Ahead of the third-annual Upper Left Comedy Festival in Seattle from April 25 to April 27, Fabulous Washington introduces local comedians taking part in the highly anticipated event. Today, meet Vanessa Dawn.
Follow at: @nessathedawn
Hometown: Tulsa, OK
First job: Cici’s Pizza
Favorite ways to spend your free time in WA: You can usually catch me at a comedy show, but WA has some great parks and walking trails that I only visit in the summer because the rain is not Vanessa friendly.
Your biggest accomplishment and why: I wish I could say graduating college due to the fact that I’m still paying off student loans. I would say my greatest accomplishment would be leaving Oklahoma and getting accepted into eight comedy festivals since then. Technically, comedy festivals are more exclusive than Harvard, considering the number of applications they accept every year.
The biggest obstacle you overcame: Public speaking. Young Nessa used to be shy.
Someone who inspires you and why: Issa Rae. She a great example of what can be accomplished with some good ideas and hard work.
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Be nice to everyone, and enjoy the process. If you’re in it for the money, don’t do it. I could have been a doctor by now.
Favorite quote: “Don’t stop. Get it, get it!” —Uncle Luke
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: I was on the rowing team my junior year of college.
What makes someone fabulous: Their vibe!