welcome.
Hi there, I’m Esse (she/they). I’m a mixed, fat, queer, multidisciplinary artist living and working in Philadelphia, PA. Born and raised in North Carolina, much of my work is focused on identity, sexuality, gender, race, and trauma. I like to consider myself a modern-day philosopher, abolitionist, and imperfect American anarchist. I identify as a “witch” less in religious practice and more with the idea that I am generally socially unacceptable and unapologetically untraditional.
Additionally, I’m a writer and a performer. I began keeping a journal in middle school. Before I was diagnosed with AuDHD in my mid-thirties, journaling was how I kept myself on task to plan my life and accomplish my goals. It’s a great tool for people who struggle with perfectionism, shame, procrastination, and/or self-doubt. Journaling has helped me find my voice as a creator. My goal as an artist is always to empower others (especially queer, fat women and people of color) to get in touch with their intuition and to dare to be visible in their own identity.
what do i do?
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what do i do? *
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I began reading tarot in 2013 when I received my first deck from a friend for Christmas. Over the last several years, I have honed my skills at festivals and vending events helping hundreds of others find their own answers through the cards. Much like astrology, the mysticism of tarot is as real as you make it. I tell my querents that the deck itself holds no magic or special powers. The cards are a tool to help you gain insight, perspective, and get in touch with your own intuition. I own over a dozen decks, but primarily use the Colman-Smith deck (commonly referred to as the Rider-Waite deck). I read at various events in the Philadelphia area. Consider booking me for a written tarot card reading.
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I’ve written journals, blogs, articles, and essays for over twenty years. I self-published my first book Bad Sex and Other Problematic Analogies in 2019 and produced a one-woman show of the same name. In 2024, I began creating zines. My writing is deeply personal and often a form of processing my own trauma. The goal of my work is not only therapeutic, but to provide visibility and validation for other marginalized folx. Print and PDF versions of my writing can be purchased from my shoppe. I’m very tentatively coming back to blogging.
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I have over 20+ years of professional performing experience including singing, theatre, cabaret, drag, and burlesque. My vocal style is inspired by the likes of Peggy Lee, Amy Winehouse, Aretha Franklin, and Janis Joplin. I sing all genres, but especially love big band jazz standards. I am available for singing opportunities in small and large venue engagements. You can see my upcoming events here.
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I’ve been an active member of the k*nk community for over a decade. It started with romantic partners, but grew over the years by connecting with online communities on tumblr and FetLife. Over the last two years, I have begun to teach classes and one-on-one lessons in scene negotiation, roleplaying, bondage, impact, dominance, and submission. In December 2024, I began to take on clients as a professional dominatrix. My style is incredibly untraditional. Rather than demanding loyalty and obedience, I focus on getting to know my submissives as real people first, and curate an experience based on our shared interests. I am available for play sessions and on-going services, but heavily vet my clientele.
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After a summer of sadness and soul-searching, I undertook the task of teaching myself to tattoo in June 2024. This wasn’t something I ever saw for myself or believed myself capable of, but I was heavily encouraged to pursue amateur tattooing by other women and queer artists. The tattoo industry is deeply misogynistic and requires nepotism to enter. For many apprentices, training often includes deep hazing and bullying from shop owners in the name of tradition and gatekeeping. While I am unlicensed, do not have a mentor, and work out of my home, safety and sanitation are my biggest commitments. I use a disposable needle cartridge system and industry sterilization chemical cleaners. I am up to date on Bloodborne Pathogen and CPR Certification. At this time, I am only accepting tattoo clients through referral.