Today we’d like to introduce you to Joy Greene.
Hi Joy, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I used to say “One day” I’ll do burlesque. One day I’ll feel ready. The truth is, you’re never ready. One day the phone rang, it was an opportunity to perform aerial burlesque with Celestial Cabaret… I didn’t feel ready, but I said yes. The rest is history. I hit the ground running. I had been laid off as a new mom in 2021, and this was the perfect time for new ventures. Whether or not I was ready. I put all my energy into creation, and within a year I was offered my own show, ElectroLounge.
My journey in the world of art and performance is a testament to the power of creativity and resilience. It began with a deep passion for blending performance, event curation, and audience engagement, culminating in unforgettable experiences like ElectroLounge and Ivana Coquetu’s Sunday School for Sinners.
What sets me apart is not just the performances on my LED aerial hoop, but the immersive experiences I create, emphasizing consent, kink education, and celebrating authenticity—all set to the backdrop of (mostly) electronic music in a laid-back environment.
Elevating flow arts and sideshow dance with elements like fire and knives, and bringing it to Atlanta venues, I’ve carved a space for these forms in the world of burlesque, challenging stereotypes and contributing to the diversification of the landscape. My journey also involves founding my branding biz, “She’s the Boss Here,” empowering brands and supporting local artists through branding, design, and media creation.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Life threw me a curveball when I got laid off after working at a job for eight years. At the same time, I was dealing with the emotional rollercoaster of being a new mom while my mom was in hospice care. It was tough, to say the least.
But in the midst of all that chaos, I found a silver lining: starting my branding business. Pouring my energy into this new venture and connecting with others who understood what I was going through gave me a much-needed boost of confidence and purpose during those dark days. Despite the challenges, these experiences fueled my determination to keep pushing forward and chasing my dreams with even more passion.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My art is a vibrant cocktail mixing performance, event curation, and connecting with the audience, as seen in events like ElectroLounge and Ivana Coquetu’s Sunday School for Sinners. What really makes my work stand out isn’t just the dazzling performances on my LED aerial hoop, but the entire experience I craft. I’m all about promoting consent, educating about kink, and celebrating authenticity—all to the backdrop of mostly electronic beats in a chill atmosphere.
By adding elements like fire and knives to flow arts and sideshow dance and bringing it all to Atlanta’s stages, I’ve carved out a niche for these captivating forms within the world of burlesque. While burlesque often sticks to classical acts, I’m all about breaking norms and pushing boundaries. This not only diversifies the burlesque scene but also inspires fellow artists to challenge themselves.
Beyond performing, I’ve got my fingers in a few pies. I’m proud to have started “She’s the Boss Here,” a passion project that empowers brands and uplifts local artists. Through branding, design, and media creation, I’m able to showcase my skills while supporting others in the creative community.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Luck can sometimes be seen as forging great relationships and following through with work and creativity. In my life and business, luck has played a role in the opportunities that have come my way, but it’s been more about seizing those opportunities and making the most of them.
Building strong relationships, staying true to my creative vision, and putting in the hard work have been key factors in my success. So, if luck is about creating opportunities and making the most of them, then yes, it has certainly played a role in my journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/IvanaCoquetu
- Instagram: @ivanacoquetu
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088576669045&mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9VDNNpMHzSJGwJ9O0aGujdIpc9ARqySp&si=zZsjK4lqt7yUlixl
Image Credits
Jake Parris, Ben Cook, Val Camacho, Emily Diamond, Patrick Sun, and Lou Columbus
