An Inspired Chat with MZ. Cocoa Pearlesque of Chicago

We’re looking forward to introducing you to MZ. Cocoa Pearlesque. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Cocoa, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
That’s such a tough one because honestly, all three matter deeply to me. But if I had to break it down logically, I’d choose intelligence first. Why? Because with true understanding and awareness, my energy and integrity naturally align behind it.

That said, what I want people to notice about me first is my integrity. In today’s world, where some people are quick to lie, cheat, or throw others under the bus for their own gain, integrity can feel like a rare currency and I want mine to be undeniable.

As for energy, it’s equally important, but more in what I receive. I’m very much a mirror: if you give me positive, uplifting energy, you’ll get it right back tenfold. If I sense negativity, I either step away or protect my own space, because energy transfer is real, and I refuse to let someone else’s storm dim my light. So, in short: I lead with intelligence, I want to be known for integrity, and I thrive on the right kind of energy

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Absolutely! I’m a proud mom of two amazing sons, they’re older now, but they’re still my heart and the reason I push so hard to succeed. I want to show them, by example, what resilience, passion, and integrity look like. I’ve also been married to my husband for 25 years, we married young, at 18, and have grown up together, through every challenge and triumph.

By day, I’m a nurse at an incredible infectious disease office, where I’ve worked for over 12 years. But my other world? That’s where things get really exciting. I’ve been a pinup model for 8 years, earning titles like Miss Motoblot of Chicago 2021 and Miss Home Sweet Home 2022. And for the past 7 years, I’ve poured my heart into burlesque performing, producing, and building platforms for other artists.

I run three major brands: Burlesque Gotz Skillz, a dance competition that celebrates technical talent; Burlesque Remix, an improv based show that keeps audiences on their toes; and Love, Lust & Fantasy, the first fully kink based burlesque show in my area. I also produce powerful theatrical burlesque productions like We’re The Color Purple and Heritage in Motion, which celebrate Black art, culture, and storytelling.

What makes my work special is that it’s rooted in love, for my family, my culture, and my community. Art is how I share that love with the world

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I believed I was ugly, dumb, unimportant, just a nobody. Being adopted, you start life with questions like, ‘Why wasn’t I wanted?’ That alone can plant seeds of self, doubt. Add to that being a dark-skinned girl in an all white school, constantly feeling like an outsider, and hearing cruel words about my body, my hair, my skin, I internalized every bit of it. On top of that, I have dyslexia, so I also felt ‘less than’ academically. For years, I chased validation and acceptance from everyone but myself.

But life taught me differently. Therapy, self-reflection, and a lot of hard inner work have brought me to a place where I not only accept myself, I love myself. My dark skin, my natural hair, my unique mind, everything I was once ashamed of is now my crown. I learned that my worth was never up for anyone else to define, and that has changed everything about how I move through this world

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
“This question always gets me emotional because I think about it often. I’d tell my younger self: ‘Do not let anyone define you. You are brave, smart, beautiful, and important. Being adopted doesn’t make you less, it makes you special and deeply loved. Your dark skin is not a flaw, it’s your superpower. Love your cocoa butter, sun kissed skin because God made you in His perfect reflection. Book smarts don’t define you, you are uniquely creative, capable, and can do anything you put your heart and mind to. You have a light that shines brighter than the sun, and no matter what, you will survive, you will thrive.’ And I’d hug her so tight and never let her forget it.”

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
“Yes! the public version of me is absolutely the real me, just a slightly more demure version. I’ve learned in both my careers, as a nurse and as a performer, that people’s emotions can be fragile, so I often use a softer touch. I’m honest, but not brutally honest, because I truly care about people’s feelings. That said, if you cross me, all bets are off. I treat people exactly how they treat me. I don’t judge, I avoid drama, and I pride myself on being an open book who speaks her mind. So yes, what you see is what you get, with just a little filter when needed.”

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
“Ooooh, that’s a good one. The simple answer is yes, I give my best because I genuinely love what I do. I love helping people, creating, and building communities, and that passion is what drives me. But if I dive deeper, I’ll admit it’s a little more complicated. If I pour my heart into something and it consistently goes unnoticed, or worse, dismantled by others who don’t believe in it, then I probably won’t keep watering that garden. My energy is too precious to waste where it won’t grow. So yes, I give my best, but I also believe in putting my best where it can thrive and make a real impact.”

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