Rising Above: How One Talent Agent Is Transforming Lives in Las Vegas

With faith, grit, and an eye for raw potential, Dawn Sullivan built Rise Talent into a home for dreamers who deserve to shine.

The Saturday afternoon mall crowd was buzzing with shoppers when a stranger approached Dawn Sullivan. “Are you that lady from Instagram? The one with the movie? The runway shows?” Dawn smiled, caught off guard. Even now, years into running her own agency, she still feels humbled when people recognize her. “In my heart, it still brings me to tears because I’m just the lady who owns Rise,” she says. “That’s all I am to most people. And I love that.”

It is a modest answer for someone who has quietly built one of the most recognized talent agencies in Las Vegas. Rise Talent, the company Dawn founded in the shadow of heartbreak and faith, has grown into a trusted place for children, teens, and families who want to step into the entertainment industry. From national commercials for brands like Old Navy and The Gap to feature films with recognizable stars, Rise is putting Las Vegas on the map in ways no one imagined.

From Heartbreak to a New Beginning

Dawn’s story does not begin with glamour or flashing lights. It begins with loss. A native New Yorker, she had been working as a licensed talent agent in New York City for decades. But when both of her parents passed away within a short time of each other, she moved to Las Vegas, searching for a fresh start while carrying the weight of grief.

“I was going through a really hard time with the loss of my parents,” Dawn recalls. “In my head, I kept saying, something’s got to rise up. I’m going to rise up.” That phrase became her mantra, and eventually, the name of her company. She discovered no one in Las Vegas had registered the name, and so she opened her doors under the banner Rise Talent.

At first, she imagined a small practice, working with new talent and helping people who wanted to break into the business. But almost immediately, Rise drew attention. With minimal advertising, word of mouth spread quickly. Soon, strangers were stopping her at the mall, children were excitedly pointing her out at events, and her Instagram presence exploded with recognition.

Through it all, she kept her feet on the ground. “I clean my own floors,” Dawn laughs. “Anyone who knows me will tell you that. I have a full staff and even some celebrity names who work with me, but I stay humble because this company was built off my pain.”

Faith as a Foundation

Although Dawn does not market Rise Talent as a religious company, she does not hide where her strength comes from. “I wouldn’t be able to do anything I do without the grace of God,” she says. “I know in business you are not supposed to push the Bible on anyone, but I reach a lot of young people. Sometimes I just tell them to have faith. Even if they don’t fully know what that means, just believe everything will be OK and that we will all rise.”

This spirit of hope and faith shows in the way Dawn interacts with her clients. Rise is not just about contracts and auditions. It is about building confidence in children who have been bullied, lifting up teens who come from difficult homes, and giving kids a chance to believe they belong on stage or screen.

A Safe Place to Dream

In Las Vegas, Dawn works with a wide range of young talent. Some come from stable, supportive homes. Others face much steeper challenges. “I work with many pre-teen and teen boys and girls who have drug-addicted parents, alcoholic parents, or who are being abused,” she explains. “Here at Rise, we extend a hand where everyone is equal. No matter what family you come from, we encourage and help.”

The results are often transformative. Dawn lights up when she talks about watching children who once lacked confidence step onto a runway or appear in a national campaign. “For me, the most rewarding thing is when a kid who didn’t seem set up for success ends up in a movie, a commercial, or a magazine. These are kids who may not have had the opportunities, but they find their way.”

Parents echo the same gratitude. Many are astonished to see their children not only working in entertainment but also blossoming in self-esteem. Runway classes on Monday and Friday nights have become moments of joy, with young people lighting up with pride. “I watch these insecure kids turn into confident, full-of-life performers,” Dawn says. “As a team at Rise, we did that for them. And that confidence will stay with them forever.”

Lessons Learned the Hard Way

Like any entrepreneur, Dawn has faced challenges. The biggest challenge has been learning to separate her emotions from the business side of running an agency. “I’m a kind-hearted person, so I give a lot,” she admits. “At times, I’ve gotten taken advantage of. But at the same time, I feel like I’m doing God’s work. So I will keep giving until God tells me not to.”

It is a delicate balance between generosity and protecting her business. Still, Dawn’s resilience has guided her forward, helping her continue to grow without losing the compassion that makes Rise unique.

What Sets Rise Apart

Las Vegas has no shortage of entertainment, but Dawn says there are few, if any, agencies doing what Rise Talent does. “We are full service,” she explains. “That includes booking talent, offering training, providing photography, and preparing people for real industry opportunities.”

Much of Rise’s success comes from its staff, particularly acting coach Texas Battle, a seasoned actor with credits in film and television. “He is probably the most dynamic person I’ve ever met,” Dawn says with admiration. “His ability to reach children and teach them is extraordinary. Honestly, sometimes I don’t know where Rise would be without Texas.”

Together, the team has helped clients land roles in major campaigns and productions. Recent highlights include a feature film titled The Hook as well as commercials for Ross Dress for Less, Old Navy, and The Gap.

The Power of Visibility

Rise Talent’s visibility has soared thanks to social media. “I think Instagram is my business,” Dawn admits. “Most of the people who come to us say they saw us on Instagram or Google. Word of mouth has been huge, too. I feel like Rise has taken over Las Vegas for entertainment.”

The agency’s Instagram page, Rise Talent LLC, now serves as both a portfolio and community hub. Families, clients, and curious onlookers scroll through to see runway clips, casting updates, and behind-the-scenes glimpses. A TikTok presence is on the horizon, and Dawn plans to expand further into platforms where younger generations spend time.

Expanding the Dream

Dawn is not content to stop here. Within the next year, she plans to expand physically, either by moving into a larger building or by opening a second location. She also serves as the regional director for the International Model and Talent Association (IMTA), a biannual convention that brings together aspiring performers and industry professionals.

“IMTA is like one big job interview for your child,” Dawn explains. “We take kids from places like Las Vegas and give them the chance to perform in front of thousands of industry professionals. Casting directors, networks, and agencies are all there, looking for talent.” For many children, it is their first opportunity to be seen on a national stage, and Dawn is proud to help them get there.

Why the Community Believes in Rise

What makes Rise special is not only its bookings or celebrity connections. It is the environment Dawn has cultivated, one rooted in humility, hope, and genuine care. She has given countless young people in Las Vegas the chance to dream bigger than their circumstances, often changing the trajectory of their lives.

“Sometimes kids come in shy, unsure, maybe even broken,” Dawn reflects. “Then they leave standing tall, with confidence and self-respect. That’s what Rise is about. That’s what we do.”

Looking Forward with Faith

Dawn Sullivan built Rise Talent out of pain, but today it stands as a beacon of possibility. It is a reminder that even in the face of loss, something new and beautiful can emerge. For Dawn, the business is not just about creating stars. It is about instilling faith, resilience, and confidence in the next generation.

Her message is simple yet powerful. “Just have faith,” she says. “Everything will be OK. We will all rise.”

Readers can learn more at www.risetalentmanagement.com, follow along on Instagram at @RiseTalentLLC, and connect on Facebook at Rise Talent Management.

This feature is part of The Business View Journal’s Local Spotlight Series — your trusted source for discovering the best small businesses in your community.