We were lucky to catch up with Anita Salsita recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Anita , thanks for joining us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

I began my burlesque journey at Denver’s Clocktower by attending a burlesque school. What started as a bucket-list experience quickly turned into a true passion. After completing the program, I decided to start applying for local casting calls. My mindset was simple: If I got hired, maybe I could do this as a side hustle. Little did I know, burlesque would soon become a major part of my life.

That was in April 2023. A few months later, I started thinking about launching my own burlesque company. To some, it may have seemed like a spontaneous decision, but for me, the idea of running my own business wasn’t new. Even in high school, I knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur—I just wasn’t sure what kind of business it would be. Since 2012, I’ve managed organizations, departments, and projects, and I pursued my education with that goal in mind. I earned my undergraduate degree in Business Management from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas, and later completed my MBA at Texas A&M International University in Laredo, Texas (my hometown) in 2018.

With my education and experience in my back pocket, it wasn’t a surprise—even to myself—that I wanted to start a business doing something I loved. The idea of launching my own burlesque company really started forming around October 2023, about seven months after I first stepped into burlesque. But I knew I couldn’t just dive in blindly—I needed insight. I started reaching out to burlesque producers in Denver and surrounding areas, asking if they’d be open to sharing their experiences. Many of them were incredibly generous with their knowledge.

I didn’t stop at burlesque—I also sought advice from local drag producers, including Talia Tucker, who graciously allowed me to shadow her during events. That experience was invaluable. I started as a stage kitten for her shows, eventually earning the opportunity to perform alongside her as a featured entertainer. I met various artists, constantly asked for advice, and soaked up every bit of information like a sponge. This learning process lasted about eight months.

Another key mentor in my journey was Marquette Carrington, owner of Hard Candy Dance Studio in Denver. With over a decade of experience, she was one of the first people I turned to when considering this business. When I asked her for advice, she immediately told me: “Just do it. Start.” So I did.

The very first concrete step in launching my company was forming an LLC—which is exactly what I’d recommend to any aspiring business owner. I filed for my sole proprietorship LLC, requested an EIN (Employer Identification Number), and submitted the BOIR (Beneficial Ownership Information Report)—all in one day.

Next, I opened a business credit card and a business checking account. I knew I didn’t want to mix business and personal finances. Keeping them separate has made everything—especially paying performers and tracking expenses—so much easier and more professional.

With the paperwork done, the next challenge was finding venues willing to host burlesque shows. The first venue to give me a shot was HQ Underground on Broadway, where I held my very first show. After that, Middleman Cocktail Bar on Colfax became another incredible partner.

Looking back, I’m so glad I spent nearly a year preparing to launch this business. But despite all that preparation, nothing teaches you more than actually doing it.

Once I started producing, I quickly had to figure out marketing—learning to create promo materials, organically reach audiences, and track local spending patterns. For example, if a large festival is happening in Denver, ticket sales might suffer. That’s something I had to learn the hard way.

I also discovered that hosting is a completely different skill set from performing. My hosting persona had to be distinct from my burlesque stage persona. And right now? I’m figuring out how to do taxes for my business for the very first time. Let’s just say, it’s been a while since my college tax courses.

But through it all, I’ve realized one thing: the learning never stops. The challenges never stop. But neither does the excitement. Neither does my passion for burlesque and for Vivalesque.

What started as an intangible idea is now a reality, and I hope that by sharing my journey, I can make the process just a little bit easier for others who dream of starting their own business.

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.

My name is Anita Salsita, and I’m a local burlesque performer and the founder of Vivalesque, a burlesque production company. Vivalesque specializes in creating one-of-a-kind shows featuring skilled performers that leave audiences captivated. What makes my business truly special is that it’s a female-run company, and as a proud Hispanic/Latina entrepreneur, I aim to bring a unique perspective to the burlesque scene.

The heart of my business lies in the connection we build with our audiences. I love engaging with people after the show, hearing their reactions, and gathering feedback on what they’d like to see next. Many attendees initially feel nervous or awkward about the concept of burlesque, but I love seeing how our shows transform their perspectives, leaving them excited for more.

One of the things I’m most proud of is being a producer that performers are eager to work with. As a performer myself, I understand the importance of feeling valued, so I ensure my team has everything they need to feel supported. From providing promo materials leading up to the show to offering snacks and emergency supplies on the day of the event, I prioritize their comfort. I’m also committed to transparency and always provide a detailed report after each show, showing performers how the money was allocated and what they’ll be paid. Accountability is key, and I hope this sets a standard for other producers and venues.

At Vivalesque, we focus on creating not just a show, but an experience that leaves both performers and audiences feeling empowered. I’m proud of the business I’ve built and the community we’ve fostered, and I look forward to continuing to push boundaries and bring people together through the art of burlesque.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

When I first started my burlesque journey in April 2023, I didn’t immediately think about starting my own company. But by October 2023, I had decided that this was something I wanted to pursue. I began by tracking the money I earned from gigs and saving up for my business. I already knew I wanted a separate account for my business, so I did some research and found that having around $2,000 in the account would be a good starting point.

That goal was easier said than done, though. The money I earned from gigs wasn’t enough to reach the $2,000 mark by the time I set up my LLC and applied for a business account. So, I pulled funds from my personal account and kept track of it. My plan was to eventually repay myself as the business generated income. This became a big motivator to make sure my shows were successful — though, at times, it definitely felt more like pressure than motivation!

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

My top priority has always been building a strong reputation among burlesque performers. I believe that if I create a reputable, supportive environment for them, more performers will want to work with Vivalesque. As a performer myself, I know that when a producer takes care of you, you want to bring your best to the stage. If performers genuinely care about the company they work for, that passion translates into every aspect of the show. It creates a ripple effect: when performers are excited and passionate about putting on a great show, the audience can feel that energy. I truly believe that people support others’ passions when they can sense the genuine effort and heart behind it. If the performers love being part of Vivalesque, the audience will feel that love and enthusiasm, and they’ll keep coming back.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Business: Account: @Vivalesque – Performer Account: @AnitaSalsita
• Other: Email for inquiries: [email protected]

Image Credits

Jay Cupcake Photography
Hthr The Photographer
Ganz Savery Photography