Meet Genesis Sol: Standup comedian, makeup artist, singer, and actress

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

Hi Genesis, how do you think about risk?
I think to have a career in the arts, you have to be willing to take risks. This is not, nor will it ever be, a stable or guaranteed path. I’ve been performing music or acting since I was 5. Growing up this career never seemed risky, it was just what I did. But as I got older, the challenge became deciding to stay in this industry while my friends went the more typical route in their lives and career. I also took a plunge into the deep end when it came to starting stand-up. With acting or singing, I was learning those skills as I was growing up, so I felt that any mistakes I made were excusable. Learning something new as an adult is a completely different challenge, especially learning such a public skill. It felt weird failing so publically. The growing pains of learning a new skill were now met with the inherent neuroses that come with being an adult. Pushing myself past the awkwardness has been the hardest thing.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Currently I identify as a stand-up comic. Which is so weird, because for the longest time I was a singer, then an actress. But the last 3 years, I’ve put all my energy into comedy and perfecting this really hard craft. I’ve never considered myself a writer (besides writing songs), so learning how to become one for stand-up has been really challenging. Weirdly enough, it was the pandemic that made me really level up as a performer. I’ve worked really hard during 2020-2021 to write and to perform and to focus more.

I also want to quickly mention the comedy show I produce, Comedy at The Haven. It’s an amazing show that I like to describe as “comedy Woodstock.” There’s music, fire dancing and flow, art, food, and so much more after each comedy show.

I also host a weekly all women’s open mic called Witty Titties in North Hollywood. It’s a great space for those who identify as women to try new jokes that they wouldn’t necessarily try in a room that was made dominated. Anyone is welcome to support, but only women get stage time.

In addition to that, I’ve also developed my skills as a makeup artist. I specialize in actor’s headshots, because as someone who has gone through that process so many times, I know what is going to look natural and flattering for a client. But I’m branching out into all kinds of makeup jobs. In a few weeks, I’m going to be doing makeup for a wedding for the first time! I’m nervous, but confident that I can make the bride feel her best that day.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Ooooo yes, I love hosting friends when they visit! I’m a huge speakeasy fan, so I would definitely add La Descarga to the list. It’s an amazing Havana-themed speakeasy in Hollywood. Pre-pandemic, they had a live band, burlesque shows, and salsa classes. It’s also one of the few places that carries Venezuelan rum. Right next to La Descarga is a delicious taco joint with amazing Al Pastor tacos. I’m also a huge vintage/retro aesthetic aficionado. One of my favorite bars that itches that scratch is Mister O’s in Studio City. It’s a slice of Palm Springs mid-century modern style in the middle of the Valley. I’m also a huge nerd, so Scum and Villainy and Beetlehouse LA in Hollywood are so much fun to go to, especially if your friends like to cosplay. Tip: order The Witness shot at Scum and Villainy. I won’t say anything more… But you can never go wrong with bar hopping in West Hollywood. I’ve had more wild stories and crazy happenings in that little strip of gay bars on Santa Monica Blvd than anywhere else in the city.

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?
Looking back at everything I’ve been able to do so far, the thing that keeps popping out at me are the women in my life. My mother was very supportive when I was a kid. She was the one that drove me to all my auditions, choreographed dances for talent shows, filmed tape after tape and submitted them to various tv shows, and pushed me when I needed to be pushed.

I’ve also had some amazing teachers. Cathryn Sullivan in Dallas, TX was my first impactful acting teacher. She influences me to this day in how I teach my own acting students (shoutout to Just Be Acting Studio).

As far as stand-up goes, my first ever foray into the art was with Lisa Sundstedt and her Pretty Funny Women classes. I met some amazing women in that class that I’m still close to. Bobbie Oliver from Tao Comedy helped me approach stand-up from a more zen place and I read her book, The Tao of Comedy, often. I will always appreciate the women who have helped me along the way.

Website: www.thegenesissol.com

Instagram: @TheGenesisSol

Twitter: @TheGenesisSol

Facebook: facebook.com/TheGenesisSol

Youtube: youtube.com/genesissol

Image Credits
James Rios @james_hrios Van Corona @vancorona Nick Torchon @nick_torchon My personal photos