We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Miss V Van-Cartier. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Miss V below.

Alright, Miss V thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

My parents were divorced before I was 1 years old. While growing up between households was stressful at times, and definitely had an impact on my life; My Mom (who spent majority of my time with) never pushed or forced me to do things I did not like or want to do. Instead of trying to cancel out or change my more feminine and artistic tendencies, she fostered them and encouraged me to get involved in and do things I liked, enjoyed, and was even good at. Especially as I got older. She always loved, respected, and appreciated me for me. Having not just the freedom, but also the support and encouragement to be myself and do whatever it was that I enjoyed and had a talent for is something I wish everyone had growing up.

Miss V, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hey it’s me, Miss V Van-Cartier, the Pittsburgh Barbie & Showgirl. My drag/ performing journey began in late March 2016 and since then, I have won numerous competitions & pageants, achieving the titles Miss There Ultra Lounge ‘17/‘18 & Miss Metropolitan Continental ‘23. I regularly perform all over Pittsburgh, hosting shows, parties, and events. I love to travel and have performed in numerous other cities and states. Check out my socials, hit me up, and I’d love to come party with you in yours.

In my free time, I love to play games, watch movies, binge watch tv shows, do skincare routines, sing & dance, cook, and hangout with friends. I also graduated in 2018 with a Bachelors specializing in Fashion & Editorial Photography.

It all started one night in NYC during Fashion Week. I was at Boots & Saddles and they brought me on stage for an audience lip sync battle/ competition. We were each randomly assigned a music artist and the dj played 60 seconds of a song by that artist but we didn’t know which song until it played. The hostess assigned me Taylor Swift, my song was Blank Space, and I won. I came back to Pittsburgh and got started.

My first performance was at Blue Moon bar’s Open Stage on Wednesday March 23, 2016. I did Blank Space by Taylor Swift and since that night, I found my true passion. I started by going out 7 nights a week to every bar and every show across the city. I took advice from some and ignored others. Continuing to compete every week in open stages and other competitions. Constantly investing and growing in my craft all while being a full time college student with a part AND full time job.

I’ve made many connections both online and in person (DragCon LA & NY) and travel all over the US (mostly the East Coast for now) doing shows and advancing my career. Drag has literally saved my life on more than one occasion. And it was through drag (but not because of) that I discovered so much about myself, including that I am a trans woman.

I host regular monthly/ weekly occurring shows across the city and am still learning and growing every day. I’m anxiously awaiting the day where I get to travel the world and entertain for all kinds of people as well as build relationships with brands and designers to even share my art off the performing stage as an ambassador/ influencer/ model and so much more.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

In my own personal experience, I feel that a large chunk of society doesn’t view artists and creatives as essential workers, or “real” workers in general for that matter. Almost like they view what we do as a hobby. The biggest thing society can do for the artist and creative community is support. In every aspect of the word. Show up to shows, galleries, and events. Follow and share online content (websites, links, social medias, etc…). Donate to organizations and funds that help artists and creatives both locally and abroad. And last but certainly not least, encourage your children with artistic dreams and capabilities to learn and grow their crafts and pursue educations and careers in those fields. Rather than telling them it’s a “fever dream” and “not a way to make a living”. No one should have to be miserable working an office/ corporate job Simply because that’s what they were pressured into or led to believe is necessary to live comfortably.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

There are several rewarding aspects of being an artist/ creative. The first of which comes from the selfish gratification of getting to express yourself and/ or tell your story on your own terms and through your own outlet. For me, personally, it’s also getting to educate, contribute to my communities, and be an inspiration to those who may struggle (for one reason or another) to feel like they have a place/ “fit in”. To get to make others feel seen and heard and understood and to show them and let them know that they too can do it (whatever that means for them).

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/missv_pgh/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dylan.strayer

Image Credits
Travis Honnick Jeremy with FreePride.org Kristen jpeg photography