We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jessica L’whor. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jessica below.
Alright, Jessica thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?
I have been doing drag for a little over nine years. Six of those years have been full-time. At my last job as a server at Hamburger Mary’s, I remember feeling like I wanted to do drag full-time and wanted to travel, but like most people who say those things — I struggled to do it. One day, working at Mary’s, they called the entire staff in and said that we were closing and everyone was out of a job. And as much as that was terrible, it was a true kick in the butt to make the decision to go head-first into drag. It was probably the hardest six months of my career. I couldn’t eat, pay rent, went through a lot of mental health issues, etc.
With an expectation from the community that I was given, I just won best new queen on the scene, was named one of the freshest faces of Colorado drag, but was ultimately even struggling to create or figure it out. It got easier connecting with entertainers who were more experienced than myself – they really showed me the ropes. Learning discipline was the hardest. And what makes me unfavorable in some of the drag community because part of becoming a full-time business meant I had to create expectations for myself to survive, first of all. And second, I needed routine, good relationships, and to find success through the discipline and routines I created. This meant separating business from friendships, creating standards and expectations for what I personally considered to be “professionalism.” These are the same “rules” that helped hold me accountable to my own standards.
Another major milestone was learning about business finances – what some would call in 2022 “acting your wage.” This was a mentality that I had to come around to – to figure out my value as an entertainer and to then convey it to the establishments hiring me to perform, knowing my worth.
If I could go back and tell myself something: To anyone wanting to do full-time drag, create a financial plan before you quit your job. (Granted, I was let go, but it’s still important!) Create a 4-6 month plan and make sure it’s feasible before jumping in! Don’t change yourself to fit the bill – do you and the money will follow.
It was definitely a struggle at points to get where I am today – but the end of the day, I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
Jessica L’whor or Miss Jessica is known as the “chameleon Kimmy Gibbler brunch bingo business babe of Colorado.” She’s everything from G-rated to some of the most vulgar things you’ve ever heard. A powerhouse emcee, entertainer, producer and philanthropist, I guarantee you’ll walk away happy with the whole L’whor experience!
I first started drag when I was in a place where I called drag “disgusting.” I wanted nothing to do with it. I was taken to my first drag show and watched an entertainer on stage. Immediately, I went with my partner at the time to Walmart to get some makeup and a bra. I put it on and felt like a completely changed human, but my partner said I’d never make a pretty woman.
But I loved it.
Ever since, I would get into drag from once a semester to once a month to once a week to now six to nine times a week. And I am a beautiful woman.
As far as what I do for my clients? If you want it done, I can find a way to do it or suggest the best person to fit the job. I’m an entertainer who wants to and can do it all. From drag, to producing, to emceeing, to singing, to modeling, I can do it all. I’m a “see a need, fill a need” queen. What sets me apart from other drag entertainers is my focus and discipline and constantly finding ways to grow my craft and business. When I say I’m going to do something, I do it. And I make sure I do it well.
I am most proud of the place I am in today with myself and my business. Never in a million years did I think I would be able to make a living doing exactly what I loved to do. Everyone calls it a job, but I get to wake up everyday loving what I do and eager to make the next move towards my goals and dreams.
As for clients and fans? I want everyone to know that I get that I’m not perfect – but I will strive to always get to as close to it as possible. I believe in what I do, I go into everything with the best intentions, I’m proud, and I love being a part of this drag community. And I’m not goin’ anywhere!
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
There is quite a long list of experiences in the the last 9 years that would define resilience in my personal, internal, and career experiences. From identity to relationships with my parents, from self harm to relentless bullying coming from within my own community, there are so many ways I could answer this question.
But at the end of the day, the one way I would describe Jessica L’whor (or Zack) is resilient.
Have you ever had to pivot?
Like most, when COVID hit the world, everybody’s careers shifted and changed. Mine was no different. In the drag world, entertainers were quick to say it would be short-lived. There were entertainers who were quick to file for unemployment. And then there was me. Quick to get a “Muggle Job” and to figure out where drag played in.
On the drag side, I had to get creative. Everyone became a director, editor, filmer for music video style drag performances. Digital tipping became a thing. Streaming became a thing. And more companies were willing to do virtual events during this time. COVID actually, in the long-run, made my career more successful than it ever had been.
In addition to that, I got a full-time job real quick at Target. The first time having a “Muggle Job” in 6 years. Most days were okay. Monotonous. They didn’t enjoy when I performed on the job, but it completely drained me and made me crave live artistry and performances again. I was only Target for 6 months while being denied any other job I applied to because of my “lack of work experience,” and in those months, I realized I needed to get back to doing what I loved: performing. I quit and pushed myself and became more myself than ever before – back into full-time entertainment. And it’s been smooth sailing every since.
Contact Info:
- Website: jessicalwhor.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/jessicalwhor
- Facebook: facebook.com/jessicalwhor
- Twitter: twitter.com/jessicalwhor
- Youtube: youtube.com/jessicalwhor
- Other: tiktok.com/jessicalwhor