We were lucky to catch up with Mocha Mocha2.0 recently and have shared our conversation below.
Mocha, appreciate you joining us today. Parents can play a significant role in affecting how our lives and careers turn out – and so we think it’s important to look back and have conversations about what our parents did that affected us positive (or negatively) so that we can learn from the billions of experiences in each generation. What’s something you feel your parents did right that impacted you positively.
My parents allowed me to be me. I went through many changes and phases throughout my life and my parents never judged me. I was allowed to be who I was and feel what I felt. Having that kind of freedom as a child was the best because outside ridicule didn’t hurt as much, my parents accepted me and that’s all that mattered. They gave me the confidence that I have today. My parents were very body positive and they took great care of themselves, they loved to look good. When I hear stories of friends who grew up with unsupportive and judgmental parents, I’m surprised and hurt for them because I never experienced that. I see that even in their adult age folks still hear the criticism from their parents replaying as little voice in their heads. My parents raised me to have a positive outlook on myself, and this viewpoint transferred into a lifestyle for me. Parents can have a larger influence on us than we think.
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
Dancing has always been a way of life for me. Expressing myself through dance has been a way for me to communicate without speaking. Even in adulthood when my emotions overwhelm me, dance is what calms me and bring me peace. Body Confidence for Queens (BCQ) was created during covid. I was in an emotionally abusive relationship and was very depressed. I knew I had to change my current situation but I didn’t have the confidence nor willpower to do so. Then one day I started googling things about depression and a lot of topics surrounding self love popped up. I was in a head space where I wasn’t adequately tending to my emotional needs and because of that I lacked self love. From then on I begin to frequently research how to achieve self love and I journaled my progress with completing the tasks given.
Months later I began broadcasting a weekly zoom chat titled Motivation Mondays, which later transferred into online dance classes on how to move intentionally within your body. By the summer time I landed a name for my new group of followers, The Body Confidence Queens. By this time I was already performing burlesque for 3 years now, so all the knowledge I learned from this powerful art form, I decided to apply it to dance classes for BCQ.
BCQ offers a series of classes in the spring through summer which aids in helping Queens increase their overall body confidence. The classes are listed below:
OH THIS BAWDY – Dance fitness class consisting of exhilarating workouts created to help you boost your energy, prevent excess weight gain and combat any existing health problems.
Unfazed – A confidence based class which teaches you how to let loose, connect with the music and listen to your body.
Sensual & Sexy, The Art of Striptease -A sensual class for those who would love to indulge in Burlesque, one of the most empowering dance forms. This class can be described as sensual, fiery, and powerful. In this class, students will learn how to captivate the attention of their audience by using sensual and seductive techniques.
Intro To The Bawdy- BCQ’s private class which is only taught upon booking. ‘Intro to the Bawdy’ is a 90 min class which focuses on helping dancers create a closer relationship with their bodies. In this class we focus on breathing techniques, spatial awareness, shapes and movements.
In addition to BCQ classes, we have affirmation hoodies, T-shirts and mugs which acts as a daily reminder of motivation to all. Our biggest motivator has been the BCQ mantra. I created this mantra right before BCQ was made into a legal business. My goal was to create a mantra that described BCQ’s values and mission, and I’ve successfully done that.
The BCQ Mantra: I am beautiful inside & out. My uniqueness is what makes me beautiful. I love myself, I trust myself, and I believe in myself. No validation is needed for me to be me. I am free, I am a Body Confidence Queen.
Since the creation of BCQ in January 2020, BCQ has reached over 1,000 Queens, through dance classes, workshops, and community events. On September 30th 2021 BCQ hosted and sold out its 1st ever burlesque showcase curated by the Queen herself MochaMocha2.0. Each year BCQ hosts auditions to the public taking in Queens & those who identify as women to teach them burlesque. After four months of rehearsals we highlight the Queens by showcasing their group & solo acts to the public. Creating these annual showcases was my way of giving women a voice. Helping them to reclaim &/or discover their sexuality and assisting them in building a platform for themselves. BCQ has driven the industry forward with its advocacy for women to be seen, respected and valued in all facets. This showcase highlighted the lives of women by covering controversial topics such as body dysmorphia, societal beauty standards and stigmas of the “perfect body”. BCQ will continue to raise awareness on taboo topics that effects the lives of women.
The problem that I help solve for my clients is making them feel good about themselves. Once you feel beautiful the sky is the limit!! The way that I do this is by helping them reconnect with their bodies. Self love has a lot to do with confidence and the way you view yourself. BCQ is the pathway to happiness. I teach about love, flaws and self acceptance. Accepting who you are is the 1st step to becoming a more confident version of you.
The thing I’m most proud of is the end result. To the Queens who have taken my classes, attended my events or participated in my showcases; I feel good when I see others feeling good. The happiness that overcomes their faces when they experience a breakthrough is serene & heartwarming. BCQ is definitely my greatest creation, I love it here!!
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
Always trying to work alone and get tasks done by myself.
Growing up I had really bad trust issues, and for a certain point I felt that it was bad to depend on others in any shape or fashion. Creating and maintaining my own business humbled me good. The first year BCQ was created, I tried to do everything myself and I stressed myself out terribly. I just had to learn to trust others. I knew that they cared for BCQ as much as I did, it was just unfamiliar to feel secure while having others do for me. To this day, I’m a delegator. I delegate tasks with ease because I have a team who doesn’t drop the ball; we’re all working in sync.
And this was the best lesson I ever learned…
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
1. Be yourself. People will gravitate towards genuine energy faster than anything.
2. Don’t be afraid to post what you’re up to, if you have an audience, you have to keep that audience entertained. I recommend posting a minimum of 3x weekly.
3. Be vulnerable with your audience. We’re all human and we go through shit. It’s nice to see the person who inspires you speak on common shit that we all go through. Bigger supporters emerge with transparency.
My audience was built because of the way I dance & perform. I’m a very sexual and free being who doesn’t care for criticism. I’m free in my mind & body and that’s what people love about me.
I recommend checking off the 3 notes above to achieve a faithful audience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bodyconfidenceforqueens.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/bodyconfidenceforqueens?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
Image Credits
Jeremy Latimore Megan Kaminsky Tori The Creator