International burlesque performer, variety entertainer, and technicolor dream girl Vivacious Miss Audacious exudes a bubbly and bold energy the second she hits the stage. It’s not just a name; it’s an attitude.
But this past March, after spending 16 years touring and performing around the world, Vivacious’ career, like many others, was brought to a sudden halt.
Instead of waiting for the world to reopen or diving into digital performances, Vivacious pivoted to grow her luxury fashion brand, Glamour Rectangles. Up until that point she was only producing one-off custom robes for other performers on a small scale.
Sumptuous and outrageous, Glamour Rectangles is lush loungewear for all occasions. Made in New Orleans, the innovative and flattering designs feature velvets, satins, and sequins.
“Glamour Rectangles was simmering on the back burner for a few years. When everything came crashing down, it was the perfect time to establish the brand. In a time of deep uncertainty, it was wonderful to be able to focus my energy on building a new business, immersing myself in beautiful fabrics and bringing joy to other homebound folks who could swathe themselves in my cozy creations.”
Having to focus on her entrepreneurial skills, Vivacious was still able to flex her creative muscles while sticking to the stay at home order in New Orleans.
“Creativity while homebound offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the time and brain space that is normally taken up by a hectic 24/7 schedule, and use this pause to refocus, reset and create new work.”
Being a business owner often leaves little time for one’s own creative pursuits but Vivacious has crafted her life in a way to ensure she maintains a healthy work-life balance.
“Creativity is 100% tied to my wellbeing. Luckily, I’ve spent my entire adulthood fostering a life that is built around the arts. Because I live and work in ways that are of my own choosing, I feel fulfilled creatively regardless of what I am up to.”
This summer, Vivacious was the model for two different Creative Capsule photoshoots for Elektra. Technically, she was the makeup artist, photographer, lighting designer, creative director and model for the at-home shoots.
Vivacious Miss Audicious is using Elektra’s Power Pigments Plum, Iris, Passion Flower, and Paranormal . See below for the product links.
The Creative Capsule powered by Elektra Cosmetics was launched in April 2020 as a way to continue to collaborate with artists and performers and do photoshoots from a safe distance. Each contributor was given a care package and curated kit to help inspire them to create.
“The Creative Capsule was essential to motivating me to get dolled up and shoot! I was truly in the midst of a hibernation and receiving the wonderful color-themed kit was exactly the motivating jolt I needed. It provided a fun framework to explore and plucked at my vibrantly hued heartstrings.”
– Vivacious Miss Audacious
Vivacious Miss Audacious is using Elektra’s Power Pigments Satsuma, Bananas Foster and La Fee Verte. See below for the product links.
As a professional performer, finding structure to keep on task with creative projects is nothing new to Vivacious. The Creative Capsule struck the perfect balance of being a motivator without feeling too restrictive.
“When presented with a set framework to create within, the limitations can often be very inspirational. When options are limitless, it can sometimes be challenging to define what direction you want to go in.”
Besides continuing her own creative projects, Vivacious relies on rituals and consistency to keep herself in a positive mental space throughout Covid.
“I always make my bed (it’s super cute and colorful). I always shower, do my skincare and put on my eyebrows. I love an eyebrow!” she admitted. “And, like countless others, my loungewear game is strong! I’m always comfy but wear garments that make me feel great. Even if I have a lazy day, it’s a wonderful feeling to be fresh and put together. It’s so crucial to mental health.”
Physical health is also essential for Vivacious. As a dancer, keeping her body in peak physical shape has been a priority, something that has proven difficult for many people while having to stay home during the pandemic.
Luckily, being a seasoned variety show artist comes with its perks.
Vivacious is impressively skilled at hula hooping. Not just your run of the mill hoop on hips action. We’re talking hoops on arm, head, leg, you name it!
Sharing her talents with the community, Vivacious started teaching hooping classes as a healthy activity for people craving a fun workout. After 15 years of teaching, she definitely knows her stuff.
Vivacious is currently holding small group, socially distanced, mask-required classes on Wednesdays, outdoors in the Bywater. Folks can email audacious@audacioushoops.com for more info.
A true creator, Vivacious even custom makes hula hoops for purchase and provides them for use during her classes.
Though hooping has been a nice release for Vivacious, Glamour Rectangles is what mostly keeps her time occupied.
When asked what it was like going from being a busy, full-time showgirl to embarking on a new brand launch, the scheduling is what stuck out most for her.
“The biggest shift is the pace of life. Even a year into the ‘pandy,’ and all its associated horrors, I am deeply grateful for this pause. As a freelancer, I typically fill my schedule to the brim and work intense hours. I would have never, ever given myself this time to slow down and rest.”
Despite the stress and financial and physical tolls that Covid has brought, Vivacious has been able to find the silver lining.
“Like many of us, I have reevaluated the ‘Cult of Busy’ that I have inhabited as I pivot to different ways to survive. Don’t get me wrong, having a year of scheduled work vanish in less that a week was a nightmare. But, working at a less frenzied pace has been a joy.”
If you love color as much as Vivacious does, click here to purchase a Creative Capsule and start your own inspirational journey.
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