We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kiki Risque a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Kiki thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

I’m happiest as an artist, truly. Creating, performing, teaching … it’s the core of who I am. But there are definitely moments where I wonder what it would be like to have a regular job with clear boundaries and predictable days.

One moment that stands out happened when I had two productions coming up just weeks apart. At the same time, I was creating all the looks for my Showgirls class, running rehearsals with them, and still doing my own rehearsals that were stretching into 4–6 hour sessions. On top of that, I was teaching my full schedule, running my salon, managing appointments, answering messages, and trying to keep up with the everyday life stuff that doesn’t stop just because you’re busy.

It was one of those seasons where every hour of the day was already assigned to something — and I still felt behind. There was no space to breathe, no room for error, no margin for “one more thing.”

And of course, when life is that full, something always happens.

Someone backs out.
A piece of the puzzle falls through.

You get unexpected bad news.

Something breaks, or someone needs you urgently, or a plan unravels.

I remember sitting there in the middle of all of it thinking, “How do people with normal jobs do this? Do they get to finish their work and then… be done?” It wasn’t envy so much as curiosity — what would it feel like to not have every part of your life stacked on top of each other?

I had a moment where it all caught up to me — not in a dramatic breakdown, just that quiet kind of overwhelm where your body feels heavy and you realize how long you’ve been running on pure willpower.
But here’s the important part: even in that exhaustion, I never once thought, “I want to quit.”
I just thought, “This is hard… and I’m still grateful.”

Because the rehearsals, the students, the shows, the creativity — they give me something a regular job never could. The connection, the purpose, the spark, the community — that’s what I always come back to.
So yes, I think about what a regular job might feel like sometimes. But every time I follow that thought, it leads me right back to this truth:

I choose this life because it’s where my passion is. I choose it because it challenges me, fills me, and makes me feel alive — even on the days when everything feels like too much.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Kiki Risque — an artist, teacher, salon owner, and the creative force behind Fatal Follies. I started in this industry simply because I fell in love with movement. Dance gave me confidence, expression, and community, and over time that passion grew into teaching, performing, and eventually directing shows.

Today, I run a troupe that blends burlesque, circus, acro, comedy, and storytelling into immersive, high-energy productions. We’re known for doing things a little differently — our shows are bold, playful, and full of personality.

I also teach classes through a lens of empowerment and skill: mobility and dance focused on injury prevention, sensual movement, pole dancing, aerial chains, and spicier workshops like striptease and lapdance. My goal is to help students feel strong, confident, and connected to their bodies while exploring movement in a way that’s fun and expressive.

On top of that, I run a salon, which might sound separate, but to me it’s all part of the same mission: helping people feel seen, empowered, and beautiful in their own way.

What sets me apart is the heart behind everything I do. My work is rooted in authenticity, community, and a deep love for the people around me. I’m most proud of the spaces I’ve built — places where performers and students can grow, express themselves, and feel genuinely supported.

What I want people to know about me and my brand is simple:
I lead with passion. I care about people. And whether it’s a show, a class, or a salon appointment, my goal is to leave you feeling more confident, inspired, and alive than when you arrived.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My mission is to create a space where people feel welcome, seen, and loved — a place where they truly belong and can feel beautiful just as they are. I’ve always been a bit of a loner, so I know how important it is to feel like you’re part of something that accepts you completely.

Whether it’s in my classes, on stage, or in my salon, I want people to feel at home, to let go of judgment, and to leave feeling lighter, braver, and more themselves. It’s about giving people a little spark of joy and confidence — and hopefully a reminder that they’re exactly enough just as they are.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding part of being an artist is the connection. It’s seeing a student light up when they accomplish something they didn’t think they could, watching a performer fully step into their power on stage, or noticing someone in the audience smile, laugh, or feel moved by what we’ve created.

Those moments — when someone feels seen, confident, or inspired because of the work I’ve put in — make all the long hours, the stress, and the chaos completely worth it. It’s the reminder that art isn’t just about me; it’s about creating experiences that touch people, lift them up, and leave them feeling alive.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/kikisinisterofficial

Image Credits

Anthony Early