One Broke Actress Podcast Episode Summary

Episode: Actors with Side Hustles: Giselle Foster from “Creatives Meet Marketing” on How to Actually Make Money as an Actor
Host: Sam Valentine
Guest: Giselle Foster
Release Date: October 10, 2024

In this enlightening episode of the One Broke Actress Podcast, host Sam Valentine delves into the intricate balance between maintaining an acting career and running a successful side business. Featuring guest Giselle Foster, founder of Creatives Meet Marketing, the conversation offers valuable insights into entrepreneurship within the acting industry, effective time management, leveraging social media, and establishing financial stability. Below is a detailed summary of the key discussions, insights, and conclusions drawn from the episode.

Guest Background

Giselle Foster's Journey in Acting and Entrepreneurship

Giselle Foster brings a wealth of experience from her lifelong involvement in acting, having pursued her degree at Columbia University and gained extensive on-and-off stage experience since childhood. Transitioning from teaching acting classes and managing headshots to spearheading social media initiatives, Giselle recognized the potential to create her own marketing company tailored for creatives. This evolution culminated in the establishment of Creatives Meet Marketing, a comprehensive social media and marketing firm dedicated to supporting individuals in creative careers.

Notable Quote:

[00:06] Giselle Foster: "I wish I would have known that most people don't know what they're doing, that people are figuring it out as they go."

Building a Business Alongside Acting

Integrating Entrepreneurship with an Acting Career

Giselle discusses how her initial foray into social media began with her YouTube channel focused on acting tips and parental guidance. Over time, her engagement with digital marketing allowed her to pivot her content creation into a viable business. By leveraging her acting background, she seamlessly blended creative pursuits with entrepreneurial efforts without compromising her authenticity or client relationships.

Notable Quote:

[03:10] Giselle Foster: "I built the business to complement my ADHD, my creative side."

Time Management Strategies

Creating a Flexible Schedule to Accommodate Dual Roles

Balancing acting auditions and business responsibilities requires strategic time management. Giselle employs a "slush fund" of time, allocating the first and last 30 minutes of her day as buffers for unexpected tasks or personal needs. This approach allows her to remain adaptable, ensuring that neither her acting nor her business suffers due to unforeseen scheduling conflicts.

Notable Quote:

[05:07] Giselle Foster: "I have a slush fund of time at the beginning and ending of every day."

Social Media Strategies for Actors

Maximizing Online Presence Without Overwhelming Commitments

Giselle emphasizes the importance of diversifying content beyond acting to make social media engaging and relatable. She advises actors to incorporate their personal passions and interests into their online personas, allowing them to connect with audiences on multiple levels. Utilizing platforms like TikTok for authentic, spontaneous content and Substack for written engagement can enhance visibility and audience connection without necessitating constant content creation.

Notable Quotes:

[24:44] Giselle Foster: "I feel like acting should be about one third of the content that you're putting out."
[26:36] Giselle Foster: "At the top of the funnel, you have to just insert yourself into certain conversations."

Business Formation and Structure

Navigating the Legalities of Starting a Business as an Actor

The discussion delves into the practical aspects of establishing a business, such as forming an LLC (Limited Liability Company) and filing for a DBA (Doing Business As). Giselle shares her experiences with the financial and administrative challenges of setting up a business in New York City, highlighting the importance of understanding local regulations and the benefits of maintaining separate identities for different business ventures.

Notable Quote:

[16:55] Giselle Foster: "I named it Giselle Artistry and that name just did not fly, so we created a DBA under Creatives Meet Marketing."

Financial Stability and Freedom

Securing Income Streams Beyond Acting Gigs

Giselle outlines how her acting income initially funded her business endeavors, allowing her to invest in essential resources like assistants. Over time, as her business grew, she integrated earnings from acting into her company’s finances, providing her with the flexibility to take breaks from acting without jeopardizing her financial stability. This dual-income approach has afforded her greater security and the ability to pursue acting opportunities without undue financial pressure.

Notable Quote:

[11:06] Giselle Foster: "After doing that for a while, I have gotten to the point now where if we do book an acting gig, it still gets funneled into the business."

Advice for Aspiring Actor-Entrepreneurs

Leveraging Acting Skills in Business and Overcoming Common Fears

Giselle encourages actors to recognize their inherent skills, such as handling rejection and maintaining discipline, as assets in entrepreneurship. She advises embracing imperfections and taking proactive steps to grow businesses without waiting for everything to be perfect. By integrating personal interests and authentic interactions into their business models, actors can build meaningful connections and sustainable income streams.

Notable Quotes:

[21:05] Giselle Foster: "It's okay to say, hey, I want to try this new thing with you. Are you interested?"
[22:13] Giselle Foster: "Actors don't realize that your life is incredibly interesting, how you think is incredibly interesting."

Conclusion

Empowering Actors to Thrive Financially and Creatively

The episode concludes with Giselle highlighting the unique advantages actors possess in the digital marketplace. By utilizing creative mindsets and embracing their multifaceted lives, actors can effectively manage and grow side businesses that complement their artistic pursuits. The conversation underscores the importance of community, continuous learning, and leveraging personal strengths to achieve both financial stability and creative fulfillment.

Notable Quote:

[29:46] Giselle Foster: "Actors have a leg up on everyone. Our algorithms have changed, and it has never been so easy for you to bid for connection with hundreds of people."

Additional Resources:

• Giselle's Personal Instagram: Giselle's Artistry
• Creatives Meet Marketing: Website
• Content Vault Download: Available on Creatives Meet Marketing’s website for free B-roll content.

This episode serves as an invaluable resource for actors seeking to diversify their income through strategic side hustles. Giselle Foster’s practical advice and personal experiences offer a roadmap for balancing the demands of acting with the necessities of entrepreneurship, empowering listeners to build resilient and fulfilling careers.