Today we’d like to introduce you to Karla Huff.
Hi Karla, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started 18 years ago as the mother of a young actor who had to advocate for her son with no knowledge about the business and easy prey for those with less than stellar intentions! After changing managers several times I just ended up quitting my job and working directly with agents for his success. Followed him around all the time, and had the time of my life! Soaked up all the knowledge I could and when he turned 16 and wanted to spearhead his own career I knew it was time to take a backseat and let him do it (granted I quietly hoped he would say MOM! I NEED YOU! but alas he did amazing LOL) I realized i really loved the business and loved guiding his career – got ahold of another mom whose son was outgrowing her and we opened up this business 18+ years ago! Turns out our passion for this business and for talent of all ages has built a flourishing management company and an amazing group of DREAM clients I am so proud of!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Oh no, not smooth. SOOO many lessons learned – putting my heart and soul into someone and then another rep luring them away, knowing without a doubt that my client(s) are PERFECT for roles and then they don’t book it, working with families is tough sometimes too – can absolutely LOVE the kid but have a difficult working situation with the parent, PANDEMIC and trying my best to keep everyone’s hopes up while at the same time trying to figure out how to pay my own bills! LOL – I could go on and on about the little challenges – but at the end of the day the thing is there is NOTHING I would rather be doing – I don’t even think I can imagine myself ever doing anything else – than helping talent reach their dreams. It is truly a DREAM job despite the ups and downs!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Dream Talent Management is a Boutique full service talent management company guiding and directing the careers of actors, dancers and singers of all ages in the Entertainment industry! I think what sets us apart is that each manager here lives and breathes this business. None of us can ever imagine doing anything else. Our clients feel like family and we hope they feel the same about us~!
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I think being a student of this industry, looking up everything on IMDBpro and finding out who is doing what, who is repping your favorite artists, following them on socials both the artist and their representatives and casting agents, watching and learning as much as you can and CREATING – You Tube, Tik Tok, Instagram Reels, Facebook, wherever you can create and utilize your gifts. Submit yourself and get as many opportunities as you can and of course NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS!
Contact Info:
- Website: dreamtalentmanagement.com
- Instagram: @dreamtalentlife
