Atlanta’s music scene has been catapulted by its thriving strip club culture. But while the music and artists are often the focal point, the story of the women who strip are often untold.
During our coverage of the strip club industry in Atlanta, we sat down with several strippers, who shared the unvarnished truth about working in the exotic entertainment industry.
Where are you from and what do your clients call you?
I am originally from Miami, and I’ve been here for about three years now. My name is Blasian and I dance at Blue Flame.
What do you remember about your first day dancing and what strip club was it?
My first day dancing was in Miami at The Office. I was scared and I didn’t have any outfits. I had a little bathing suit from Target and some Charlotte Russe heels so everyone was laughing at me. Of course I progressed, and you have to be a hustler and that’s what you have to do now. I know girls that start out in Atlanta that moved here from other places like myself and they’re completely lost and they don’t know what to do. It’s more of a process out here and you have to get a permit for it, so it’s very different.
So you think it’s easier to strip in Miami versus Atlanta?
Yeah, it’s a little easier. The money is different and so they have fewer rules out there in Miami, so it’s definitely easier.
How did you hear about the Blue Flame?
Well it’s really the number one club. I saw their Instagram and I started hearing a lot of songs so I was like I want to try it. I didn’t know you had to have a permit so I came here as a customer a few times and I definitely loved it and I got hired and got my notary.
How are the guys in the strip clubs?
This is honestly one of the first clubs that they have an actual rule that you can’t touch. I’ve worked at many clubs where people are going to try you, but at this club you really can’t do that. I stick to this club because different counties have different rules and some people get carried away. What I always tell them is if you’re doing it to me you’re trying to do that to every girl.
How do you maintain relationships being a stripper?
Well, I have a boyfriend. Basically you guys need that trust. He knows that I am going to stick strictly to dancing, go to work and go home. I know some girls that don’t want to tell their boyfriend because some guys aren’t with it. Not every guy can let their girl be a stripper because they don’t have that trust with them yet. It’s also different if they met you as a stripper or they met you and you had to do what you had to do and become an exotic dancer.
Does your family know?
Well, my family found out through the Internet. I grew up in a very serious Christian family and when my mother found out she went crazy. They don’t understand this generation. You have some families who really think it’s a talent and are like, “go ahead get your money.” Then you have families like mine that’s like, “oh no, that’s against God.” I still stick to my beliefs, it’s just what I have to do for the moment. But then once you get grown you really don’t care as long as you’re not in their house doing it.
What is the end goal for a dancer? What’s your next step?
I don’t understand why there are exotic dancers that are like 25 and up, but that’s just me personally. I’m only 21 and I don’t plan on being here any longer than two more years or after I have a child. I’m in school at the same time so basically my end goal is to get enough money to own a funeral home. I go to school for mortuary. So that’s my personal end goal. Some girls don’t have an end goal and they’re just doing it because it’s good money, but I know once I graduate I won’t be here as a dancer.
What advice would you give an 18-year-old girl about the life of a dancer?
Well, my best friend just started two weeks ago and she’s actually 19. Same thing I told her is make the money, don’t let the money make you. When you see that constant money flow coming in every night, you’re going to start kind of feeling yourself. You definitely have to save because we get it so fast you have to stay humble because your blessing can always get taken from you. As far as the drugs and stuff, a lot of girls give in to peer pressure and you kind of just have to stay away from that. A lot of girls need the drugs to do it, me personally I don’t. You have to stay to yourself in here and don’t try to run off with every guy you meet in here. It’s a good business but it’s a dangerous business and the girls are not that nice especially to the new girls. Don’t come in here to make friends; you’re here to make money — always remember that.
