Today we’d like to introduce you to Oodles of Troodles.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I moved to Atlanta around four years ago and didn’t really know anyone. I was getting lonely, so I decided to take a class to try meeting people. There was a coupon on Creative Loafing for burlesque classes at the Atlanta School of Burlesque, which sounded like fun.
From there, I started going to shows and getting to know the community. I also continued taking burlesque classes and began healing my relationship with my body. I was on a journey of building self-esteem and unlearning a lifetime of negative self-image.
I had never intended on performing, but I came to a point of wanting to know that I could do it. That I could go on stage and allow people to see me. It was just going to be a one-time thing; just a chance to prove something to myself. So, I began the performance track at the Atlanta School of Burlesque. They took us through all aspects of performing – from history to storytelling, the business side, and even costuming.
At my debut, I forgot all of my choreography. I had costume malfunctions. And people still cried because they saw themselves in what I was doing. I was able to get up on stage, which helped them move a little bit closer to loving themselves. I realized that just by choosing to revel in my body, that is so far outside of what is considered socially acceptable, I could help change people’s perceptions of themselves and others. I could be the change I wanted to see.
So, I kept doing it.
Somewhere along the line, I realized I really liked making pasties and other burlesque accessories. At first, just for me. Then, I had way too much stuff and didn’t plan on halting production because it was such a gratifying creative outlet. I began taking commissions and building up an inventory. I kept experimenting with different products, started an Etsy store, vended at shows, and am now in talks about a pop-up shop and doing a wholesale order.
I began feeling comfortable performing in Atlanta and was accepted on stages without issue. However, I was more often than not the only fat person in the cast. I wanted a space where fat bodies weren’t just accepted but celebrated. So… I approached Bubble Bordeaux, another fat burlesque performer in Atlanta, and told her what I wanted and asked her to co-produce with me.
From there, we gained the support of our troupe, The Candybox Revue, and produced FATlanta: A Celebration of Plus Sized Burlesque in March.
Now, I’m continuing to perform, have two shows that I’ll be producing on my own later this year, continuing to take commissions and create costume pieces, and continuing to learn.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Ha! Every day is a struggle. In the shower each morning, when I’m thinking my thoughts, I question what I’m doing. I’ve had physical struggles, had to work through taking my clothes off on stage with my husband, navigate doing all of this around a day job, and always fighting imposter syndrome.
Also, while this hasn’t been the case in Atlanta, a body like mine isn’t necessarily welcome on stages in other parts of the country.
However, the community here is wonderful. Metropolitan Studios in East Atlanta Village has become a second home for me. Redlight Cafe, where many of the burlesque shows in Atlanta happen, is where everybody knows my name. The Candybox Revue has become a new family.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Oodles of Troodles and Troodle’s Doodles – what should we know?
I actually embody two companies: I am myself, the entertainer, and a creator of costume pieces.
Oodles of Troodles (me!) is known for subverting expectations. I never want to be stale or predictable, so I have a wide variety of acts: sultry, silly, nerdy, avant-garde. I love improv. I make sure every costume reveal surprises and delights.
Troodle’s Doodles is my pastie and costuming business. Mostly, I make one of a kind pasties – both by commission and from my stock. Specifically, I’m known for creating unique shapes that are hard to recreate. For example, my favorite pair of pasties were made for Coco Rosé, and they’re in the shape of frogs with tassels for tongues. But people approach me with commissions for tons of things. I’ve made beaded fringe, fascinators, boas, appliqués, glitter body butter – honestly, I’ll try almost anything. I just like figuring out how to make things work. I love when someone is ecstatic by something I’ve made for them.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
First of all, my husband. He come to shows, been supportive even when he didn’t understand my drive, and has made multiple trips to the post office to ship orders for me. I have to thank Talloolah Love, Roula Roulette, and Ursula Undress – the owners of the Atlanta School of Burlesque and Metropolitan Studio. They are changing lives daily. Lola LeSoleil was one of my favorite teachers at the school. Lola, who is a multi-award winning performer, is warm and inviting and made the concept of performing accessible. Shellie Schmals and Katherine Lashe, who let new performers grow through experience on their stages. Coco Rosé, who has recently moved to Atlanta from Memphis and has made diversity in anything she touches a priority. Honestly, there are too many people to count. So many in the Atlanta burlesque community actively work to lift each other up.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TroodlesDoodles
- Email: oodlesoftroodles.atl@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oodles_of_troodles/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oodlesoftroodles/
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/troodlesdoodles/
Image Credit:
Raw Heart Media, Marc Turnley, Charles Bailey, Scout Lightback
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
