About

Our Story

Black Box Creative was founded by Shelbi Aiona in Austin Texas to provide a safe space for all bodies and types of creatives to expand their creative practice through movement and art!

We strive to maintain a diverse staff of POC, LGBTQ+, and sex worker folx. We value knowledge, safety, inclusivity, and a damn good time!

EMPOWERMENT, REVITALIZATION, AND GROWTH ARE WAITING FOR YOU HERE.

WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO EXPAND YOUR INNER CREATIVITY AND EXPLORE YOUR SEXINESS.

Our Founder

Shelbi Aiona - CEO

Since moving to Austin, Shelbi has been a fixture in the pole community for over 8 years. She's been fortunate enough to learn from and work with artists such as Boner Bizarre, Velvet Nox, Twisted Movement, Butter & Filth, United Pole Artists, and Snoop Dogg as well as teaching at nearly every studio in Austin. Creating art, teaching, performing, and competing throughout the state has allowed her to hone her craft and become the founder and lead instructor at Black Box Creative, Austin’s raddest pole and creative space! She’s got a signature style that is both sludgy and slinky while being heavy and weightless. She’s ghastly, hedonistic, and here to hypnotize!

Her goals have always been to provide a space that is welcoming, empowering, and gets the creative juices flowing. She has always aimed to lift the voices of fellow minority pole dancers, artists, and artisans by providing a platform and space to expand their practice and sell their wares. Black Box Creative is truly that dream come true. Classes are unique, staff is incredible, the boutique is luxurious, and events are off the chain!