Living The Life /// Brook - It's My Job Part 2

Written by Empress Magazine /// Find in Interviews

Last week, we introduced you to Brook in Part 1 of our feature on her and her life as a stripper in Atlanta. Now lets dive into relationships and love Q&A's with Ms Brook.

Part 2

Empress- Throughout your blog you write that it is hard to have or even maintain a healthy relationship as a dancer. Do the benefits of working as a stripper outweigh the benefits of having a long term relationship?

Brook- Well, it out weighs it when the rent is due. But in the grand scheme of things, a relationship would be nice, great even; having a companion through such a chaotic industry could be just what a girl needs to stay grounded around so much allure. But it’s just not healthy while you’re dancing.

I had a relationship while working in the club and it was really hard; and it wasn’t even exclusive. A lot of girls claim they have boyfriends, while they are stripping- it’s my opinion that there is no such thing as having a boyfriend while stripping. There is too much temptation in the club to have such a high level of commitment. If you want to be with me, then we need to help each other get me out of that industry.

Empress-Since you work in a club, you see men in their honest state- meaning, you see how they really behave, respect women and their true personality. Are there any ways a non-stripper can see a man's "honest state"?

Brook- Sure. Come to the strip club. Ha Ha. Seriously, instead of hearing about it or reading about it, go see about it. And I don’t mean taking your boyfriend, because he will still act like your boyfriend in the club, which defeats the purpose. Go with a platonic male friend, or a group of your friends, that will spend money of course. That way you can sit courtside and watch the “game”.

I talk to my guy friends about their past and their interest with women, with less judgment and more regard. You will find guys will tell you more if you’re friends first. Any girl can do that. It is just easier I think for someone who is a dancer, because a lot of guys come to the club to complain, we learn to listen, it pays, literally.

Empress- Is there an art to dealing with men in the club? Is it the same as in dealing with men outside the club?

Brook- Not really, because in the club we are trying to get paid. Sometimes you get paid to act like you give a shit. Other times guys really can hold your interest, and talking to them comes natural. Outside of the club you shouldn’t be acting, unless you’re trying to trick someone- which is popular in Atlanta, tricking.

Empress- What do you say to women who don’t respect or pre-judge you just because of your Profession?

Brook- "When you judge another, you do not define them, you define yourself." That’s someone else’s quote. But it makes sense. I can’t even count how many emails I have received from people saying I proved them wrong about women in our industry. On the other hand, there are plenty women who fit the trashy mold that we all have to answer to, at some point. So if you choose to judge us, don’t forget to judge our customers, be an equal opportunist.

Empress- Your currently writing a book, what is it about, when will it be out?

Brook- My book is scheduled to be released in February. Its exciting. I don’t want to give away the idea of the book before it is published, but it will be every bit of me, and I feels so lucky to have this opportunity. Stay tuned!

For more about Brook, check out her blog www.absolutebrook.com