Joseline Hernandez: I Was a TV Stripper Named Shenellica ... Before 'Love & Hip Hop'

Joseline Hernandez struggled before scoring "Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta" ... appearing on a failed stripper reality show under a different name ... Shenellica.

TMZ scored footage from a 2007 pilot shot at Diamond Cabaret in Miami. The show was produced with the hopes of landing a Showtime deal, to compete with HBO's "Cathouse" series.

We're told Joseline -- a stripper at the club -- struck a deal in which she got $400 to appear on screen. And yes, she demanded cash.

FUN FACT: We're told producers were afraid if the show sold, Joseline and some of the other girls might not pass the psych evaluation.

Stevie J might agree.