We’re looking forward to introducing you to charlotte henry. Check out our conversation below.
charlotte, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
“What makes me lose track of time is creativity—especially when I’m crafting costumes. I can spend hours at my desk with a glue gun, rhinestones, feathers, and a cool French jazzy playlist in my headphones. I love playing with textures and transforming everyday objects—like my kids’ cookie box packaging—into beautiful, feathery headpieces. It’s my way to recharge and immerse myself in my favorite cabaret world before stepping on stage. And the best part? I get to share the final creations with the women who join my classes and events, adding a little extra sparkle to their experience.”
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
“My name is Charlotte, I’m a French woman living in Tampa and a professional showgirl passionate about the world of French cabaret. For me, cabaret is more than just feathers, rhinestones, and glamour—it represents confidence, femininity, and joy. It has given me so much strength as a woman, and now I want to share that same spark with everyday women through my brand Parisian Night. Whether it’s through dance classes, private events, or creative costume experiences, I bring a little piece of Paris to Tampa and help women step into their most radiant, playful, and empowered selves.”
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
“I grew up in a small village in France and spent all my time in a little dance studio. I loved dancing, but my body didn’t fit the mold—no open hips, no flexibility—so ballet was definitely not for me. I quickly understood that becoming a ‘real’ dancer might never happen. Still, I kept practicing simply because I loved it. Years later, when I moved to Los Angeles, I met someone who changed everything. She believed in me before I believed in myself, trained me, and welcomed me into her French cabaret dance troupe. Suddenly, I was performing nationally and internationally, living the dream I thought I wasn’t made for. That’s when I finally saw myself clearly—I was exactly where I was supposed to be.”
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
“If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be: You did everything right! Trust yourself. What matters most is doing what you love and what excites you.
That’s exactly what I did, dancing, no matter the level or the outcome, simply for the joy it gave me. I didn’t carry expectations or fear, I just followed my path and stayed open to the opportunities that came when I listened to my intuition. It worked out, and today that innocence, that passion, and that joy are what give me strength and what I now share with the people around me.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Now it is, yes!
When I first started performing, I had a persona, a stage name. It felt safer that way, it gave me space to be sexier, sassier, funnier. If I made a mistake or something went wrong, it wasn’t on me, it was on Gigi Carnaval, not Charlotte.
But today, Charlotte Henry and Gigi have become one. I’ve embraced my vulnerability, and I’ve realized that’s where the real beauty lies in connections.
I choose to be completely honest and real with the women I work with, so they too feel the space and freedom to do the same.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
Actually, that’s a question I had to ask myself not too long ago.
I was recently diagnosed with cancer, and everything changed in a matter of seconds.
I had just discovered what I was truly good at and what the next step for me after performing could be. I thought I had time.
I took my time setting up my classes, building my business, sometimes stepping back because of doubts, not launching all the projects I dreamed of out of fear I wouldn’t be good enough.
But today, I don’t want to wait anymore. I want to go all in. I want to share my passion for cabaret to help everyday women, women who, like me once, thought they weren’t feminine or special, learn to know themselves better, embrace their bodies, celebrate their beauty, and have a space to be fully themselves.
To create a true community of empowered women.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.parisian-night.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parisiannighttampa/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/parisiannight
Image Credits
PHOTOS: Tina Ortiz Bespoken Forever Photography
