Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Eeland Stribling. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Eeland, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

Honestly, the biggest risk I’ve taken was quitting my job as an environmental educator to do stand-up full time. I had a stable thing going—benefits, a solid paycheck, a career I could’ve stuck with. But deep down, I knew it wasn’t me. Comedy was the only thing that made me feel like myself.

So I left all that behind to chase something way less secure. It’s been mostly tough—like, most days are hard. But the second I get on stage, it all makes sense. That moment of being up there, connecting with people, saying something funny—it’s perfect. And that’s why I did it.

It’s still unfolding. I’m still figuring it out. But I’d rather struggle doing something I love than feel safe doing something that doesn’t feel right. That risk? That was me choosing to actually live my life—not just survive it.

Eeland, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m a stand-up comedian and writer. My style’s honest, silly, a little facetious, and I try to keep it as real as possible—like how people actually talk. I got into comedy because it was the only space where I felt like I could tell the truth and be fully myself. Everything else felt like I was pretending to care about things I didn’t.

I don’t offer much in the traditional sense. I’m not selling a course or pushing a brand line. But when you see me perform, I want you to feel safe. Safe to laugh, safe to talk some shit, and most of all, safe to be yourself. That’s the space I try to create—where people can let go for a second and just be.

What I’m most proud of is that I’ve made it this far by myself. No handouts, no rich uncle, no shortcuts. I’ve kept going despite the noise—the industry, the doubters, and people I used to call friends who low-key want to see me fail. I’m still here. Still doing it. And that’s what I want people to know: I’m not in this to be famous, I’m in this because it’s who I am.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

My most effective strategy for growing my clientele? I perform live and love hitting onpeople’s aunties. Aunties are the untapped market. They need love too—and I’m here to serve the people. I consistently post on Instagram and LinkedIn, and I always reply to the aunties in the comments. That way, they feel seen, they show up to the shows, and they bring other aunties. I hit the family reunions, the backyard BBQs, the baby showers—I’m building my fanbase one potato salad at a time.

I’ve tried bending to the industry. I’ve posted crowdwork clips. I’ve watered down my voice to try to “go viral.” But aunties don’t want crowdwork. Aunties don’t want mid. Aunties want a 6’3” Black man who’s sexy, intelligent, and funny—and that’s what I’m offering.

When I think about clientele, here’s the order I find value:

Aunties.

Fans.

Bookers and clubs.

And finally—the haters. Because they’re clients too. They watch everything.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding part of being a comedian is when someone comes up after a show and says, ‘I feel the same way—thank you for saying what I was thinking.’ That moment right there. Knowing I said something honest, maybe even painful, and it connected with someone else? That’s everything. It’s cathartic—for me and for them.

But on the flip side, I also love when people just forget. Forget their problems, forget the world, forget the stress—for however long I’m on stage. If I can make someone laugh so hard they stop carrying the weight of their day, even for a few minutes, then I’ve done my job. I try to give people that full ride. Some truth, some healing, and some joy. That’s what keeps me going.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.eelandstribling.com
• Instagram: @eelandstribling
• Facebook: eelandstribling
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eelandstribling/
• Twitter: Free Luigi
• Youtube: eeland.stribling