JIAOYING SUMMERS SPEAKS FROM THE HEART

INTERVIEW BY IRVIN RIVERA | EDITOR: CLARA SEELY-KATZ

PHOTOGRAPHER: IRVIN RIVERA, FASHION STYLING: JEN RADE, MAKE-UP AND HAIR: CHRIS ARTEASE
DRESS: MANDALAY, JEWELRY: CAMILLA SERETTI

Jiaoying Summers is a comedian, activist, and queen of TikTok. She makes jokes not only to make people laugh, but really make them think about their own beliefs, and biases, and reevaluate who they idolize. This kind of truth-telling comedy is vital to the social media landscape today, as it is often overrun with misinformation and hatred. As a woman of color, Summers is paving the way for others like her to not only speak up but shout back and cut through the negativity online.

In her discussion with A Book Of, Summers tells all about her journey to where she is today, what challenges she's had to face, and how she continues to be funny and creative during hard times.

DRESS: MANDALAY, JEWELRY: CAMILLA SERETTI

How's it to be TikTok's Comedy Queen?

It's a dream come true to make people's days a little brighter through comedy. I was recently introduced to the Mayor of Alhambra who introduced me at The Asian Hall of Fame Awards. He shared with me and the audience that I helped him through the pandemic because my TikTok always made him laugh.

Tell us about the journey that led you to where you are right now. Talk about that pivotal moment that led you to the successful comedian that you are today.

I am a survivor of China's ‘One-Child Policy’ and it has been my mission to help young people know their value and beauty in a world that may tell them otherwise. Working hard every day to hone my craft has been the key to my success. Also, I love people and want to set a good example. For women in any business.

As a female, Asian comedian, what are the challenges and the highs that you’ve experienced in your career so far?

My job as a female Asian comedian is to challenge stereotypes and false narratives surrounding my community and culture. I poke fun at how ridiculous ignorance and prejudice can be. Being able to work with and learn from some of the best comedians in the business has been incredibly rewarding. Great advice is to surround yourself with those you admire and respect.

Are there any stereotypes that you have to break whenever you’re on stage?

That an Asian woman running the light at a comedy club is not also the Asian woman running the light in traffic. And my name is not Julie or Johanna..it is Jiaoying.

How were you able to rise above these challenges?

Focusing, and improving my craft every day. I believe that we can all be better people but we must keep working at it.

What's your creative process like? How do you get into that fearless, yet funny space whenever you are onstage or whenever you create content online?

I am a passionate person and I speak from the heart. Using my platform for good is the most important thing to me. I’m not totally fearless and I get that surge of creative anxiety and energy before I go on stage but the sound of laughter brings me such joy. It is also fun to make other comics laugh. Then you know you hit it out of the park

What is the proudest moment in your life so far?

The birth of my children, Winnie and Margo. A boy and a girl which is perfect and watching these special little people learn and grow.

Who and what inspires you?

Joan Rivers and her legacy. Joan never gave up or paused or stopped. She drove at full speed and I so admire her grit and opening doors for funny women.

What scares you?

Staying silent and complicit.

What’s your dream project?

Working with Brad Pitt. Brad is my go-to movie star and I think we would be funny or dramatic together. Where is the script.

What’s a valuable lesson that you’ve learned that you always carry with you?

Repetition is everything. If you get knocked down, get up and try again.

If you were a book, what book would you be and why?

A book of poems; I love comedy and poetry because both use language to move people. Now that I've said that, I'm going to start writing today. I'll work on a title and get back to you. I also want Sarah Silverman to write the introduction to my book.