Today we’d like to introduce you to Juliana Hopkins.
Hi Juliana, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Juliana (Julie) Hopkins and I was born and raised in the dynamic electric great city of Memphis. Yes, I am a huge fan of Carla Thomas, Al Green, and the late, great Isaac Hayes.
No, I have never visited Graceland. I attended both public and private schools while growing up in a loving, close-knit family consisting of a mom, dad, (very annoying) older brothers, a younger sister, and various dogs, cats, and ill-fated goldfish along the way. Aside from academics, extracurricular activities such as musical theater and sports were major components of my day-to-day.
I left Memphis to go pursue an acting career in Atlanta, Georgia and unfortunately/fortunately, after a shade over a decade of being away never to return, I came back to my home city in 2022 when my father was experiencing health issues. I also returned home as a stand-up comedian. Around 4 years ago, while still living in Atlanta, I decided film/TV wasn’t for me and to take control of my destiny as a professional funny lady. It was the best decision I had ever made.
There were various pitfalls and childhood experiences I was forced to process after moving back to a place I thought I’d never return. Throughout the learning process, I fell into a very unhealthy relationship with another local Memphis comedian that ended quite badly. So badly that I was blackballed from performing at any of the open mics around the city. Because I never face an obstacle I can’t overcome, I created and launched, Shelarious Shenanigans. Shelarious is an all-female comedy showcase that features the best comedians in the business – who just so happen to be women.
Female comedians don’t get the exposure and stage time they deserve. Their perspectives should be heard and I am so proud to provide a platform for them to do so. Cameo and Old Dominick Distillery have been integral as our venue and financial sponsors. Without them along with my friends Candace Lester & Timiko Thomas, two talented Memphis ladies who helped me launch my venture, I couldn’t have pulled off what I’m doing today. I am forever grateful for them.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Struggles for days! My life is a struggle. However, because I’m a tough cookie from Memphis, I have the level of tenacity, perseverance, and patience to be able to handle any obstacle thrown my way. Sure it was difficult to have to change the course of my journey, but it’s forced me to appreciate and make up for the lost time I had with my family while I was living in Atlanta and reconnect with the city who made me the tenacious persistent woman I am today. I’m grateful for the struggles and the grind.
Had I not endured a terrible breakup with another comedian, I wouldn’t have started Shelarious Shenanigans- a movement that has become bigger than myself and my idea. I wouldn’t have connected with the most amazing comedians in the game- who just so happen to be female-identifying. Shelarious isn’t just a comedy show, it’s a movement that’s going to help change the landscape of the entertainment industry as we know it. It’s become way bigger than me and some crazy breakup, it’s giving opportunities to perspectives who deserve to be heard and for audiences who deserve to hear them.
The chaos of the journey all pays off in the end. Makes me stronger and more driven to make the world a better place so no one has to struggle like I did.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a stand-up comedian and actress who developed & launched Shelarious Shenanigans Comedy Showcase in September of 2023. We perform every other Thursday at a wonderful bar called Cameo in Midtown and our fiduciary sponsor is Old Dominick Distillery.
I was so tired of hearing “women aren’t funny” and hated not seeing our amazing local female comedians get their stage time so I created a platform we could call our own! We feature a male comedian every show to demonstrate that there are nice guys out there who support us Shelarious women. I host and feature the best in the business and it has been such a huge success!
Women are funny, we just need the same opportunities as men to showcase our skills.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
This show has nothing to do with Shelarious Shenanigans Comedy Showcase but the podcast “My Dad Wrote a Porno” is the funniest show I’ve ever heard. I also love Whitney Cummings!
Contact Info:
- Email: SheGrind901@gmail.com
- Phone: 901-646-0142
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelariousshenanigans/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551399272835
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCViaDvGboTkM0XI6vkLFJGw
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@shelariousshenanigans?_t=8iNmWHQtwEN&_r=1
Image Credits
Marie Thomas, Makeup: Alex Lucas, Comedian Sanjay Manaktala, Shelarious Shows, and Julie Hopkins
