Meet Jax Hillard | Entertainment Talent Manager

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jax Hillard and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jax, is there something you believe many others might not?
The concept of work and life balance is the most overused saying in career culture. It’s an unattainable concept that we need to start leaving behind. The idea that we can magically shut off our brains after a certain time is unrealistic, especially in the entertainment industry. Our life and work should be flowing within each other.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My road was not simple. I sometimes have compared it to the yellow brick road in the Wizard of Oz. When I was 21, I worked for one of the top promoters in NYC that hosted c level suite executives to d list celebrities at places like 1 Oak, TAO, and LAVO. I had my own business producing cabarets at Don’t Tell Mamas in Hell’s Kitchen and at The Duplex in the West Village. I worked for companies like Meetup.com, NARS beauty, and other various start-ups. One of the most notable people I worked for is Alexa Von Tobel. She taught me what empowerment looks like within yourself, how to fight for what you believe in, and how to be a boss. I was born with a solid work ethic. I was able to be in rooms at a young age that many people dream of, but I didn’t know how to use that strategically. While I worked for Alexa, I was shown how to advance my career. I ended up being on a board for Diversity and Inclusion that helped create internal policy for a major company. I also sat on their foundation board as their NY representative, where I built connections with local 501(c) and accepted awards on their behalf. At 27, I would have to attend notable events in high society where I would be sitting by the Vanderbilts or the JP Morgan family. That just doesn’t happen. From my experience, you can always find a seat at the table, but you’re going to have to learn how to eat.

These experiences led me to be a Talent Manager. I look at every actor as a business brand. I build a strategy to help people plan, prepare, and project to the next level of their careers. Hollywood is changed forever with emerging technology. It has dismantled the cable industry, launched the careers of many influencers, and challenged the lack of representation. Being part of an industry that is having such a major, positive enhancement excites me. I look for that in my actors. People that are with the times and are moving alongside Hollywood.

I represent some really amazing people. They all know my work ethic, which is very New York. I wake up every day at 7 AM, read the New York Times and industry news, make coffee, and start my day. I’m very direct, goal-oriented, and data-driven with my decisions. I need to understand everything about you in our first meeting. If you don’t know the foundation of your story, then you’re not ready for me. I expect everyone that I represent to be hard-working and have solid time management skills. My number one red flag is if you’re late to a meeting. In my early twenties, I would have to work 70+ hours a week in an office while attempting to have a social life. If you ask me how many hours I work today, I couldn’t tell you. It’s probably 55+ if I had to guess. That’s why the notion of a work and life balance doesn’t relate anymore to society if you want to be successful.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
To Eat, you’re going to want to check out Duke’s in Malibu. Go at lunchtime so that you’re actually able to see the view of the ocean. I would also take them to Craig’s, Deliah’s, and Soul Mate in West Hollywood. Lastly, L&E Oysters in Silverlake. It’s charming and very local. It’s the perfect vibe for the last night of their trip.

To Drink, THEBlvd Lounge at Beverly Wilshire, the Conservatory, and the High Rooftop in Venice Beach. These are all perfect for tourists but only go to late afternoon /pre-dinner reservations.

To Visit, Griffith Park Observatory, Venice Beach, Hidden Hills, and Santa Monica Pier.

Full disclosure, I will say that I like to show my friends and family LA in its authentic self which is enriched in culture. These places listed are great. What I actually would show is not on the list because I visit those establishments far too frequently to give out their names.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
In my very late teens, a book came out called, “If You Have to Cry, Go Outside: And Other Things Your Mother Never Told You” by PR maven, Kelly Cutrone. That book was a roadmap and still is to this day for me. My parents are great and my rock. They could have never prepared me for the life I have now. That’s the foundation of the book. She has two quotes in the book that I live by each day. First, “You have to be prepared for people to hate you. Average people love to be average because nobody bothers them.” Secondly, “This is an important lesson to remember when you’re having a bad day, a bad month or a shitty year. Things will change: you won’t feel this way forever. And anyway, sometimes the hardest lessons to learn are the ones your soul needs most.”

I, of course, also look up to my mentor Brent Paxton, CEO of Kreativ. His vision for the company is inspiring. He has taught me a tremendous amount about the industry and how to navigate through it. I value him in such a large way and happen to have him in my circle.

Website: https://kreativartists.com/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/thelagay

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonjhillard