I make millions working in a world dominated by men but Hooters was when I felt most empowered, says Katherine Ryan
The Canadian comedian and presenter is well-known for her no-nonsense outlook and blunt comedy.
She’s dominated the male-heavy panels of 8 Out of 10 Cats, Never Mind the Buzzcocks, Would I Lie to You? and Have I Got News for You.
But despite making millions in the comedy arena, Katherine Ryan reveals this isn’t what’s made her appreciate her strength and worth as a woman.
Instead, she truly found her empowerment while working at Hooters, despite admitting the chain restaurant is a place that “objectifies” women.
Katherine spoke about her path to empowerment in the latest episode of Paul C. Brunson‘s podcast “We Need To Talk“.
She sat down to chat candidly with Paul about her “inspiring” journey in “Katherine Ryan: Breaking Up Felt Like Life or Death!“
Paul asked Katherine where she stands on the controversial debate over Hooters’ objectification of women – saying there are “strong arguments” on “both sides”.
The name of the chain itself is a double entendre – referring to both an American slang term for women’s breasts and it’s owl logo.
Katherine blames a cultural barrier for why Hooters isn’t welcomed so warmly this side of the pond, saying Brits “equate Hooters with a strip club” or an “exotic dancing place.”
She says she views Hooters as “satirical”, and appreciates the humour behind what she deems a “****-take”.
Her fond memories of working as a waitress for the chain include laughing at signs on the wall, which read “girls are flattery operated”.
And she too donned the iconic uniform – consisting of a tiny pair of orange hot-pants and a top printed with the company owl (with the bird’s eyes placed over the chest to emphasise the wearer’s breasts).
Despite all this, Katherine says: “I think it’s women who can find empowerment in any situation, even one that objectifies them.”
She said even while trying to keep a thin and athletic figure and hula hooping during her break to stay slim, she realised that the men she served food to respected her for far more than just her looks.
And her looks contributed to her success in winning Miss Hooters Toronto 2004.
Katherine told Paul: “Hooters was interestingly the place that I found kind of the most empowerment for myself.”
She said after growing tired of competing in company bikini pageants, she asked to host them instead – allowing her to wear a dress rather than skimpy swimwear and “have a voice”.
She met like-minded women who didn’t come from the same area as her and “valued” her uniqueness.
Soon Katherine realised she was making more money than the girls “who were pretty”.
Hooters employee handbook
- My job duties require I wear the designated Hooters Girl uniform.
- My job duties require that I interact with and entertain the customers.
- The Hooters concept is based on female sex appeal and the work environment is one in which joking and entertaining conversations are commonplace.
She said her personality got her both higher tips and the respect of male customers – who laughed at her jokes and gave her a feeling of “status” by finding her funny.
“That always felt so good, I I realised that the feeling of respect – I think laughing at someone, having that commonality – that language, I feel that’s a really respectful feeling,” she said.
After building her confidence at Hooters, Katherine began to perform comedy sets at the club next door, Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Club.
She said she naturally began to move more into the direction of comedy and soon left to pursue her dreams in London.