Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Smith.
Lisa, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Growing up, I was super shy and the only way I could make friends was through jokes. I loved making my friends laugh in class and at track practice.
I went to a comedy open mic in 2015 in Charleston, SC and haven’t stopped since. Upon moving to Atlanta, I went to almost every open mic to hone my material. Grinding it out in Atlanta’s amazing comedy scene gives me the opportunity for road work and paid gigs.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Pursuing any art comes with its fair share of struggles. At first, making people care about my comedy was difficult. Also spending time with family and friends can be hard as well. I’ve been getting better and better at scheduling because of this. Keeping my material fresh and new was also a struggle. I just trust the process and write every day.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Yolisayo story. Tell us more about the business.
Right now, I am creating a YouTube channel that I would like to act as a network for all the funny things I create. I just want to make people happy in these dark times. I upload standup videos, vlogs, skits, and other fun things. I am most proud that I was able to put myself out there and just do it. Two years ago, I would’ve been too scared to show that much of myself to people, now, I am trusting that I have an audience and someone that will get something out of my comedy. I think what sets my yolisayo channel away from others is that I do not take myself too seriously which obviously helps in comedy (lol).
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Yes. I was very lucky to have a sister and friends that lived in Atlanta (shoutouts to Lyndsey and Brian!). They helped me move here and be a part of this great comedy scene. I do not think I would have been able to do it alone. I also think if you are everywhere, luck just happens. Comedians will always drop shows. So, if you are always supporting other shows, you will get always get opportunities. It’s a combination of luck and statistics.
Contact Info:
- Website: yolisayo.weebly.com
- Email: lssmith@g.cofc.edu
- Instagram: @yolisayo
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=545210360
- Twitter: @yolisayolisayo
Image Credit:
Ngozi Ikeakanam, Lola Scott, Deandre Lemans
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