Transitioning to VIP host or house mom - any thoughts?
Hi there,
This is the first time I have posted so totally understand if no-one wants to respond with much info, but I thought I'd give it a shot. I'll see if I can answer anyone else's questions :-)
I used to be a member quite a few years ago but cannot remember my user ID and no longer have my old email Been reading all the posts since I re-joined and it is as helpful and awesome as ever. Being new back I haven't had much to add, hence this is my first post.
I was a dancer for 5 years in NYC and recently went back to work in Manhattan. However, my life has changed since then and I'm not enjoying it as much as I used to - I realized it was time for a change for me personally when I left the first time, but I missed the business and didn't enjoy office work (or the lack of money!) The business has also changed since the economic problems a few years ago, and I feel like you have to be a hardcore hustler to make enough from dances or (as has been discussed in recent threads) or do more than used to be the case in champagne rooms. Honestly in my day, that stuff seemed to mostly happen after the club in hotels etc but perhaps there was a heavier LE presence in those days.
Anyway, long story short, I was wondering if there was some other decently-paid way I could return to the business. I worked for a short period of time as a VIP hostess in a not-too-busy club in LA, and I know at least some of the ropes and I really enjoyed it, understanding the girls and custies as only a dancer can. I also have some VIP/bottle service host and waitress experience from before I danced.
I would LOVE to hear anyone's thoughts on possible directions you can go in the biz - i.e. VIP host, or even other ideas like house mom etc etc. I can't do it at my current club but I wondered if anyone knew protocol for applying, "qualifications" expected'. It certainly seems like they make money in gown clubs but who knows. Are the hosts competing with each other? I am sure it is very political and a bit of a closed shop for newcomers. They also all seem to be male, NOT ex-entertainers in their 30's. I've really never noticed how they operate because I've never seen a new one at work, only established ones schmoozing with customers and girls they know.
Does anyone know anyone who has done or tried to do this? I know hosts are not popular - I get it - and I am sure there is a reason they are (or used to be when I worked) Mafioso-esque men 40+
Anyway, if anyone is willing to share their thoughts I'd really appreciate it! I am sure I saw a thread on this once but I cannot find it.
Thank you!
Re: Transitioning to VIP host or house mom - any thoughts?
Regarding housemoms, most of the people I knew got their jobs from knowing someone in management. Usually a friend of the management or a manager's friend's wife. I worked somewhere where they suggested I become a housemom and the reason why this was offered to me was because of seniority. I had worked there a long time and got in good with management who I trusted.
My suggestion would be to work somewhere long enough for management to notice you and then ask them if you could work a non-dancing job like bartending, being a housemom if the position is open, etc. Since you have worked in NYC for a long time, maybe you can go back to the club and connect with management you like and trust and see if they can help you transition into a non-dancing position.
Re: Transitioning to VIP host or house mom - any thoughts?
From what I've seen, people that have gotten host positions have been dancing at the same club 5+ years and the opportunity arose at the opportune time. It's not easy and I would probably try waitressing before I tried to host or be a housemom if I were you. It's almost impossible. Maybe they would allow you as a fill in for dayshift but not a nightshift position. Those positions are way too political for a random to just walk up in there and get.
Re: Transitioning to VIP host or house mom - any thoughts?
^ Thank you, that's kind of what I suspected.
At first I kind of thought they wouldn't see you in a more management role, after drinking, doing Champagne rooms etc but the more I think about it, almost every house mom, or hostess, or female manager I've seen has at least looked like they used to be a dancer.
And you are both right it is probably more to do with them really trusting you, and establishing a relationship, because we all know how political it is and how they have to be so "in" since they are enforcing the rules and breaking them at the same time. Hell, even the house mom can be!
Ahh, I'm really starting to think about getting my attitude together and kicking my look and body up a few notches and going in hard for round two power stripper lol There are definitely a lot of benefits which maybe I just need to remind myself of.
Thanks ladies!