Daily Inspiration: Meet Al-Nisa Lawson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Al-Nisa Lawson

Hi Al-Nisa, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started this Joke Journey eight years ago it all began with an open mic. A friend invited me to an open mic on which she was scheduled to perform. I was just divorced and had a night out which this mother of two needed. I arrived at the bar where the opening was just about to begin, my friend who was to perform but then withdrew her name from the list of performers. I was so angry I told her that I didn’t just get a sitter for nothing, I went up and signed up for the open mic. The open mic host gave me 3-4 minutes to perform. I wrote six bullet points on the back of a bill I had in my purse and prepared myself to perform at my very first stand-up ever.
Mizchitchat Al-Nisa Lawson has been doing comedy for about 8 years. Mizchitchat has brought her unique blend of humorous insights, quirky details, chitchat, and storytelling to cities throughout the country. She has featured for Donnell Rawlings from the Dave Chappell show, and Joe Claire from BET and opened at Goodnights as well as the Raleigh Improv. Recently Mizchitchat was featured on Kenan Thompson from SNL’s Next Up Comedians show.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road, a bit rocky and then some upward roads. I have enjoyed the comedy journey but it took some time to get paid as a comedian. Sometimes promoters underpaid me or would not pay at all. As a female comedian, I have been somewhat overlooked or not booked. It also has been challenging to schedule shows or performances around being a single parent. Creating content, deciding what parts to write about in jokes, and opening your life up to the comedy experience. And did I mention comedy is hard work and doesn’t pay a lot. Sometimes it’s hard to make someone laugh when you are not at your happiest. As a comic, you have to find the laughable moments, the jokes within the crazy times, and the downright giggle moments that the audience can relate to.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a Comedian/ Comic, Host,Producer and Promoter. Stage name is Mizchitchat, brand name is Mizchitchat Productions. I enjoy making people laugh and the storytelling of it all. I currently produce 3 shows in the North Carolina area, local venue in Durham, open mic at Chili Bee, a monthly comedy show at the Unscripted Hotel in Durham and a monthly show at a winery in Gibsonville , NC at The Grove Vineyard and Winery. I love creating spaces for fun, laughs and comedy. I am always looking for venues to host these types of show.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I am the oldest of 4 children and it was fun, even when it wasn’t supposed to be. Grew up with a great single mom, but we had a strong support system my mom was one of 6 kids. They were the black Brady Bunch of New Jersey and we did a lot with our maternal family members. I was always bright and talkative through grade school but in college that soared. I had my own radio show in college. I majored in Public Relations and Journalism and managed to get a internship with both Word Up Magazine as well as EMI / Jive Records. I ended up working in the 90’s for a few years as Editorial Assistant with Hype Hair Magazine before getting married and having children. I always worked in some form of communications, I love writing and planning events. I have a crazy , vibrant personality and have always been the one my friends would love to give commentary or tell the story of one of our adventures.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @mizchitchatproductions
• Facebook: Al-Nisa Mizchitchat Lawson
• Youtube: @al-nisamizchitchatlawson1180