Best description of my drag: Campy, unique, relatable
How many years I’ve been at it: 12 years full time!
Original hometown: Izhevsk, Russia
Favorite number to do: My original parody, “Welcome to My Hole”
A number I will NEVER do: “Cozy” by Beyoncé. It won’t make any sense for someone looking like me to even try to do it.
Favorite cosmetic product: I’m contractually obligated to say Carolina Herrera beauty products (since it’s my day job now). But we truly have one of the best eyeliners in the game!
Reason I started drag: Depression, lol
Most important diva ever: Madonna, duh. And Cher. It’s impossible to choose, but I guess for me, it all started with Madonna, so…
A drag performer I admire: So many legends, I can’t name one…Jackie Beat, my mother Sherry Vine, Dina Martina, Coco Peru, Bianca Del Rio, my sister Kari Kerning….
The man of my dreams: He actually just left for work. Very lucky to have finally a man of my own, even though…well, he is technically still living with someone else, lol.
Drink of choice: MILKSHAKE! I like it creamyyyyyy.
Best thing about drag: Being your own creative director
Worst thing about drag: Shaving, bunions, general parade within nightlife
Proudest drag moment I’ve had: So many this year–just cultivating my night at Balcon Salon and going from the solo show with some guests to creating a very special monthly talent show and turning Unhinged Tuesdays into a place to be.
Weirdest drag moment I’ve had: Any bad gig is weird, because it never should be bad. When you work doing what you love to do, but something makes you feel unhappy in that work process, that is weird. It shouldn’t be like that.
Best advice to a new queen: Please stop. This is an oversaturated market, if you can’t offer a unique take on drag, go away. All these new girls do the same damn shit. Wear the same outfits, same hair, do the same songs and have the same moves. The drag scene is just like a factory of boring right now. Be exciting, find your own point of view, stop trying to be a clone of a performer you like.
New Year’s Resolution: Get a new hairline. Does it count? Lol.
Where to find me: Balcon Salon every Tuesday! Come at 7 PM, catch our happy hour, and stay for the show!
IG: @svetlanastoli
