Today we’d like to introduce you to Summer Ayala.
Hi Summer, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
In 1988, I began working in acting and modeling. My first commercial at this age was a Nabisco national commercial that aired during the 1989 Rose Bowl. My claim to fame was shoving crackers in a random guy’s face and laughing hysterically when I was 5 years old. In 2004, I took a tiny life break to raise my preemie daughter, who is now a complete boss queen. In 2006, life led me into theatre acting, glamour modeling, and being mentored by a celebrity talent manager. In 2010, I was given the opportunity to start working at a law firm as a receptionist aka “cheerleader at the front desk.” Over the next four years, I completed my business and paralegal degrees while working more than full-time, being a mom full-time, and being a talent part-time modeling/acting. In 2012, I was promoted to a full-time Paralegal & Intake Specialist. At this firm, I learned how to work in SEC class actions, Civil Litigation, Criminal Defense, and Labor & Employment Law. In 2014, I left full-time law to do contract legal work and open my talent agency (life-long dream). At this point, I had been managing and consulting for talent around 10 years. During the fabulous run at owning my agency, I repped over 220 talents at once, opened an office in Atlanta, worked with agencies around the globe, and booked commercials, print, tv, digital media, and film across the country. As well as, producing, casting and assisting with a wardrobe on several projects. In 2020, my wild idea of Chics Love Pockets (all women’s clothing with pockets!) became a reality when I opened an online shop during covid lockdown. However, thanks to covid, in 2021, my agency and online shop closed. Since then, I’ve continued working as a federal litigation paralegal and started working full-time in digital forensics. Now, I’m a forensic consultant & licensed investigator. In this field, I’m learning everything there is to learn about legal tech from an established expert. Yes, the CSI & First 48 obsessive binge-watching is now real life! Entertainment is still a huge part of my life and soul, so in my spare time, I consult for talent that I truly believe in and spend time coaching them through the steps to getting an agent or manager. At almost 40 years old, I’m helping my daughter start her life as an independent woman going into the world, assisting with federal white-collar criminal defense trials, investigating murders, writing the first of many books, consulting for talent, reopening my online store, and moving to the city. All while continuing to find my best self – full of gratitude, joy, healing, and peace.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has been anything but smooth. Does anyone have it easy though? One struggle I’ve faced most of my life is overcoming trauma. Layer that with being a woman in the areas of entertainment, law and business. Coming from a chaotic dysfunctional family environment with no real sense of guidance for success in life, the growth and awareness along the way has been quite the reality check. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is realizing what a healthy boundary is and then learning to set the boundary, as well as realizing that you can’t trust everyone you meet.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My business is focused on connecting professionals to any tools they need in order to be successful in life or with their current projects. My clients are typically aspiring businesswomen, creatives, and lawyers. In my work, I’m known for my investigative and intuitive perspective on cases, my ability to see the talent when the talent doesn’t even know they have it, and my ability to level with the client to find their needs. My clients range from single moms and dads to billionaires. When you come to my office, you are treated as a friend who is simply seeking the key to their project’s success. I truly enjoy learning about my clients’ lives and seeing them through to whatever their hard work brings together. If I don’t know something, then I work night and day to gain the knowledge I need for my clients to move forward with confidence in their projects.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Good luck has brought the most generous wealth of incredibly talented people through my work in entertainment and law. More often than not, I smile and remind myself how lucky I am to be surrounded by the neatest people. Bad luck, of course, is a part of life. It has brought users, abusers, and examples of why we should all be setting healthy boundaries. My adventures with good and bad luck always lead me being grateful. Without the ups and downs, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
Pricing:
- $100 talent initial consultation – overall coaching price varies based on talent needs – request at www.summerayalainc.com
- Forensic Consulting & Investigation is per case basis – request a quote at www.cfsiusa.com *mention this interview as source*
- $75/hr for Litigation and Trial prep (currently booked until February 2023)
- $500-1,000 – public speaking appearance (price may vary + travel cost)
- $150/hr – photoshoot
Contact Info:
- Email: sa@summerayalainc.com
- Website: https://linktr.ee/summerayalainc
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/summerayalainc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/summerayala.tx
Image Credits
Jessica Rae
TW On Demand
Eclipse Darkness
Brand Army & Trade AT
Joseph Brewster Photo
Elinia Eads MUA
Steve Ellinger
Adrian Stecker
