Meet Sabrina Ayoub

We recently connected with Sabrina Ayoub and have shared our conversation below.

Sabrina, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?

Growing up, I was a shy kid—the type who would hide behind my mom’s legs whenever I met new people. I was often teased for my “bowl” haircut and for being taller than the other kids. Public speaking was my personal nightmare. Anytime I had to read in front of the class or present, I’d turn beet red, and at one point, I even developed a stutter.
But as I grew older and more comfortable in my skin, especially after coming out as a lesbian, everything changed. Embracing my identity gave me a new sense of confidence. During and after college, I actually taught as an Assistant Professor. Standing in front of a room full of students taught me to own my voice and presence. My favorite part of teaching was instilling confidence in my students, while sneaking in jokes—though finding humor in Economics wasn’t always the easiest task!
At the end of every semester, I’d always remind my students to “Be Boldly You,” because I’ve learned that confidence comes from embracing who you are and putting in the work to get where you want to be. That’s a lesson I live by both on and off stage.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Throughout my life, I’ve encountered my fair share of challenges, especially when I first came out about 15 years ago. From inappropriate comments to outright rudeness, people seem to forget the basics of respect and decency. For a long time, I took those hurtful words to heart. But instead of letting them bring me down, I found a way to turn those experiences into something empowering: comedy.
Comedy became my outlet, my way to take the sting out of ignorance and turn it into something relatable and funny. It’s how I address the weird, sometimes painful, interactions and educate people about how not to treat LGBTQ+ folks—while also making them laugh. To me, humor is the ultimate escape. It’s a way for us to step away from the mundane, connect, and heal through laughter. When people laugh at my jokes, they’re not just laughing at me—they’re laughing with me, sharing in the humanity of our everyday struggles.
I’m focused on expanding my standup career by performing in comedy festivals across the country. I recently had the chance to perform at the Hudson Valley Funny Fest in upstate New York, and I’m looking forward to being part of more festivals and shows in the future. My goal is to keep using my comedy to connect with audiences, share my authentic self, and remind everyone that no matter what life throws at you, there’s always room for a good laugh.

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?

1. Be true to who you are – Authenticity is everything in comedy. If you’re not genuine on stage, the audience will pick up on it. Being yourself helps you connect with the crowd in a real way.
2. Write and rewrite your content – Good comedy comes from constant refinement. It’s not just about that first draft; it’s about editing and polishing until it really lands.
3. Practice, practice, practice – The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll be on stage. Nervousness usually stems from not being fully familiar with your material, so rehearse until it feels natural.
Always remember to have fun with comedy. When you’re having a great time, the audience will sense it and enjoy the experience with you. As the performer, you set the tone for the room, and even with an uninterested or low-energy crowd, you have the power to shift the atmosphere and captivate them.
And don’t be afraid of silence. Sometimes you won’t get laughs, and that’s okay! Those moments are valuable learning experiences.
Lastly, make connections! One of the best parts of comedy is meeting people. I love hearing strangers’ stories and learning from their experiences, which is why I also enjoy reading autobiographies. Comedy opens the door to so many interesting interactions and stories—it’s a constant source of inspiration.

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?

One of the biggest challenges I face is dealing with depression and anxiety, which can sometimes pull me into unmotivated slumps. But this year, I’ve really focused on digging myself out of those lows by staying engaged and getting back into the world. Pushing through those moments has been key to my personal and professional growth.
But over the last 12 months, I’ve really worked on finding ways to navigate those low points. Comedy has been a lifeline for me in that sense—it forces me to be present, to engage with people, and to step outside of my own head.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: sabrinacomedian

Image Credits

Alisa Ayoub, Jeff Crespi