Embracing Change: From Stage Yogi to Content Creator and Online Entertainer -An Inside Look at Both Ends of the Spectrum

Scotty Richards, a former stage yogi and performer, has embarked on a relentless journey, from the last remaining “dancer” at a gay bar in America, to becoming a thriving social media influencer and entertainer. As the last man standing after a 30-year run, he adapted in the face of adversity after being left jobless, and his background as a performer had a profound impact on his current work in digital marketing and content creation.

He recalls the early days as a stage yogi and performer sharing, “When I first came to Swinging Richards, I was coming from a “Magic Mike”- esque club littered with homophobic dancers. I was the only White one, and quickly learned how to gyrate my hips and do signature floor humps. I noticed the stage was more like a go-go runway. All I really had was hip-hop style, accompanied with some jeans and high top Supras.”

To add another unexpected spin, Richards began to implement yoga as a form of active rehab to accompany his moves. He was driven by the competition to become more flexible on and off the stage, compared to the other guys performing. Much to his surprise, at his yoga practice, he found “60-year old men holding headstands for 8 minutes, 50 year olds flying so elegantly into handstands during the vinyasa.” He was out of shape.

After a while, Scotty began weaponizing yoga in a way to separate adoring fans from that dollar in their hand and learned the secret to arm balances. He shares, “Holding ‘bird of paradise,’ while capturing my drishti point on the tip of a patron’s straw was literally a thing. The crowd would egg me on, and it made me push harder until I was literally covered in sweat, soaking the wooden stage beneath me, all the dollars sticking to my back. The confidence that came with landing new moves on stage, and cheers erupting from the crowd as they witnessed my moment was something that still makes me tear up to this day.”

After the bar closed and Scotty was left to chew through his savings week by week, he resorted to tik tok lives, literally building a stage out of Nano leaves and dancing for 30 minutes. Having honed his skills as a stage performer, Scotty developed a deep understanding of audience engagement and the importance of connecting with viewers. Reflecting on his time on stage, Scotty shares, “I learned that my best self on stage was influenced less by alcohol and more by a low dose of Psilocybin…I wanted everyone to feel they could let their barriers down around me as I would for them.” This understanding of fostering genuine connections with the audience translated seamlessly into his digital marketing strategies, and allowed him to pivot into an entirely different role.

Scotty emphasizes the significance of engaging with his followers and building a supportive community. He creates content that resonates with his audience and sparks conversations. Scotty explains, “I still connect with them and feel a connection, but I would rather do it in the comments as part of the show, rather than individual interactions behind closed doors…comment sections and threads are where it’s at now, it just takes more than a couple of emojis!”

The closure of the “dancer” gay bar, which served as both Scotty’s workplace and a cultural landmark, posed significant challenges. However, he refused to let setbacks define him and embraced new opportunities. Within six months, Scotty transitioned his entertainment skills to the online world, becoming a full-time content creator and online entertainer. Through dedication and hard work, he has continued to share his passion for entertainment in a new and exciting way. “Content creation is a practice, just like yoga.” His first post was about an imperfection, Vitiligo, or dark spots that Scotty revealed on camera to his fans, which birthed “The Painted Man.” As a self-taught entrepreneur, he learned post production editing, lighting and composition.

Scotty Richards says, “In my opinion, there is a movement to erase all nighttime establishments. We can all name several reasons, but the fact is the industry of entertainment is quickly becoming less of an in-person thing. I think it is the beginning of a new era, and I welcome it.”

Scotty’s journey highlights the importance of resilience and the ability to create one’s own stage, both physically and digitally. Despite facing hurdles, he has adapted to the evolving landscape of entertainment, leveraging unique skills and experiences to captivate his audience. Scotty’s story serves as an inspiration to others, demonstrating the power of perseverance and the limitless possibilities that lie ahead in the realm of digital marketing and content creation.

As Scotty Richards continues to captivate audiences online, his journey stands as a testament to the transformative power of embracing change and following one’s passion. With his magnetic personality and unwavering determination, Scotty is set to leave an indelible mark in the world of digital marketing and beyond.