Q&A: Polerotica 2026 Winner Jess
Before we start…congratulations! Your performance was absolutely incredible, and we loved your theme, outfit, and overall style. It all led to an amazing vibe! What made you decide on the theme you chose? How many other themes had you considered?
My theme was chosen based on my theme from last year, which was “City of Roses,” representing myself as a rose with thorns, indicating a beautiful bloom, while still having the thorns to represent the hard times I’ve had—not only in my life, but also in the industry. This year, I carried the flower idea over, but chose a variety of wildflowers to represent my growth, without thorns holding me back. This had been the first full year of my self-development and maturity, in which I felt free of myself, much like a wildflower growing freely and wild in any environment. I’ve always considered other themes like burlesque (of course), showgirl-ish or circus-type themes, but it’s hard to choose something that hasn’t been done yet, and also complements oneself in an entertaining way. But hey, you can’t ever go wrong with flowers ??
Describe your first experience competing in an Exotic event and how it shaped your preparations for Polerotica 2026.
My first experience in an Exotic event was actually Miss Exotic Oregon 2024. It was definitely nerve-racking for me to even be on Dante’s stage for the first time. I only joined because one of the qualifying rounds was at my home club, and I had previously competed in some non-Exotic, DJ Dick Hennessy events. But competing in Exotic events was a different vibe altogether. I was definitely struggling with my nerves and my under-preparation, and I thought having more props was more important than just being myself. So, my first few experiences weren't my best. But they helped me gain experience over the last few years in terms of stage presence and skills. Also, being able to watch other women from different clubs was very intimidating, but also very inspiring, and not something I got to see all the time. Watching others definitely helped me find my own way to Polerotica 2026.
Sometimes stage performances don’t go exactly as planned. What do you remember thinking or feeling when your wardrobe slightly malfunctioned? ?
I have a history of props and clothing malfunctions at these events, which have really affected me and how I carried on through my performances. This year, I was finally able to let go of the feeling of messing up and just work with whatever is thrown my way. I’ve reached the point in my pole dancing and entertaining acts that I don’t let little things affect how I finish my performances anymore. But I do remember thinking that I should have duct-taped my battery light box to my boots, but I got called on sooner than planned, so I just had to work with what I had. It was scary seeing my lights wrapping around the pole faster than I was, but being in control of my body and knowing what I could do helped me keep performing.
Placing second last year at Polerotica 2025, and then coming back and taking it all is pretty incredible! What advice would you give to other performers who are looking to win it all at an Exotic event?
My advice for anyone competing in future Exotic events is to put what you think is best for you first, and don’t compare yourself to the others. Just know what you can do and what you came to do, and enjoy the time we have in these events. I would also say to put yourself out there; not everyone is going to know you or follow you on social media. You have to build yourself up and don’t be afraid to introduce yourself.
We always like to ask this next question! If you could travel back in time and talk to baby stripper Jess, what would you say, and what advice would you offer?
I would never wish to go backward in life, but if I could tell baby dancer Jess anything, it would be to get out of your own head. I held my personal potential back, fighting the toughest battles in my personal and dancer life, and being harder on myself wasn’t necessary when I was already at my lowest. I’ve lost a lot since even before I started dancing, and losing myself was one of those things—and I would never allow that to happen again.
This is your first Exotic cover! We're excited, and we hope you are, too! Was being featured on the cover something you thought about in the past? Were you nervous before and during the photoshoot?
I’ve always wanted to be on the cover of Exotic since I started dancing. I didn’t know how or who to talk to about it, but I would always look at the magazines at work. I have a background in journalism and photography, so that has always been a big interest of mine. I love magazines and photoshoots, and I’ve been doing them since I was young, since my mom was a photographer. So I’ve had some experience, but I also enjoy going off and taking my own pictures now, too. So when I saw one of my friends from the industry on the cover, I knew I wanted to do it whenever that time came. I was actually very comfortable during my photoshoot, and the location has been on my Pinterest board for a long time, so when I knew I was gonna be on the cover, I automatically chose this shoot. It is my best and most fun shoot I’ve done so far!
What if our readers are interested in seeing you perform? Where can they catch you on shift? Drop your socials, too!
I have performed at multiple clubs in Portland, but my home clubs right now are “Cabaret” and “Spyce Gentlemen’s Club.” I do switch my schedule around a lot, so the days might be random. I post my schedules and nightly pictures in my dancer Instagram, @jesspdx__ (double underscore).
I also go to pole studios and make my own videos, so that content is always available on my TikTok, @jesspdxx.
Lastly, what consumes your time when you’re not absolutely killing it on stage or striking a pose for the next cover of Exotic?
Most of my personal time outside of the club is spent being outside as much as possible. I love hiking and days at the beach…rain or shine. Anywhere I can take my dog for an adventure! I am very much a variety person, so I love doing just about anything! I do a lot of solo trips, but I also love doing things with my friends…getting dressed up, going out to have fun, and definitely taking a lot of pictures! If I have more free time, I sometimes like to go to places I've never been or do some thrifting around at cute shops or boutiques. And last but not least, most definitely go out to eat!
