Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Slingerland
Hi Taylor, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve always been drawn to storytelling—whether through comedy, real estate, or working in the props department on a movie. No matter what I’m doing, I need to explore the narrative behind it to feel truly satisfied and fulfilled.
I started in film and television (props), but I quickly realized that what excites me most in that world is what excites me in life overall—the chance to wear a few different hats, constantly learn, and keep evolving. In stand-up, it’s about connecting with people in an authentic (and hopefully funny) way and being fully present on stage. In props, it’s about building a world from script to screen, where even the smallest details shape the story’s texture. And in real estate, it’s about listening to people’s stories—why they want to move, what their motivations are, and how to guide them through a major life transition.
I know that might sound a little abstract, but I feel like I’ve finally found a way to balance the need to work with the desire to be creative.
When I was a kid, my teacher had us present to the class what we wanted to be when we grew up. Most kids had one answer—a doctor, a firefighter, the Red Power Ranger—but I wanted a different job for every day of the week. Looking back, I wouldn’t say I’m quite doing that, but it’s funny to realize I was never wired to limit myself to just one professional pursuit.
Real estate turned out to be an unexpected but perfect fit. I love helping people navigate one of the biggest decisions of their lives, but let’s be real—buying and selling homes is often chaotic, emotional, and full of weird surprises (which, weirdly, also describes stand-up comedy). I’ve found that bringing humor and honesty into the process makes it more enjoyable for everyone involved.
At the same time, comedy and writing remain huge parts of my life. Whether it’s performing stand-up, creating content, or collaborating on projects, I’m always looking for ways to blend humor with real, relatable moments. Right now, I’m focused on growing my presence in comedy while continuing to build my real estate business in a way that feels genuine and community-driven. I’m also developing a TV pilot about home renovations.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I don’t think anyone who pursues comedy and real estate expects a smooth road. If anything, I feel like I willingly signed up for chaos. But in a way, that’s what keeps it interesting.
In real estate, one of the biggest challenges has been navigating an industry where emotions run high. Buying or selling a home is a huge decision, and every deal comes with its own set of twists—unexpected inspections, last-minute cold feet, or the occasional bizarre client request. Learning how to stay adaptable and problem-solve under pressure has been key. It’s a business where no two days are the same, which is both the challenge and the appeal.
Comedy, on the other hand, is its own kind of unpredictable. Stand-up is a constant test of resilience—bombing, rewriting, figuring out what actually works in front of a crowd. There’s no clear roadmap, and that uncertainty can be tough. But if anything, stand-up and real estate complement each other. One keeps me grounded in reality, the other lets me make fun of it.
At the end of the day, a bumpy road can be a blessing. If it were always smooth sailing, I’d have way less material for stand-up.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I do comedy and real estate, typically not at the same time… but it’s always a plus working with people who appreciate finding the humor in life. I work with everyone from first time home buyers to experienced investors all across Los Angeles, but much of my business has been centered in East side neighborhoods – Highland Park, Pasadena, and my favorite neighborhood/current home in Echo Park. I’ve recently expanded my transaction portfolio to the South Bay, and I’m happy to become the neighborhood expert in whichever markets my clients are searching. Not that I’m performing my tight five when I hold an open house, but I do love setting the mood when hosting prospective buyers. Real estate is emotional, so I want it to feel special. I think about how to engage all the senses—making sure a space not only looks great but also smells inviting. A great candle, the right playlist, thoughtfully chosen light bulbs with a comfortable color temperature—those small details make a big difference.
One of the things I’m most proud of is producing a monthly comedy show right here in the neighborhood. I started Punch Box Comedy last August at Ben Phen’s amazing LAG Vintage shop in Virgil Village. There’s something really special about bringing live comedy to a local audience—giving people a place to gather, have a drink, and see incredible comics in an intimate, fun setting. Plus, comedians are all rich and definitely going to buy houses with me, so it’s great for networking! (I feel like I should clarify—that was a joke.)
What sets me apart is my ability to bring a sharp, observant sense of humor to everyday situations, whether it’s on stage, in writing, or even in real estate (because if you can’t find the humor in house hunting, you’ll lose your mind). My comedy leans into the absurdity of human behavior—the little details we all notice but don’t always say out loud.
Beyond performing, I love curating shows that feel personal and community-driven, rather than just another comedy night in a club. I want the show to feel like an experience—one that highlights diverse, hilarious voices and makes people feel like they’ve stumbled onto something special. And the fact that I get to build that in my own neighborhood? That’s something I’m really proud of.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Some people see quitting a stable job to pursue something uncertain as reckless; I see it as refusing to feel stuck for the rest of my life. One of the biggest things I learned after stepping back from working in props was that I actually did enjoy the job—I just didn’t enjoy feeling like it was the only thing I was qualified to do.
One of the biggest risks I took was diving into real estate while still working in props. And just to make things more interesting, I started getting on stage and embarrassing myself in front of strangers—where laughter is the only commission. Neither comedy nor real estate comes with a guaranteed paycheck, and both require a ton of self-motivation. But I’ve always believed that if something excites me and challenges me, it’s worth the risk. When I started Punch Box Comedy, I wasn’t sure if people would show up or if I’d just be telling jokes to a pile of vintage jackets—but it turned into something special. Similarly, when I got into real estate, I had no idea if I’d actually be able to build a business. Both were risks, but they’ve paid off in ways I couldn’t have predicted.
I think people associate risk with recklessness, but for me, the bigger risk is staying in situations that don’t inspire me. There is nothing riskier than getting stuck. Every major decision I’ve made—whether it’s career shifts, creative pursuits, or just putting myself out there in new ways—has come with some level of uncertainty. But I’ve learned that I’d rather take a chance and see what happens than always wonder “what if?”
That being said, I will never be brave enough to jaywalk in Echo Park.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.taylorslingerland.com
- Instagram: @tjsling
Image Credits
Vanie Poyey
