Today we’d like to introduce you to Shoshana Portnoy.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My pinup and burlesque story begins in 2008 when I had friends whose husbands were deployed. They wanted pinup photos to send to their soldiers. As a then editorial photographer, I didn’t know what pinup was, so I did some research and went off of old photos my grandmother had sent my grandfather in WWII. From there, more people wanted more photos, and I slowly moved away from editorial as I found myself booked more and more for pinup. What began in my home, eventually moved to Deep Ellum when I founded Dallas PinUp. Dallas PinUp is a collaborative of many female, local, independent business woman who all cater to the pinup and burlesque communities, so we opened a shop and my studio- Through the Looking Glass is housed in the back portion of the store.
The burlesque producing grew out of the studio. I had met so many fabulous performers, and there were not very many burlesque or variety shows in 2009, so I started producing burlesque shows. We were originally at a small venue in Deep Ellum, which we quickly outgrew and found a new home for the show at The Lakewood Theater. We were there twice monthly until 2015, when a dispute between landlord and tenant, effectively closed the theater leaving us without a venue, and Dallas short one beautiful and historical working theater. It was devastating, but I didn’t have time to cry long- we had a show to do! I teamed up with a childhood friend, and together with our husbands set to work building Viva’s Lounge.
Viva’s was an empty warehouse when we first signed the lease and we transformed it in ten months into a beautiful working theater that hosts all kinds of shows and private events! We are so thrilled to get to work with so many talented performing artists! Our first show was December 2015 and we’ve been growing strong ever since!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There’s been many, many, hurdles along the way. There were times I cried in the beginning because I didn’t know how I was going to make ends meet with my personal finances and I felt I had made a terrible mistake in becoming an entrepreneur. There were times when I was sure whatever obstacle had just been thrown my way- like the closing of The Lakewood, or new construction nightmares, were going to take me down before I even got to make the dream a reality, but I just put one foot in front of the other and keep going. So far, I am blessed to say, that has worked for me. I’m still here, and still working with a ton a fabulous Dallas women to bring more beautiful and witty art to Dallas.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Viva’s Lounge – what should we know?
In Viva’s Lounge, we have created a really beautiful theatrical space in the heart of the Design District. It has a great speak-easy vibe, where from the outside, it’s very modest and no one is exactly sure what they’re getting into, but the moment you enter you’re blown away! We are completely unique in our versatility and design which is beloved by both performers and audiences alike! We’ve hosted everything from private events like weddings and corporate events to large theatrical productions and burlesque shows.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
No one does anything worth doing by themselves. I grew up in a home where art was valued and my parents’ truly believed I could be anything I wanted to be. With parents like that, how could you not believe in yourself? My husband Kerry has been instrumental at Viva’s Lounge, not only I support and believe in your vision way, but the technical aspects of the space are all him. We also work every event together with him on sound (I’m tone deaf and of no use with anything auditory) and me on front of house. Of course without our partners John & Becca- Viva’s would still be a pipedream. Meridith McGee served as bar manager from before we ever opened (setting us up for success as I’ve never so much as bartended before this) until just recently, and without her we would have been completely lost in that regard. LaDonna Stein who has been there every step of the way, taking over Dallas PinUp and doing amazing new things with it, while I focus on making beautiful magic at Viva’s. And most of all, our patrons and performers, deserve all the credit. We are nothing and nowhere without their love, support, encouragement, talent, and patronage.
Contact Info:
- Website: VivasLounge.com
- Phone: 214.238.6714
- Instagram: @vivasloungedallas
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VivasLounge/
Image Credit:
All live performance shots except the horn player: Michael Schulze . Horn Player Photo: Ben O’Neal
Exterior shot: David Scott
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
