We recently connected with Joy Greene Leefook and have shared our conversation below.

Joy , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

Absolutely, here’s the revised version with that addition:

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**Title: Crafting a Creative Living: My Journey as a Neoburlesque Artist and Digital Branding Specialist**

In the colorful, ever-changing world of creativity, making a full-time living is as dynamic as the art itself. By day (and often by night), I’m a neoburlesque artist, producing and performing shows that celebrate bold self-expression and the transformative power of art. But my creativity doesn’t stop when the stage lights go out—it just takes on a different form.

When I’m not dazzling audiences, I’m busy creating digital assets, branding and systems for marketing flow for small businesses. My regular clients include two chiropractic practices that rely on me for branding and content creation, keeping their online presence as aligned and well-adjusted as their patients. I do a lot of behind the scenes and patient facing marketing with one of these offices that gives me the security of a day job. I also work with an esthetician who trusts me with her digital and print imagery and soup to nuts branding from social content to logos, brochures, flyers, gift cards and more. Beyond that, I’ve designed logos for real estate agents, auto painters, electricians, stylists—you name it. From gift cards to fillable sign-up sheets that sync with calendars, I’m always juggling multiple projects. My hands are in a lot of pots, and that’s what keeps my business thriving.

This variety is what I love about my work. It gives me the freedom to choose projects that genuinely excite me while still maintaining a steady income. The bread-and-butter jobs—those more corporate gigs—are the ones that pay the bills. These projects aren’t always my personal creative vision; they’re about meeting the client’s needs and specifications. They’re the reliable income sources that let me pay the rent and keep the lights on.

But the real magic happens with the more meaningful, personally driven projects. These are the ones that let my true creative spirit shine. They’re fulfilling in a way that bread-and-butter jobs can’t match, and they’re what keep me passionate about my work.

Balancing these two types of work—corporate projects for steady income and personal projects for creative satisfaction—has been the key to sustaining my career. It’s a delicate dance, but one I’ve learned to master over time. This balance ensures that my creative well never runs dry and that my professional journey stays as exhilarating as my performances.

For anyone out there trying to make a living from their art, my advice is to embrace versatility. Don’t be afraid to diversify your skills and take on different types of projects. The corporate gigs may not be as glamorous, but they provide the stability that allows you to pursue your passion projects. And those passion projects? They’re what make it all worthwhile.

But let’s be real—it didn’t happen overnight. If I had understood 15 years ago that having a day job does not discredit you as an artist, my imposter syndrome could’ve taken a backseat a long time ago. It’s a journey, and every step, every project, and every performance contributes to where I am today.

Through this blend of performance art and digital branding, I’ve found a way to make a full-time living doing what I love. It’s not just a dream—it’s a vibrant, achievable reality. And if I can do it, so can you.

Joy , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Joy Greene Leefook, you may know me as Atlanta’s favorite odd bird, Ivana Coquetú. I wear many hats—or perhaps, more fittingly, many feathered headpieces—as a neoburlesque artist, digital branding specialist, and event producer. My career is a colorful blend of performance art and creative services, each aspect fueling my passion and livelihood.

My Path into the Industry

My adventure into the world of neoburlesque began with a love for aerial art and dance… a bucket list goal to perform as a burlesque dancer professionally by 40, and a passion for audacious self-expression and the transformative power of performance art. A friend and producer for Celestial Cabaret needed an additional aerial act and before you know it I was performing regularly, and was made the host of a monthly event.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of producing and performing in numerous shows, each more daring and electrifying than the last. From the unforgettable ‘Nuns of the 90s’ to the vibrant ‘Pokémon Rave Cabaret,’ my productions are immersive experiences that celebrate identity, community, and unabashed creativity. I’ve been featured as an innovator of the year by Coney Island, USA at their annual Sideshow Hootenany, where I performed on the same stage as Houdini once did. It’s been a wild journey!

Simultaneously, I ventured into the digital realm with my branding business She’s the Boss Here, leveraging my creative skills to help small businesses shape their brand identities. I was unethically laid off from my corporate role as Marketing Projects manager for a professional beauty supply company whose values did not align with mine. I decided to put the skills I used in my role to use with businesses I cared about. It started with woman own business but expanded quickly to other artists of all genders, and to small businesses. Before I knew it, i was working quite a few projects simultaneously. This dual career path allows me to explore different facets of creativity, from the glittery stages of burlesque to the polished world of digital design.

