Meet Gemma Smith

We recently connected with Gemma Smith and have shared our conversation below.

Gemma, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

Overcoming imposter syndrome is a daily practice for me, and it always starts with coming back to my why. Why am I producing my variety show? Why am I performing burlesque or creating my podcast? At the core, I love telling stories, connecting with audiences, and building community.

I’m inspired by collaborating with like-minded artists—in my case, cat-loving creatives—and that reminds me why I do what I do. I also make a point to remember that everyone has something unique to bring to the table. Leaning into what makes me different is so important because it’s our differences that make us stand out.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I like to say I’m a multi-passionate creative, but at the heart of it, I’m all about connection, creativity, and cats! By day, I’m a manager and spokesperson for a kitten nursery at a national non-profit animal welfare organization. By night, I produce Catbaret, a cat-themed variety show in NYC featuring comedy, music, and burlesque (aka purr-lesque). I’ve been producing the show for over six years and am incredibly grateful for its growth. I’m super passionate about creating an inclusive space for cat-loving creatives. I also host and produce Tails and Tassels, a podcast where I chat with burlesque and nightlife performers about their craft, their cats, and how the two worlds collide. New episodes drop every Thursday!

What excites me most about my work is the connection with like-minded creatives—especially in the burlesque and cat communities. I get to bring people together, whether through the stage, a podcast episode, or the simple joy of sharing a love for animals and performance. Side note: I’m also a huge fan of reality TV and produce a reality TV-themed burlesque show called Reali-Tease Burlesque! Next show is a parody of reality dating shows coming this summer!

As for what’s new, I’m gearing up for my Galentine’s Day Paw-ty Catbaret show, and continued growth of my podcast. It’s been such a fun way to share the stories of amazing performers and their kitty cats, and I’m excited for what’s to come!

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

The three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are belief, action, and collaboration. It all starts with believing in the possibility of creating my art or reaching a goal. Without that belief, nothing else follows. Once I’ve believed in something, I take action—no matter how small. Sometimes, we hold ourselves back because we think the circumstances have to be “just right,” but I believe that does us a disservice. Once we take that first step, we open ourselves up to learning, failing, and growing. Mistakes are part of the process, and they help us grow. Lastly, I’ve learned that there’s no competition, only collaboration. I’ve thrived by connecting with like-minded artists, producers, and performers who share a similar vision, and these connections have turned into lasting friendships and creative collaborations.

How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?

One challenge I’m currently facing is my own tendency to take action (and burnout) when I’m feeling anxious, rather than being okay with the present moment. With my podcast, I’m always focused on consistency, growing my listenership, and reaching more people. But I have to remind myself that growth, especially in niche topics like mine, can be slow, and that’s totally okay. It’s about embracing the process and not getting too attached to the numbers or immediate outcomes. As long as I continue to show up, stay consistent, and enjoy what I’m doing, the growth will come in time. It’s important for me to remind myself that I’m doing all I can and truly have a bit of trust that my hard work will pay off.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Desiree De Sade
El Jong
Jessica Osber

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