Exploring Life & Business with Omar Thompson of Thompson Studios 125 and New Harlem Renaissance

Today we’d like to introduce you to Omar Thompson.

Hi Omar, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
ima comedian of 20 years plus. Was homeless earlier in my career right after I finished my college. Got a degree in marketing management. came back to NY and started doing comedy. I’ve made a living doing standup, producing shows, marketing shows, and acting. TV shows on HBO, Showtime, BET etc.

I decided to open a comedy club in my in laws brownstone. the clubs lasted for one month once I finally got it open. The guess they didnt anticipate all the foot traffic so they ended the lease. I found a new spot on 125th 2 blocks from the apollo theater and decide to make it a comedy club as well. but I quickly changed to an event space and then transitioned to a studio/event space. which housed my n0n profit organization New Harlem Renaissance.

After 4 we left the studio and started the process of ownership. We are set to purchase our new home in 2026. A 10,000 sf theater in harlem

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I struggles the whole way through. Being homeless, starting a business with no business plan, no access to funding, lack of support from my community, learning the process to build business credit, learning new industries like podcasting, buidling partnerships, having the lights cut off, tenant court to owed rent e

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Thompson Studios 125 and New Harlem Renaissance?
My for profit business Thompson Studios is one of the few black owned studios in NYC. And my non profit “New Harlem Renaissance” is one of the fastest growing organizations in NY. with 2026 projected revenue to exceed one million dollars. One business is know for community events and gathering, podcasting, photography and film production. New Harlem Renaissance is known for doing great work in the community. from afterschool programs, summer programs, dance, acting, podcasting, voice, internship and photography programs. What me or us apart is many things: Our location being at the heart of harlem where black people get an opportunity to own businesses, we are younger and more related to other businesses in our area while most owners are 50 plus, im known in my community from entertainment,

We are most proud of our impact in harlem. From comedy events to programs with our non profit that help youth. We will change the fabric of our community thru love, multimedia and reliance

I’m also very proud that I was given a lifetime achievement award from the President Biden for community service

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love the culture of my city. its a huge city but its has small town vibes in business circles. I dont like that we dont own more property in our community. blacks need to own

Pricing:

• Donate to New Harlem Renaissance

Contact Info:

• Website: newharlemrenaissance.org, thompsonstudios125.com
• Instagram: omarthecomedian, newharlemrenaissance125, Thompsonstudios125