Meet Maria & Babbs Lopez: Comedians and Advocates

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maria & Babbs Lopez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maria & Babbs, career-wise, where do you want to be in the end?
Nothing matters unless you’ve impacted another human, uplifted them or inspired them. Our ultimate goal is connection…and you know, a ton of money. But sincerely, we’ll never be done. We’d like to have starred in a few films, tv shows, direct film and tv, write a few books, have an extremely successful podcast, tour the world with a live show, and design a fun and sexy clothing brand to name a few. From the financial success of that, we’d love to build community centers in South LA where we grew up. Shout out to South Gate! We want to connect with the community and provide knowledge and practice in music, art, theatre, fiscal guidance, empowerment and entrepreneurship, spirituality, and gratitude while focusing on women, lgbtqia, and people of color

Please tell us more about your career. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
Being twins, outspoken and fashion forward has always made us stand out. We present ourselves as we are, the good and the bad and we feel like people really connect to that. Our current podcast, What’s Your Problema? is one of the things we’re most excited about. Our listeners write in questions that they want answers to regarding a current problem. Whether it be romantic, job related, family related or wanting to know what our favorite pizza topping is, we dive in hard! Our journey has had it’s obstacles and is certainly nowhere near done, but we believe in divine timing and appreciating the moment. We are here to stay and to change lives along the way.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We LOVE having friends visit from out of town! With Covid running rampant it certainly has put a bit of a hold on this. However, please visit us as soon as this is over and we will be indulging in everything Los Angeles (and more) has to offer. First off, we’d head to Cafecito Organico for some morning coffee or tea. For a late breakfast we’d go to Jaragua for some delicious Salvadorian food like pupusas, casamiento and tamales! After some paddle boats at Echo Park Lake, we’d stroll through Olvera Street and China Town. Maybe then we’d be ready for some Tiki drinks (or just water) at Tiki Ti or Tonga Hut! Once dinner time arrives, we’d head to El Compadre in West Hollywood for a hearty and delicious mexican plate of food. We hope you napped at some point because now it’s time for the punk show at The Troubadour! After the Troub, we’d drive up to the hollywood hills to enjoy the view of the city, breathe in some fresh air, and be thankful for a wonderful day. Don’t go to sleep yet because we’re going to do a stretching and breathing routine before bed and maybe some fun witchy stuff! Next up, Palm Springs!

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?
Kevin Hoggard was one of our instructors at Cerritos College. He would cast us, two fat women of color, in every role you can think of! We played, police officers, maids, royalty, love interests and probably a tumbleweed at some point. Our favorite roles to date are Rosencrantz and Guildenster in Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead. At a young age, he taught us that there was no limit to who or what we could play on stage and in life. He believed in us more than two young ladies from the hood who grew up around abuse and violence could believe in themselves.

Instagram: @babbsandmaria