Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Chrissy Mackey, a Burlesque Performer of Lavinia Vale Burlesque, located in Coquille, OR, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I am a burlesque producer, performer, and instructor, as well as a corporate trainer. Burlesque as an art form began gaining popularity in the United States in the 1860s and usually contains satire, comedy, striptease, and confidence. All of my courses start with a 90-minute class that focuses on self-acceptance/love and building confidence. Clients are everyone from business professionals who want to develop public speaking and leadership skills to any people who just want to have fun and maybe feel free.

Tell us about yourself

I first started performing burlesque during the 2020 lockdown. My debut was during a virtual show--the 12th anniversary of my mentor's career--in November, the week before I had successfully defended my dissertation proposal. Two big things one week apart! Then December 22, 2020, my dad passed from Covid. I filmed an act for a mental health awareness fundraiser that aired on February 13, 2021. That act was called "The 5 Stages of Grief," and it was my way of processing and managing my own grief. Burlesque and the burlesque community have brought comfort and support in times of need, and I want to empower other people in similar ways as I was empowered.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Thus far, my first production was a fundraiser for International Medical Corps, which was providing medical and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, raising almost $1000 for the charity. In addition, I am also quite proud of the fact that I graduated with my Ph.D. in Training and am able to use science and art to instruct others in increasing their confidence, stage presence, and more.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

I find the hardest thing about being a business owner--especially an entertainment business--is keeping organized and generating engaging content for social media. A lot of what I do focuses on social media and active engagement. Some days, though, I don't feel very social.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Have a plan. Have a plan for success, for failure, for everything in between. Write it down and modify it as needed, but have a plan.
  2. Set your expectations and talk with a mentor or another professional to make sure your expectations are reasonable.
  3. Have a morning routine that includes 10-15 minutes of meditation. When you're in business for yourself, you will get distracted and burn out. Self-care is necessary and needs to be a high priority. Taking time at the start of your day will not only set the tone for the day but give you a sense of peace.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://mslaviniavale.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MsLaviniaVale
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ms_lavinia_vale/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MsLaviniaVale
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cnmackey/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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