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

Hi Scarlett, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
Stand tall. Shine Bright. I say this to my performers and use it as my production company tagline. I am a mentor and a coach and I always encourage my performers to be the best, shiniest version of themselves! Be exactly who you are and be proud of that. Never let anyone dull your shine!
The person who most influenced my decision to start performing burlesque was a good friend. She loved pineapples and always said “stand tall and be sweet on the inside”.
She passed away in 2018 and I named my business Fineapple Entertainment, in memorial of her.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have produced several shows over the last few years, that highlight and celebrate performers from marginalized communities and identities. I’m very proud of my most recent show endeavor, Body Positivitease! We are a monthly burlesque and variety show that believes burlesque is for EVERY body!
We highlight trans bodies, black and poc bodies, queer bodies, size diverse bodies, disabled and chronically ill bodies.
I work very hard to support, build up and give a platform to voices that aren’t being heard in other spaces. I always want everyone around me to know how special, wholly beautiful and valuable they truly are!
I love performing but I believe that my art is in curating shows, mentoring new and transforming performers and seeing my performers absolutely glow and be exactly who they are.
Some challenges that I’ve faced have been finding safe spaces to present my shows in with venue staff that are truly safe and supportive. Even with social media bringing about movements like #transvisibilty and #bodypositivity, there are still many people who haven’t made the effort to modify their language in an attempt to respect people’s identities. And I want my performers to share their art in spaces where it’s not just accepted but wholly loved, celebrated and appreciated.

To the person reading this: you are enough. You are worthy. And if you think you can’t share your art because of____, you most certainly CAN and should. You deserve to shine so bright, the world needs sunglasses!.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Honestly, as a chronically ill and disabled person, I don’t get out much or know of many exciting places to go. I would look up things on the Fever app and take them to a fun event or art exhibit.
I would show them the gayborhood if they haven’t been, and explore new places together!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My children. Throughout the past 5 years, I’ve been mentoring, producing, coaching and supporting new and transforming artists. These people all call me mom/small mom/mama/mama Scarlett.
I would not be here(I mean that in every aspect) without every single one of them, inspiring me to be the best version of myself. Their success and expression of art, makes me swell with pride and admiration for their talent, their spirits and their courage.

Instagram: https://instagram.com/fineapplepaws?r=nametag

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Fineapplepaws/

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@fineapplepaws?_t=8Ugy5XdPPjS&_r=1

Image Credits
Photo and design cred: Skye Roberson Brown

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