We recently connected with Lola Michele-Kiki and have shared our conversation below.

Lola, appreciate you joining 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?

For a long time, I second guessed my ability as a drag performer. In a city where drag is so competitive, it was very intimidating to think I could do this full time. After 10 years of persistence and hard work, I’m lucky to live off my art 100%

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.

I’ve been into the arts for as long as I can remember. Wether it was at school, church, or any other institution. Wherever I could get my hands around anything artistic, there I was. Growing up in The Dominican Republic, in a religious household, wasn’t easy, however. Having to hide the parts of me that made me “me” would never be a fond memory. Luckily throughout the years, I’ve come across people and mentors who have been of incredible help in shaping and making the artist that I am today.

I didn’t necessarily think I would ever end up doing drag, but 10 years later, it sure has been a blessing. Lola Michele-Kiki was created out of nowhere, in preparation to the anticipated ARTRAVE, hosted by Lady Gaga! It was only meant to last one night, then that night turned into forever. Shortly after seeing Lady Gaga at the ARTRAVE or ARTPOP Ball, I “got in drag again” (I use quotations because what I was doing then was hardly any drag, but we all start somewhere) and headed for a weekly local drag competition called STAR SEARCH. I won that night. The rest is polished.

If I had to define Lola Michele-Kiki to the world, I’d say she’s … Spicy. Some people love it, some people don’t. But most everybody has it at least once, and I promise you everybody remembers the taste forever.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being an artist is changing people’s lives. I’m no Lady Gaga or Beyonce, but its always heartfelt when people come up to me after shows and tell me I’ve been the highlight of their trip. I always speak about love and acceptance at all of my shows, but most importantly how Pride started as a battle and a protest, and how we need to still remain active in our communities to keep progressing together.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Social media and the internet holds EVERYTHING. The only learning more accessible than the one provided online, is the one you learn from the people around you.

These days, everything you need and more is available on youtube. For free.

I remember when I started doing drag, 10 years ago; we didn’t have step-by-step makeup tutorials. We had to learn by looking like a troll first, and see those who were older than us. We had to learn by making mistakes, and by asking questions. The new generation of drag has so much knowledge at their fingertips. Baby drag queens look stunning these days.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @LolaMKiki
• Facebook: Facebook.com/LolaMicheleKiki

Image Credits
Image with floral outfit photographed by @JustJax other images photographed by @Steven.Shoots.Raw