Meet Joanna M. Briley

 

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Joanna M. Briley a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Joanna M., really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

I found my purpose one late night in October 2018. A lie being perpetuated inspired me to create a whole comedy festival for funny Black women. This alleged lie was printed in an online “e-zine” about a local comedy fest for women and there were no Black women attached to the festival.

Once it was revealed I just decided right then and there to create something for us that would focus on Black women, those that identified and the LGBTQ community.

The NYC community responded and we had sold out shows and so many women in comedy got to network and make friends and get opportunities they otherwise may have never been given.

Once I saw that it was a need, it kept me focused and passionate about making sure we continued building this amazing culture of funny black women.

I am building a foundation to become a true incubator for the future comedians of color.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

OMG all I do is speak on the upcoming 6th Annual Black Women in Comedy Laff Fest. That’s my baby. This festival has created so many beautiful women that stay connected and help each other out. I feel like the Harriet Tubman of comedy connecting black women to each other from Florida all the way to Toronto. The comedy festival means so much to me because when I began attending comedy shows, I laughed until I cried. The first time I saw a woman was a big shock. I knew there were women doing it but I never saw one on stage in NYC.

After a while I began noticing there were no Black women or Latina women or Asian women. Although I noticed it. I didn’t know anything could be done. Once I began to gain confidence in my comedy journey, I started making connections and moving the goal post for myself. For instance, after 2 years of open mics and a few shows here and there, I decided the only way I can improve is to produce my own show. That decision has been a blessing ever since.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

When I look back at my journey, the most impactful for me has been to stay honest and authentic with your audience, the comedians I book, and the venue owners that I work with. My success hinged on those three tools and although I didn’t have it all together at the start, I learned what I wanted had to be offered as well.

For those starting out, be you. Be you and kind. Be you and love yourself enough to take time to reflect and learn who you are as an entrepreneur. We won’t get it right out the gate however embracing “failing forward” is the greatest compliment you can give yourself. Failing is not a negative thing it’s a growth mindset.

Respect yourself and make sure boundaries are in place. Folk will impart so much energy to thwart your efforts. JUST SAY NO!

Stay prayerful and mindful. You are the only you. Be the best version of yourself that you can be.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

As I grow this comedy festival, I am seeking collaborators who are marketing gurus, fundraisers, sponsorship consultants and brand strategist.

I have been doing all of the above with minimal experience and results. Our festival is a grassroots movement with funding coming from a few friends and my life’s savings. I had no idea about grants and/or doing a fundraising campaign.

As a Black woman, I have noticed a reluctance of support from corporations and businesses and I would like assistance in turning the NO’s into Yeses. I know it’s doable and every no is not a reflection of my business or me personally, I know I need to have the help and supportive team in place.

At the moment, I am learning as I go even at year six. I love what I am creating and I truly believe once all the pieces are in place financially, we will be able to continue to offer mental health and wellness workshops virtually as well as industry professionals to mentor and help the comedians learn more about the business of comedy.

I welcome collaborators with good intentions and enthusiasm for comedy.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Outdoor photos Biggie background and green jacket by Hunter Peress

John Cafaro @Johnandhiscamera for Lincoln Center

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