Jiaoying Summers is more than a pretty face! She is a comedian, producer, CEO, and Founder of Summers Media. She does philanthropic work uniting Asia and the USA and is also a spokesperson empowering women and providing a safe space for all black, all women, all Latino, LGBTQ, and Asian to be themselves on her two open mic clubs in LA and Pasadena. Summers became a sensation on TikTok during the pandemic and talked with Jejune about giving a voice to the minority and the misrepresentation of the Asian community, and much more. Keep reading to know more about the Queen of Comedy.

Where are you based?
I'm based in Los Angeles and China.

You're born and raised in China and have a background in finance. However, Jejune is aware you always appreciated art, literature, and film. Could you tell us how this career transition was and when you decided to become a comedian in Hollywood?
I always loved writing classic Chinese literature and poetry when I was growing up in China. I've been working as the Asian Ambassador for the Nobel Peace-winning charity Operation USA, and I was taking an acting class at the same time. My teacher Howard Fine told me that I have a talent for comedy, and I decided to become a comedian after my first open mic; I bombed - of course - but that did not stop me.

You are a sensation on TikTok! We love the Uber Drive little sessions! How did everything start? You are an icon as a Chinese female stand-up comedian. Did you expect to have millions of people watching you?
I started TikTok in the Spring of 2020 — during the pandemic. I was not expecting to get millions of people watching me. I was telling jokes on my phone and posting them on TikTok. I wanted to talk about the unhealthy beauty standard in China and East Asia to empower young girls to be confident and love themselves no matter what society says.

Do you have a time or moment in your day that you feel is your "comedian-creative moment"? Or is it something that comes naturally?
It is always the morning, I read the news and see what triggers me to write new materials. Material is everywhere in my life, although having a Chinese mom is comedy gold. She roasts me all day.

You are also a producer, CEO and Founder of Summers Media and have two clubs in LA and Pasadena, looking forward to two more. We've learned that both clubs are unique and, most of all, inclusive — giving people with different beliefs and opinions a chance to be seen. Is it something you created to overcome obstacles you saw or lived on your journey?
I want to inspire young people, bring more opportunities to minority talents and create gender equality in comedy. I also want to create a space where comedians can make money doing comedy. My hosts make money from hosting my open mics and shows. The Hollywood Comedy and The Pasadena Comedy are open seven days a week.

Before I opened my clubs when I was doing open mic, as a minority Asian woman, I was mistreated, a lot of racism and sexism towards me. I decided to open my own clubs to have a safe space for women and queers, where I produce lots of all black, all women, all Latino, LGBTQ, and all Asian shows.

You won the title of Miss China in the 2014 International beauty pageant "Queen of The Universe." How was this experience? Do you include this beauty persona in your comedy?
It was really fun, and I'm still in touch with a few pageant sisters. I haven't tapped that part of my life in comedy yet; I am excited to write some joke about it. I was joking before the babies I was Miss China; after the babies, I'm Miss China Town.

You are an entrepreneur, a spokesperson, a comedian, and an actress. Do you have a role model or someone you are inspired by?
I love Audrey Hepburn, who embodied talent, compassion, elegance, and lots, lots of love for all.

It seems like there is just starting to be an Asian representation in comedy. What are your thoughts on this new movement? How do you think we can continue this push?
I think it is about time. I want to contribute to this movement, and I want to use my comedy, accent, and face to push the movement forward. I want to normalize my Chinese accent; it is not cheap, it's not stupid, and it's not low class. It's who we are, and we are proud Americans.

On top of a fantastic career, you also do philanthropic work uniting Asia and the USA. Could you tell us more about it and how it started?
I always wanted to use my resources to help others. I only see one race; that's the human race. I think we are all the same: we cry and laugh. If you watch the preschool toddlers, they don't see class and color.

You were a guest speaker at the UN Women CSW65 event. An event to discuss Women's full and effective participation and decision-making in public life and the elimination of violence for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls. Can you tell us more about the event and why it is important for you?
I talked about how I started comedy and, as a women club owner, what did I do to support women in comedy. We have all-women open mics at The Pasadena Comedy, a safe space for women, and we have all-women shows that are so important for me.

How have you been staying positive during the shelter in place? Have you gone back to the new normal?
It was tough for my clubs to survive the pandemic, but I did not give up — I powered through. Comedy connects people in a unique way; it makes people feel normal and laugh at their own struggles.

What are the next steps for Jiaoying Summers as a comedian?
A one hour Netflix Special! I also want to go to New York and audition for the Comedy Cellar. I think New York is gonna love me.

Would you like to share some tips for immigrant artists that you and your career inspire?
Keep pushing and keep hustling! You must believe in yourself before anyone believes in you. Be proud of who you are, your accent, skin color, and culture.

What's your motto in life?
I don't give a fuck about what people think of me.

To learn more about Jiaoying Summers, please follow her on the platforms below:
Instagram
TikToK
Twitter
Website (Comedy Tour)

The Queen of Comedy - Jiaoying Summers