Meet Lola Torch: Performer, Producer, Mentor, & Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lola Torch and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lola, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I’ve always taken risks in my life. It just has always seemed to me that it’s necessary if you want to explore what the world has to offer you. It’s exciting to step off of that cliff into the unknown. And scary because, of course, with risk there is often failure. But when things succeed there is such a great feeling of triumph. I get that some people would prefer the comfort of stability. It makes sense to me. I’ve just always preferred to take a risk, fail, and move on rather than wish I could be the person who tried that thing. 

What should our readers know about your business?
I’ve always loved to design and sew, and being a burlesque performer allowed me to take those interests one step further. Making costumes for myself and for other performers forced me to think outside of the box design-wise and learn new sewing and making skills. I really enjoyed those challenges and started to think about ways in which I could turn those newfound skills into a business. It took me a long time to fully realize what that might look like but I eventually narrowed it down to the concept for my lingerie line, Hi, Tiger! I wanted to create beautiful things that represent my love for the craft as well as my particular design aesthetic. I knew I had a point of view but I just had to figure out how to get it out there and I will say that it wasn’t easy. I am self-taught in almost every aspect of what I have done with my business. It’s taken me a long time to learn the things that it takes to do what I do. It’s not just about pattern making, sewing techniques, and picking out materials. It’s also all of the business side of things from paperwork to online presence and social media. I’m still learning. Every day. As frustrating as things can get when you run your own business single-handedly, it’s so important not to give up on yourself. I continually have to tell myself that it’s all worth it and even in the face of an uncertain future, I am still excited about what I am creating. I love coming up with new designs, I love making beautiful things, and I love to share them with the world!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
For me Tucson is all about the culture and the desert. If someone I love was visiting me we would have to do the following things (in no particular order and pandemic aside): – Visit the Desert Museum – Go to the swap meet and eat all the Mexican foods – Drink Micheladas at Che’s – See a concert at The Rialto – Hike Sabino Canyon – Drink margaritas anywhere my favorite bands or musicians are playing (so much talent in Tucson!) – Go shopping at the many markets and local businesses – Laze around any patio or backyard that will have us – Watch every sunset

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would be nowhere without the support and encouragement of my family, friends, and all of the people that have continued to come to my shows, take my classes, and purchase from my small business. I truly truly truly believe that when you are surrounded by positive people, you won’t fall far.

Website: https://www.hitigerlingerie.com
Instagram: @hitigerlingerie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hitigertucson

Image Credits
Caroline King Photography Rya Pie Pictures Lance Thorn