This week, we chatted with bad-ass founder/CEO of Atlanta’s Vertical Joe’s: Torwa Joe! Torwa self-admittedly fell into the pole dance scene and to her own surprise, found herself owning the dance empire that is Vertical Joe’s! Join twerk queen Fiyastarta Torwa this Friday, February 18 LIVE on B&P Online for Twerk Technicians| Twerkcentric™.
Why pole? How did you get into the industry?
I didn’t choose pole, rather pole chose me. I was working as a backup dancer moonlighting as an aerobics director. Some ladies at the gym thought I was a stripper and offered to pay me to teach them pole dance. I have a dance background and I’m blessed to be athletic and, of course, being from Atlanta I was already indulged in the strip club culture. I was happy to share what I came up with as these ladies were just trying to keep things spicy at home. I admire that.
What inspired you to open your own studio?
Actually, I never wanted my own studio, I only wanted a team of instructors to teach and spread the gift of dance. My crew was called A.P.D. Aka Atlanta Pole Dance. They were bad ass!!! They held it down when I was booked for a major tour. After I toured with Lil’ Wayne, Nikki Minaj and Drake it was a natural evolution to open my own space. I had created a method of teaching that was unique and only my own space would allow me to make use of it
Who’s your biggest cheerleader/mentor/who inspires you?
My team keeps me motivated and elevated. Most of them have their own brands as well, so it’s a constant reminder to keep grinding. My biggest inspirations business wise are Oprah, P Diddy, and 50 Cent. My dance inspirations are, Jamaica Craft and Debbie Allen.
What’s kept you going during this pandemic?
My team and lots of meditation and prayer. I have been through the trenches for my business, I didn’t want to go under like this. We have been through worst and I know we can adapt and reinvent our hustle. I lost one of my trainers this year. She always pushed me with reminders when I would lose focus of my goals. I miss her dearly. I must say, a lot of my extra push is because of her. She wouldn’t let me give up.
What are you looking forward to in 2022?
Love! I just want to be surrounded with love, positivity and good energy! I’m dishing it out too! Everybody can get this love FiyaStarta style!! I am “budding”, hugging and loving everyone as hard as I can. When you lose someone, you realize how special everyone is. If you give love, everything else will come. I love money too lol let’s not get that twisted. The World Famous Vertical Joe’s Brand is going crazy this year with new ventures that will scream to the world that All Poles Lead To Joe’s.
