We had the good fortune of connecting with Alexis Simpson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alexis, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’d have to say that the thought process behind starting my own business was “No thought process.” I wasn’t one of those people that always dreamed of being an actor and, in fact, I didn’t even realize that acting was a job you could have until I was in my 20’s. I think that I just always assumed that the people on TV lived inside of the TV, somehow? Anyway, I went to college like a Good Little Student and majored in Neuroscience, with intentions of going to grad school. After college, I worked in a neuroscience lab at a major university. Sure, I was performing comedy several times a week, but I really thought I was going to get a PhD. I knew I could never stomach corporate culture, but a lab seemed doable- until every single grad student and post doc on the floor gave me some version of the “Do NOT do this unless you love it, do NOT end up like me!” speech. Somewhere around that time I had the epiphany that I wanted to perform for a living, and that I could do it, literally nothing was stopping me. So I did it! And it turns out, that means I started my own business.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I think my art is best summarized by the phrase “The optimism at the bottom of the well.” When I was a lot younger, I thought I had to be Very Sad in order to be a Good Artist. I was sad and terrified all the time. I never completed projects, I drank too much. I idolized Ian Curtis and F Scott Fitzgerald, and assumed I’d also wind up dead in a fireplace from an alcohol-induced heart attack. Well, turns out, I’m way more successful now that I’ve sobered up and let go of the lie that creativity is the child of suffering. I still experience suffering, of course- it’s the human condition. But I’ve worked really hard to over the years to get brutally honest with myself, remove some resentments that were holding me back, and release myself as much possible from desiring specific outcomes. This has given me a sense of freedom, personally and professionally, that keep me going through the inevitable creative and professional lulls. I don’t want to give the impression that I’m, like, a “sunny” personality or something. It’s the optimism at the *bottom* of the well, people. I literally think “Everyone I know and love, including me, will be dead some day” every single day, but this isn’t terrifying the way it used to be. I’m no longer in denial of any kind and I couldn’t be happier.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Jesus, this sounds exhausting- probably because I have two kids under 5 and I have zero fucking interest in showing anybody anything. You’re an adult, plan your own god damned itinerary. We’re going to the LA Zoo or Knott’s Berry Farm, meet us there? If you’re on a budget, the playground at Vincent Lugo park is one-of-a-kind. Come out to the San Gabriel Valley and I’ll take you out for the best Chinese food you’ve ever had (assuming you don’t have access to Chinese home cooking). The red pork at Monja Taiker is great. But, yeah, plan your own vacation. I’m not your mom.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’m going to overlook my wildly supportive and loving family (they’re used to it! Thanks, everyone!) to shoutout an amazing organization called The Story Pirates. I’ve been a proud Story Pirate for over 10 years. We exist to celebrate the words and ideas of young people. I’m so proud of the work we do, and I’m constantly blown away by the talent of the people I work with. The people in this company are *medically*, pathologically funny- and they’re unbelievably kind, too. I’ve learned so much about performance, writing, directing, teaching, business, and life from this group. Thank you, each and every one of you!

Website: http://www.itsalexis.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amutepiggy/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/amutepiggy

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@motherfkerhood https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4549482

Image Credits
David Muller Photo

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