In the realm of digital branding, I offer a wide array of services, including:

Branding and Content Creation:Regular clients rely on me to craft cohesive and engaging online presences.
Logo Design: I’ve created logos for diverse professionals, from artists to doctors, real estate agents to auto painters and more.
Digital Assets: My work includes designing simple solutions to complex marketing challenges. This can meant integrated forms for booking appointments, to online ad designs, pdf presentations, digital catalogs and gift cards and more

In my performance career, I bring a spectrum of acts to the stage, including
– Classical and Neo Burlesque
– LED Aerial Hoop and Aerial Sphere
– Fire Dancing and Knife Dancing
– Interactive Emceeing and Roving Character Performances

For my clients, I solve the challenge of standing out in a crowded digital marketplace. I provide them with unique, customized branding solutions that reflect their vision and resonate with their target audience. What sets me apart is my ability to balance corporate requirements with creative flair, ensuring that every project not only meets professional standards but also sparkles with originality.

In the world of performance, I offer a blend of daring and innovative acts that captivate audiences. My shows are not just performances—they are experiences that invite audiences to immerse themselves in a world of where wild dreams push social boundaries.

I am most proud of the community I’ve built through my work, both on stage and in the digital sphere. Seeing the growth of artists I’ve mentored and the success of businesses I’ve branded brings me immense satisfaction. My dedication to creating safe, inclusive spaces for self-expression and community celebration is a cornerstone of my brand.

What I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know is that Joy Greene of She’s the Boss Here Branding, and Ivana Coquetú of Hoops and Hare Productions are a celebration of audacious self-expression and electrifying performance art. We are relentless in our pursuit of creating spaces where everyone can feel seen, celebrated, and connected. Whether you’re attending an ‘ElectroLounge’ event or commissioning a logo, you’re joining a community that values bold creativity and genuine connection.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Being deeply involved in both performance and digital creative industries, I know how much a supportive community means to artists. Here’s how we can all help support artists and create a thriving creative ecosystem:

1. Invest in Arts Education: Fund arts education in schools and community programs to nurture talent and create inclusive environments for neurodiverse students.
2. Affordable Spaces: Provide subsidized studios, galleries, and performance venues to ease financial pressure on artists.
3. Promote Local Art: Support local art by purchasing tickets to small shows and buying from vendors at farmers markets and street fairs.
4. Grants and Funding: Offer more grants, scholarships, and fellowships to help artists pursue their work without financial stress.
5. Collaborative Platforms: Create spaces and online communities for artists to collaborate, share resources, and network.
6. Public Art: Support public art projects like murals and sculptures to make art accessible to everyone.
7. Fair Compensation: Ensure artists are fairly paid, including fair wages and healthcare benefits. We are so far from this! Productions can barely pay performers their value. TIP YOUR ARTISTS!
8. Support Diverse Voices: Promote artists from marginalized communities, giving them platforms and opportunities.
9. Foster Appreciation: Encourage a culture that values art with festivals, events, and social media support. Share and tag friends to promote local shows and artists.
10. Artists Supporting Artists: Embrace collaboration over competition. Share resources, mentor each other, and attend each other’s events to build a stronger creative community.

By taking these steps, we can create a supportive environment where artists not only survive but thrive, enriching our culture and fostering innovation.

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

For me, the most rewarding part of being an artist is connecting with people on a deeper level. Whether through performance or creating digital assets, I love evoking emotions, sparking conversations, and bringing people together. There’s nothing like seeing someone connect with my work or a client thrilled with their new branding.

The freedom to express myself and explore new ideas is incredibly fulfilling. Each project and performance is a new adventure that helps me grow. It’s about pushing boundaries and creating moments that resonate.

Being part of a vibrant creative community is another huge reward. We support and inspire each other, sharing our talents and lifting each other up.

What truly amplifies the reward is inspiring others to take a leap of faith—whether stepping onto the stage, marketing their art, or starting a small business. Seeing others follow their passions because they saw me do it is incredibly heartwarming.

Ultimately, it’s about making an impact. Whether it’s a powerful performance or a branding project that helps a small business thrive, knowing that my work makes a difference and inspires others is the greatest reward of all.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/IvanaCoquetu
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivanacoquetu?igsh=MTlvODd2eXViZHEzYg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ivanacoquetu?si=Syw_7yermM22UX63

Image Credits
Scott Gibson James Garner Jake Parris Terrence Rushin Real Carolina Exposures Snxw Isis Mayfield