Vibe Check The Business of Black Women: Lisa Beasley
Mar 13, 2026
Lisa Beasley, actor and comedian who created the viral Corporate Erin, talks improv roots and performing solo for the camera. She explores owning intellectual property and choosing independence. Short, sharp takes on corporate language as gatekeeping, code switching, and how workplace performance signals power and belonging.
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Corporate Theater Masks Lack Of Real Work
- Corporate Erin exposes how corporate language and rituals prioritize performance over real work.
- Lisa Beasley built the character from repetitive corporate meetings where talk replaced action, showing theater-like ritual in business culture.
Owning IP Beat Traditional Deals
- Owning IP and controlling creative distribution let Lisa monetize and avoid predatory studio deals.
- She declined network offers because the math favored independent viral ownership and immediate income from TikTok Live.
Character Launch Started With $32 Trader Joe's Run
- Lisa created Corporate Erin during social media burnout and the post-2020 chaos to step away from performing as herself.
- Her first TikTok Live as Erin earned $32, which covered groceries and proved the character could pay.