Today we’d like to introduce you to Jaclyn Hergott.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
It is so exciting to finally be back in the beautiful city of Chicago. Growing up in the northern suburbs, I started my career at a young age working as a professional actress in downtown Chicago. I was only 8 years when I booked my first professional play. After graduating with my BFA in Acting from U of I, I decided to head off to New York City to pursue a career in Entertainment. I spent the past 5 years working in all aspects of the industry. Performing, casting, producing, blogging, and as a Talent Agent. This past year, I launched my own Fashion and Lifestyle blog called Secret Girl. Living and working in New York City was a dream. However, something was always pulling me back home… to sweet home Chicago.
Full circle, I recently relocated back home and am the newest Talent Agent with 10MGMT located in the West Loop! My biggest concern coming back to Chicago was finding a job that I could call home. A place where I felt creative and inspired. When I first met with David Sanchez, the owner of 10MGMT, I knew we had something great. The two of us immediately hit it off and we truly are a power team. David’s background is primarily with models, and my background is mainly with actors. We recently launched our Commercial/Lifestyle division, representing actors all over the city of Chicago and various other markets. Within this past week, we ALSO launched our blogger/influencer division… which is super exciting as we are one of the only agencies in Chicago to represent this type of talent. Feel free to check us out online.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Life is not meant to be a smooth road — and if it is… then, it’s boring! The times in my life where I learned or grew the most were the most difficult. One of the most challenging times in my life, was when I received my BFA in Acting. The program was intense, rigorous, and to be honest I didn’t feel as though I was good enough. There were times where I wanted to quit, take the easy road or transfer.
I stuck through it, pushed through, and came out better and stronger in the end. What a rewarding feeling it was to graduate, and to graduate as a GOOD actor. Not only did I learn about acting, I learned about myself. How to be professional. How to be present in the room. How to listen. How to command a space. To be aware of my surroundings and my body.
Sometimes, in life, when you want to quit, let me encourage you not to. I promise you, you will come out stronger in the end.
Please tell us about 10MGMT & @secret_grrl.
I am a Talent Agent. I represent Actors, Models, and Artists for on-camera commercials, print, industrials, live events, fashion, and more.
This industry is extremely fast paced, and cut-throat. You are either all in or all out. You cannot have one foot in the door, and if you do, you won’t succeed.
I like to get to know my talent on a personal level. Who are they? What is their family dynamic? What are their hobbies/skills etc? The better I know them as a person, the better I can do MY job when submitting them on projects. I am a people person, so getting to work with talented creative artists every single day is what inspires me.
However, with that being said, no matter how talented you are if you are not professional, timely, and take your castings/bookings seriously, I will not work with you. I run a tight ship and won’t accept any BS as some other agents might…
Are there any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve benefited from using?
WELL… I did start my own blog Secret Girl which has been my own creative outlet. Secret Girl shares hidden tips/tricks and secrets to anything related to Entertainment, Fashion, and Lifestyle.
www.secretgrrl.com
@secret_grrl
I do love various blog account on IG, self-help books, and anything that inspires me to be my best self.
I am all about good energy and good people!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.10mgmt.com
- Instagram: @10mgmt
- Other: www.secretgrrl.com
Image Credit:
@secret_grrl
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
