Success stories come in all shapes and sizes. Many comedians consider performing in front of thousands the highlight moments in their comedy career; for a few, just finding the courage to overcome all of their daily obstacles to get up on stage every night to share their life story will be all the success they will ever need. As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Karina Reyes. The Compton, CA native shares with us some of her favorite moments in stand-up comedy and lets us know how she owns the laughs.
Name: Karina Reyes
Hometown: Compton, CA
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/Snapchat/Tik-Tok: @karinareyl on all social media platforms
Years in Comedy: 2.5
Haven’t we seen you somewhere before: Season 24 of Tengo Talento Mucho Talento
Comedic Influences: Ali Wong, Whitney Cummings, & Dave Chappelle
Favorite Comedy Album: Richard Pryor “Is It Something I said?”
Favorite Comedy Special: Ali Wong “Baby Cobra”
Favorite Comedy Movie: Superbad
Favorite Comedy TV Show: Parks & Recreation
Favorite Comedic Character: Jenny Slate in Parks & Rec
Favorite City to Perform In: Los Angeles, CA
Favorite Topics to Joke About: My Mom
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: People who want to laugh.
Favorite Comedy Club: The Comedy Store
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
I was watching The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel for the 3rd time with my ex bf and I started to cry. He asked me why I was crying and in that moment I realized, this is what I want to do. I told him, I want to do that and the rest was history.
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
I remember the adrenaline rush I felt when people started to laugh. At that moment I knew, I had to keep doing this.
How would you describe your comedic style:
Dry dark humor.
Describe your process for comedic writing:
I have a thought and I type it in my notes app or I write in my journal. Sometimes I will do a voice memo of what I am thinking and transcribe it to a joke.
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
It’s very lively and full of a lot of talent.
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
I have a list of short term and long term goals and I judge success by achieving those goals. It can be something small like performing at a certain venue to being on TV.
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
Jelloyd Spencer is always hustling and we have managed to achieve some of the same goals together and so it’s good to have friends who have the same dreams.
Ashleigh Rose’ is a beast. Not only does she kill it with her standup she also does a great job at being a mom.
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
The first time I got to perform my comedy on TV. My heart was racing so hard, I was so emotional and just wanted to cry, but in the moment it was time for me to get on stage I knew it was game time and I brought it.
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
To pick yourself up and just continue. You can have a bad day and be sad about it but that’s all you get, you gotta let it go and keep moving forward.
How do people react towards you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
They are usually impressed.
Describe what it’s been like building a career in stand-up comedy:
It’s been an amazing journey that has really enriched my life.
If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
More opportunities for women, especially women of color.
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
Celebrate your victory for one day and celebrate your failure for one day. No more!
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
Adorably Dark
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
Ana Barbara who’s a mexican singer. I was a 15 year old girl.
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any forms of comedy:
The basement of a dorm apartment at UCLA.
A Karina Reyes Fun Fact:
I was supposed to have a twin.
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
Becoming a writer for a show.
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
By being their authentic self and talking about the funny stuff that happens in your life.
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
I think comedy is going to come back better than before.
If you could write one episode for one classic TV sitcom which show would it be and give a brief detailed sentence on the episode:
I just watched the Friends reunion so the show is on my mind. I mean, how funny would it have been to have a comedy night at the coffee place with friends and have Phoebe and the rest of the friends do an act.
If you could choose 1 comedy club and 3 comedians to perform with on your perfect comedy show, how would it go:
The Comedy Store with my idols Ali Wong, Whitney Cummings, and Dave Chappelle.
What’s next for you:
I am performing at The Comedy Chateau June 26th.
Why should a person always laugh at life:
.Because life is short.
Watch Karina Reyes Share With Fans Awkward Dating Stories & Family History:
Follow Karina Reyes’ comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/Twitter/Facebook: @karinareyl
