An up-and-coming stand-up comedian known for her sharp wit, energetic storytelling, and fearless takes on everyday life. Drawing from personal experiences, relationships, and the absurdities of modern culture, she delivers a relatable yet bold comedic style that resonates with diverse audiences. Her stage presence blends confidence, charisma, and quick improvisation, allowing her to connect effortlessly with crowds in comedy clubs, theaters, and live events. As part of We Own The Laughs.com’s Comedian of the Day, have a few laughs and get to know comedian Essence. The Las Vegas, NV native shares some of her favorite moments in stand-up comedy and explains how she always owns the laughs.
Name: Essence
Hometown: Las Vegas, NV
Instagram/Twitter/Tik-Tok: @essenceisfunny
Years in Comedy: 2 (going into my 3rd)
Haven’t we seen you somewhere before: YouTube short film ‘Camp PunchaSucka’
Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club (Las Vegas) Jay Reid’s Comedy and Cocktails, Wiseguys Las Vegas, The Comedy Store La Jolla, Mic Drop Comedy San Diego, Laughs Unlimited Sacramento, and host/producer of “Jokes at the Jewel” at Classic Jewel Cocktail Lounge in Las Vegas.
Comedic Influences: Sommore, Luenell, Chelsea Handler, Roy Wood Jr., Ali Siddiq, Wanda Sykes, and Dave Chappelle.
Favorite Comedy Album: Richard Pryor “That N****’s Crazy”
Favorite Comedy Special: Ali Siddiq “The Domino Effect”
Favorite Comedy Movie: Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood
Favorite Comedy TV Show: Insecure
Favorite Comedic Character: Kelli from Insecure. She’s bold, unpredictable, and says what everyone else is thinking.
Favorite City to Perform In: Las Vegas. The crowds are diverse and unpredictable in the best way.
Favorite Topics to Joke About: Motherhood, dating, family, and the chaos of everyday life
Favorite Type of Audience for a Comedy Show: High-energy crowds that aren’t afraid to laugh loud and have fun
Favorite Comedy Club: Whoever books me! But I’m definitely partial to the Sacramento comedy scene.
How did you discover your passion for comedy:
I’ve always been the funny friend. I spent years telling stories that made people laugh before I finally decided to get on stage and try stand-up. The first time I performed, I knew immediately this was something I wanted to keep chasing.
What do you remember most about your first time performing stand-up comedy:
The adrenaline. I was nervous, but once I heard the first real laugh it felt like a switch flipped in my brain.
How would you describe your comedic style:
Storytelling with a little attitude. Most of my jokes come from real life—being a single mom, dating, family, and trying to hold it together as an adult who still feels socially awkward half the time.
Describe your process for comedic writing:
Most of my jokes start with something that actually happened. My kids say something wild, I go on a terrible date, or I embarrass myself in public. I write the story down and then figure out what the funniest truth in that moment is.
Describe the comedy scene in your area:
Las Vegas has a strong and growing comedy scene. There are a lot of talented comics and producers creating opportunities for comedians to develop and build real audiences.
How do you judge success in the world of comedy:
Growth. Getting better, getting more stage time, and making audiences laugh consistently.
Who are some of your comedic peers that you enjoy watching perform or inspire you personally and professionally:
There are so many talented comedians coming up right now. Brittany Doss is hilarious, Hailey Brooks is incredibly funny and multi-talented, Jerzy Chris, Comedian Macho, and Shamar Green. There are also some comics who are already headlining and touring nationally who have been very supportive and instrumental in my growth—Jay Reid, Big Irish Jay, Carlos Rodriguez, and Kirk McHenry.
What’s been your most memorable moment in comedy:
Going from an open mic to a booked show. The first time I got laughs, it scared me. I paused because I’m so used to comedians not getting laughs. It was like I hit a new milestone and had something else to chase!
Second would be producing my own show, Jokes at the Jewel, and seeing a packed room laughing together. That was one of those moments where I thought, “Okay…this is real now.”
What have you learned most from your failures in comedy:
That it’s about execution and not chasing laughs. Open mics don’t dictate your success, and they’re not always the best gauge of how funny a bit really is.
How do people react toward you when they realize that you can make people laugh:
Usually surprised. Then they ask you to tell them a joke. And you stare at them blankly.
Describe building a career in stand-up comedy:
Being fearless, open to feedback and criticism, finding mentors, and taking reputable workshops. I’ve learned so much from the Broken Drift and Mic Drop comedy workshops. Most importantly, invest in your craft.
If you could change one thing in the world of comedy, what would it be:
More opportunities for developing comedians to grow and build their audience.
Best advice you’ve ever received from a comedian:
Stay true to your voice.
If you were releasing a comedy special this week, what would it be called:
I’m actually working on a title right now…so stay tuned.
Funniest encounter you’ve ever had with a celebrity:
Tony Roberts. I made him laugh during a conversation, and he didn’t even know I was a comedian. When he told me I was funny, I basically lost my hearing to all negative comments after that.
Weirdest place you’ve ever performed any form of comedy:
Like Kevin Hart…a strip club. Literally on a circular stage with a pole. But I’m from Las Vegas, so honestly, it wasn’t that shocking.
An Essence Jones Fun Fact:
I’m a single mom, so a lot of my material starts with something ridiculous my kids said or did.
Where would you like your laughs to take you:
Touring nationally and creating comedy projects for television and digital platforms.
What would you tell a potential comedian if they ask you how they can own the laughs:
Get on stage as much as possible and don’t be afraid to fail. Nobody starts out great.
What are your thoughts on the future of comedy:
Comedy is evolving and more voices are finding platforms to be heard. That’s a great thing for audiences and comedians.
If you could write an episode for ONE classic TV sitcom, which show would it be:
Insecure. I feel like Issa needs to do something like the Sex and the City franchise and give us movies. And Kelli absolutely deserves a spinoff.
If you could choose ONE comedy club and THREE comedians to perform with on your perfect comedy show, how would it go:
The Comedy Store. I’d host the show, with Lance Woods and Tacarra Williams featured, and Tony Roberts would headline.
What’s next for you:
Continuing to grow as a comedian, producing shows like Jokes at the Jewel in Las Vegas, and creating more comedy content.
Why should a person always laugh at life:
Because life will humble you real quick. Sometimes laughter is the only way to survive the chaos.
Follow Essence Jones’ comedic journey on these social media websites:
Instagram/Twitter: Essence
