In this conversation, Victoria Whetzel interviews Jalissa Porras, the General Manager of DivaDance New York, a dance franchise that focuses on building community and inspiring confidence among adults.

They discuss the origins of DivaDance, its inclusive environment, the structure of classes, and the unique experiences offered, including parties and community events. Jalissa shares her personal journey in dance and the exciting future of DivaDance, encouraging listeners to join and experience the joy of dance.

CALLING ALL DIVAS aka NYC TEA listeners - Enjoy $10 off the New Client Special for 2 weeks of unlimited classes with the promo code NYCTEA10 <3

Let's take class together!

https://divadancecompany.com/locations/new-york-city/

Go follow & support DivaDance @divadancenyc @divadancehq

Founder & Head Diva: @jamistig

In this week's episode, we discuss -

- Quinn's life & career as an ER Doctor in NYC

- Breast Cancer Awareness

- Supporting loved ones who may be battling cancer or other illnesses

- Women's Health

- How to look out for and support each other and the NYC community

- Optimism

- QUINN'S GETTING MARRIED!!!! <3

Quinn is also a Brand Ambassador for 5 Under 40. 5 Under 40 funds medical, beauty, and wellness services to young women diagnosed with breast cancer and/or those w/BRCA.

https://5under40.org/

https://www.instagram.com/5Under40/

In today's episode, we discuss,

- How I found my way back to NYC after my 2014 summer internship

- Auditioning for Julliard

- Attending the Open Jar Institute

- Changing my college major 4x

- Moving to NYC with two suitcases two weeks after college graduation

- When I found out I'd been selected for the CBS Page Program

Rebecca J Michelson is a Theatre Photographer and Videographer based in NYC, specializing in events and concerts in the Broadway and off-broadway space.

She was recognized as one of Broadway Women's Fund's "Women to Watch on Broadway" in 2022.

In this episode we discuss,

- Rebecca's transition from TV and Casting into Photography and Videography

- What it's like being a Photographer and Videographer in the Broadway and off-Broadway space

- The pros & cons of being a freelancer

- Setting boundaries & knowing your worth as a freelancer

- Just because FREE is in the word freelancer, doesn't mean landlords take "exposure" as a form of payment

- How to navigate being new to an industry and building a portfolio vs. being experienced, booked, and blessed

- & SO MUCH MORE

This is the perfect episode for anyone curious about leaving their 9-5 or for anyone currently trying to navigate a freelance lifestyle or starting and running their own business. This convo felt so therapeutic to me. Freelancers, artists, actors, this is for you <3

Samples of Rebecca's work can be found at rebeccajmichelson.com and @RebeccaJMichelson on Instagram.

TW: loss of a child, grief

In today’s episode, I had the opportunity to sit down with one of my role models, Meaghan Barakett.

Meaghan is a former model, yoga, and meditation instructor, as well as Miss New York USA and Mrs. New York America.  

For over a decade, she has been Executive Director of One Girl NY, a non-profit dedicated to helping women and girls effectively serve their communities, while developing them into leaders through active participation in charity, advocacy, and community organizing. Under Barakett's leadership, One Girl has been a champion for legislation on issues from fighting cyberbullying to aiding parents after birth in caring for their children. One Girl has served as a consistent beacon for creating a better world through public awareness, public service, and the advancement of human rights.

Meaghan is also a mother and experienced any mother's worst nightmare.

In 2020  her nearly three-year-old son Lincoln passed away suddenly and unexpectedly.  As a result, Barakett became a fierce proponent for  SUDC (Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood). And has established memorial scholarships for Lincoln at Harvard University, Brown University, Fordham University, Ivey Business School at Western University, and the Brunswick School. 

Join us as we discuss all things, women empowerment, One Girl, Sisterhood, motherhood, grief community, and gratitude.

One Girl's Women In Charge Conference is coming up Oct. 21st.

Link to tickets here:

https://www.onegirlny.org/womenincharge

Discount Code: victoria

Happy Wednesday! It's tea party time!! As always, your ticket to this tea party is being YOU. <3

In today's episode, we discuss,

- how impactful our interactions with others are, no matter how big or small

- my first trip to NYC in 2001

- seeing the NYC skyline for the first time

- attending my first Opera

- full circle moments, synchronicity and gratitude, always gratitude

- the journal entry I wrote at 19 about the first day of my NYC internship

- trusting yourself, knowing yourself, believing in yourself, being true to yourself

- asking people their names

- why you belong in any room you desire to be in

Happy World Gratitude Day! Had to give ya'll a minisode to celebrate the best day and to say thank you x a million to everyone who has shown up to this tea party so far. Thank you for being here, for being you, for being a light in other people's lives, and for making my NYC tea party so LIT!!!

Gratitude is the attitude.

Check out these gratitude journal prompts for inspo <3

https://blog.gratefulness.me/20-gratitude-journal-prompts-for-self-discovery/

Welcome back!

Thank you so much for being here!

In this episode we discuss,

- Who I am to start a podcast, my story, and my why

- What wakes you up in the morning?

- What a sparkly turd is

- Honesty

- Why I have a F on my college transcript

- My 21+ side hustles and jobs and 7 apartments

- Why sharing your light with others gives others the permission to shine

- Feeling disconnected from social media