Meet Mehr Juneja | Founder, producer, booker, host

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

Hi Mehr, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

The idea behind Imposter Syndrome has always been to create a safe space for queer, POC, and female/non-binary comedians in LA. It is a place for the young, diverse comedians in our community to perform, network with each other, and build a community. We always try to highlight those that have not, historically, gotten enough stage time.

For every comedy show I go to, I am often the only woman, often the only queer person, and almost always the only Indian person in the room. It is exhausting—from mispronunciations of my name to microaggressions to macroaggression. Comedy felt unsafe for me for a very long time.

They always tell screenwriters to “write the film you want to see on screen”. This made me realize that I wanted to create a live production that I would want to buy tickets to watch. A show that feels safe—one that truly, genuinely, wants to highlight authentic voices. That is how ISC was created, and that is the mission ISC continues to have.

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.

I moved from New Delhi, India in 2019—new in LA, new in America. I knew one thing—I wanted to write, and I wanted to perform. In my freshman year, I went to my first UCLA Comedy Club meeting. Everyone at this meeting was white, everyone was older than me, everyone was American. I did a 5 minute set, and went back to my dorm and called my sister. “Everyone looked at me like I had something written on my forehead. But I think I love stand up comedy, and I don’t think I’m going to be able to stop”

I soon became the president of the UCLA Stand Up Comedy in my sophomore year. I started producing shows with 200-300 audience members—shows that had not only stand up, but improv, sketch, and digital comedy. I started booking professional comedians to headline for us.

I did marketing for the club, I organized individual workshops with each student to work on their writing. I started reading, watching, performing, and consuming comedy.

I realized in my junior year that I needed to be doing more. I had a few years left in the US, which means I had a few years to make a dent in the industry. I started reaching out to comedians that produced independent comedy shows, and offered to help them, free of cost. I’d do marketing, social media, ticketing, even setting up chairs—anything to be around producers and comedians. Anything to be near a stage with a mic and a stand.

Since I graduated, I secured a job working at a comedy club—I produce Imposter Syndrome, network, meet other producers, and perform all around town. I have now performed at The Improv, The Comedy Store, The Ice House and many more legendary venues that I cannot believe I get to be in. I’m taking Imposter Syndrome to Hollywood Fringe this summer, and I am working at the Bergamot Comedy Festival 2024.

Reaching here has not been easy—being a 23 year old queer immigrant woman of color is an uphill battle. People rarely take you seriously, and you constantly feel like you have to prove to them that you are competent, ambitious, and passionate (not to mention funny)

While this has been a difficult journey, and will no doubt continue to be, I still stick by what I said to my sister the first day I called her. Everyone looks at me like I have something written on my forehead. But I love stand up comedy, and I don’t think I’m going to be able to stop”.

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?

Eat: Killer Noodles in Sawtelle is my favorite ramen place! John and Vinny’s is in a great neighborhood and is delicious! Taco trucks are unmissable—the one in Westwood is my favorite!

Drink: Surly Goat is a cute bar, Kibitz room is my favorite dive bar in West Hollywood. I also love the Thirsty Crow in Silverlake. Rodger Room is another one, right next to The Largo Theater!

Visit: Museums for sure! I love going to Lacma, the Hammer, Getty, and more. Hiking is fun too, but I absolutely love going to the beach. My favorite beach is Will Rogers! Manhattan beach is a little far but gorgeous during sunsets.

Hang out: Comedy, comedy, comedy! UCB, The Comedy Store, The Improv, and more. I went for the Saltburn Musical Improv Play last week and it was hilarious! I also love to go to Sofar sounds, a Dont Tell Comedy show, and Rooftop Cinemas!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

I want to dedicate my shoutout to all the venues that have welcomed Imposter Syndrome’s mission and values.

I also want to shout out my co-founder, Amos Dixon, Sarah Euchner, and the +1 to all my shows and my number one supporter, Kelsey Chan! All my friends are absolutely so supportive, and I am constantly overwhelmed by the love I receive from them.

Most importantly, my mom and my sister, Mallika Juneja! I would not have had the strength to do half of what I do everyday without their constant support from 8000 miles away. I miss them everyday!

Website: https://www.instagram.com/impostersyndromecomedy/?hl=en

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mehrjuneja?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mehr-juneja-3746871b1/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mehrjuneja

Other: https://www.instagram.com/mehrjunejacomedy/?hl=en