deserved better balance and stability. They could see that something wasn’t working long term, even before I was ready to admit it.
There were many factors that eventually led me to leave agenting, but that moment was the first real wake-up call. Sometimes it takes the people who know you best to reflect back what you’re actually feeling. The very next business day, I started asking hard questions, exploring what could change, and looking for answers. That process ultimately led me to make the decision to pivot careers and build something that aligned more closely with my values and the life I wanted.
When did you last change your mind about something important?
This morning. I’ve been thinking a lot about how actors want to learn right now. Many are tired of Zoom, but they still need flexibility. They want access to information on their own time, from anywhere, without the pressure of committing to a scheduled class or workshop.
Over the past few months, I was hard on myself because I know the material I teach is valuable and that actors leave with real knowledge and a clear strategy to implement it. But there’s a real paradox happening. People want to learn, yet time and financial constraints often prevent them from booking live classes.
I’ve also been receiving strong business advice that when something isn’t working, you pivot. This morning, the path forward finally clicked. I realized how to change the structure without changing the substance. I’m shifting how I deliver the work so it meets people where they are, while still maintaining the depth and intention behind what I teach. It felt less like giving something up and more like aligning with the reality of the moment.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I deeply admire the women who came before me and those who came alongside me, who carry multiple roles with integrity and care. They lead, build careers, support others, and stay connected to their communities. They hold responsibility both professionally and personally and do so with consistency and intention.
What I respect most is not how much they accomplish but how they show up. Many make it look effortless, even though it is not. They lead without seeking recognition. They stay grounded under pressure and move through challenges without losing their values. That kind of quiet strength and steadiness is what I admire most.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Absolutely. I don’t do this work for recognition. What I care about is the impact. My role isn’t to be the center of someone’s success; it’s to help facilitate it. An actor’s career belongs to them, not me.
The real reward comes from watching people grow, seeing the lightbulb go off, and knowing they now have the tools to move forward with confidence and clarity. That’s what keeps me invested. Praise is fleeting, but progress is tangible, and that’s where the fulfillment lives for me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.firsttaketx.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/first_take_tx/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-sloan-first-take/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/first.take.tx.pg
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/first-take-austin?osq=First+Take
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@FirstTakeTX
Image Credits
Photography by: JoiConti.com / Joi Conti Photography, LLC
Photography by Jennifer Sydney Photography
Photography by: AetherLight Media: https://www.aetherlightmedia.com/headshots
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
