Behind the Curtain with Jessica Gough, The Sugar Duchess: Business, Burlesque and Balancing Acts

Send a question or message to Kate & SamThis week we were privileged to be joined by the fabulous entrepreneur-extraordinaire Jessica Gough, a.k.a The Sugar Duchess, founder and owner of Tease Industries Pty Ltd., a company dedicated to providing empowerment platforms for creative artists in the realm of Cabaret and Burlesque. Trained at the WA Academy for Performing Arts (WAAPA) and previously a video journalist for the ABC, Jess took a leap of faith in 2018 to pursue her passion for Burlesque and the performing arts. Kate and Jess met back in 2019, one year after Jess had purchased the Perth International Burlesque Festival. Six years later, Jess shares what it’s been like running a Burlesque and Cabaret performance company, while juggling a full time career. We love hearing real stories from business owners who have relentlessly pursued their passion and never given up. Kate and Jess discuss the original origins and definition of Burlesque as a celebration of bodies, identities, and diversity. Jess talks through the challenges faced by her community during the COVID-19 pandemic and the resilience of the Burlesque community, and emerging to continue building a highly successful business. She also shares her experience of balancing her passion for the Burlesque art form with a full-time job and the importance of diversifying her business.Key TakeawaysLike many business owners, Jess has the ability to be highly creative, but she balances it with a focused and disciplined business mind, which she says has been the key to her success."Growth isn't linear"; Jess discusses the ups and downs of growing a business.The Burlesque art form is a celebration of bodies, identities, and differences, with origins in Europe in parody and storytelling.Tease Industries creates platforms for artists to explore and showcase their craft and fosters inclusivity in the Burlesque community and beyond.The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the Burlesque industry, but the community supported each other and found ways to adapt.Jessica successfully balances her passion for Burlesque with a full-time job, emphasising the importance of stable income while building a business.Diversification is crucial for business sustainability and growth, allowing for multiple revenue streams and opportunities. Failure is a learning opportunity and should be embraced.Surrounding yourself with a supportive community is essential for success.The merging of science and spirituality can lead to personal growth and abundance.And lots more!Connect with the Hosts:Kate De Jong, PhD | Inspired BusinessWebsite: https://katedejong.com/Instagram: katedejong.inspiredbusinessEmail: [email protected] Morris | The Business ImplementorWebsite: https://thebusinessimplementor.com/Instagram: sammorris.businesscoachEmail: [email protected] with Your Hosts:Kate De Jong, PhD | Inspired Business 🌐 Website: https://katedejong.com/ 📱 Instagram: @katedejong.inspiredbusiness ✉️ Email: [email protected] Morris | The O8 🌐 Website: https://www.theo8.com/ 📱 Instagram: @the_o8crew ✉️ Email: [email protected] Business Podcast 🌐Website:   https://www.thrivingbusinesspodcast.com/ JOIN OUR WORKSHOPS🌐 https://www.thrivingbusinesspodcast.com/workshopsCOME ON THE 2026 BALI RETREAT🌐 https://www.thrivingbusinesspodcast.com/baliretreat2026