- What are your pronouns, identity, and would you like to share more of your background?
My name is Joanna Briley, and my pronouns are she/her. I am a 55-year-old Black NYC-based comedian, actor, writer, and the founder of the Black Women in Comedy (BWIC) Laff Fest. Fueled by the lack of representation at national comedy festivals and local showcases within the NYC comedy scene, I decided it was time to create something that focused on centering funny Black women.
With a sold-out one-woman show "Swipe This: My Life in Transit!," I merged my comedy life with my 33 years as a New York City Transit Authority Token Booth Clerk (aka Station Agent) into a hit stage performance. For me, creating, building, and changing the narrative between women of all ethnicities is crucial. We can all benefit from the wealth of knowledge in stand-up comedy and life.
- Tell us about yourself and the story of your business.
One FunnySistah Entertainment LLC was created in 2019. When I started the comedy festival, I was told to get an LLC, so I did. That was it. I did nothing else. I never filed with the newspaper or paid a fee to the city. What I did do was pay LegalZoom $1K-$2K to do it for me, and what I found out is they don't do EVERYTHING! I have never filed taxes for the company because I didn't make any money. That was my understanding: if you made income, then you file income taxes. I was wrong again.
- How has your background and/or identity impacted your entrepreneurial journey?
As a Black woman creating space for more funny Black women, I feel we get some attention, but not enough to warrant corporate sponsorship dollars as yet. I didn't know how to connect with companies or businesses for the first three years. Now, our sponsor deck looks good, and for 2025, I am looking forward to seeing who we attract. The impact I've felt is from the comedians who have attended, connected, networked, and created opportunities they never would have made otherwise.
- What made you decide to work with SSTB?
I met someone who works with you, and for close to a year after we met, I kept filling out the form to get help. I think I did it twice. I was struggling to understand what I was missing in my business and needed FREE assistance. I had emptied my savings and taken out personal loans to cover my comedy passion project. Then, ashamed that I didn't know about grant writing and sponsorships, I knew I needed help.
- What SSTB service did you utilize?
Listen—I utilized every service from trademark support, privacy protection on my website, to contracts for performers and staff. SSTB has been an amazing, free resource for me.
- How was your experience working with Start Small Think Big/your volunteer?
I have met some of the most generous individuals, and I couldn't have been more grateful and excited each time I saw a Zoom or Google Chat invite. I knew I would learn something new that would help me grow my business and be more confident in all that I'm doing. Although I learned a lot, there was one volunteer I felt was a bit too pushy with his approach, and that made me uncomfortable. When I shared my experience, I was happy with the way things were handled.
- What does equitable entrepreneurship look like to you? Optional
Equitable entrepreneurship to me looks like easy access to funds at banks and quick grant writing processes.
- What is a piece of advice you'd give to other entrepreneurs? Optional
I would tell entrepreneurs to JUST START! It doesn't have to be perfect, and all the things won't be in place, just begin. I was so stuck on having everything in place that I could have begun 15 years ago.
Follow BWIC Laff Fest on Instagram. Check out their website too. The sixth annual LaffFest will take place Wed. Feb. 26 - Sun. Mar. 2, 2025 during the historic Black History and Women History months. It’s never too early to get your tickets for you or a friend!
