Name of Business: Young Actors Camp

Name of Entrepreneur: Nichelle Rodriguez

Location: Claremont, CA

Type of Business: Summer Camp

What does your business do?

We bring young actors to the Los Angeles area to learn about the entertainment industry. They have the opportunity to meet agents, managers and celebrities. If they get an agent while they are here, we allow them to come back for two months or more under our care while they pursue the industry.

When and why did you start the biz?

I wanted to be an actor SO badly when I was young. I wish someone showed me a plan or just said 'there is a way'.

How Many People are in your Company?

2 during off months and 20 PLUS for summer camp.

What's the toughest part of running your biz?

There are so many options for kids over the summer. There are so many performing arts summer camps. I have to present a clear and exciting picture to get kids to sign up. I call it the WOW factor and I have to keep creating it every year. I get tired, and the money is hard to keep. So much gets put back into the sessions. Paper work is the ABSOLUTE challenge for me. I am a creative person, and I hate numbers.

What's the most fun part? 

Meeting such excited kids!! Some of these kids have never been to Los Angeles/Hollywood. I love to see them excited when guest celebs come or when they get to go to a famous place.

What's next on the horizon for your biz?

I will manage some of the kids I have met over the years.

What advice do you have for others?

Don't look at the competition so much as straight ahead at your dream. I am known for having such a unique program and no other camp has come up with such an itinerary. I think this is because it is MY dream and I don't care what the others are doing.

Prior jobs or business or education?

Social worker and some business classes.

Is there any one person or event in your life that led you to go into business for yourself?

My daughter went to photography camp. My mind instantly started going and never stopped. I thought of all the fun an actor could have right here in the heart of the film industry.

Contact Info:

909-982-8059

nrodriguez@youngactorscamp.com

Website URL:

www.youngactorscamp.com