Montreal Marketeers Episode 16 – Scarlett James on Burlesque, Business, and Empowerment

On Episode 16 of the Montreal Marketeers Podcast, we sit down with Scarlett James, international performer, fashion designer, and founder of the Montreal Burlesque Festival. Her journey from discovering burlesque to transforming it into an internationally respected art form shows how passion, resilience, and creativity can reshape an entire industry.

Scarlett attended her first burlesque show in 2007 and instantly fell in love with its mix of charm, theater, and self‑expression. At that time, Montreal’s burlesque scene was small and mostly comedic, so she decided to create something new: glamour‑driven performances that celebrated beauty, confidence, and storytelling. After six months of preparation, her debut act captivated audiences and set the stage for a remarkable career.

Today, Scarlett is recognized as one of Canada’s leading burlesque figures and an entrepreneur who brought elegance and artistry to mainstream audiences. Beyond growing her brand, she built the Montreal Burlesque Festival into a global event attracting top performers from Las Vegas, Paris, London, and Shanghai. Her reputation for producing sophisticated shows and mentoring artists has helped audiences view burlesque as a celebration of empowerment, inclusivity, and creativity.

​As Scarlett marks her tenth year as a performer, she revisits her most celebrated acts with the “Grande Revue” anniversary show in Montreal, honoring the legacy she helped build.

Show Highlights and Topics

• Duration: 54 minutes

• Finding a new passion and starting from scratch

• Being true to yourself

• Understanding the logistics of creating an act

• Connecting with your audience

• Adapting your show by following your heart and soul

• Growing the Montreal burlesque industry

• Balancing art, brand, and business

• Turning criticism into motivation