Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelly von Miller.
Shelly, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started in drag in October 2018 with the Urban Cowboy Saloon’s season five of Duel. I made it to the top five of the season and was able to get booked in the DFW area because of my work on that show. Prior to my stage debut, I had participated in the drag scene by helping my drag sister, Judy von Miller at shows by taking pictures. I also did make-up looks for my beauty blog during the early to mid-’10s.
Since starting a drag, I have participated in several DFW area competitions to include Showdown season 2, The 3 season one and three and Gag! season one. I have also grown from my original idea of what I thought my drag was and included burlesque, comedy and alternative forms of drag. I have also included my own feminist and witchy twist to my numbers as I have gotten further along.
Recently, I have been able to do shows in several cities in Texas, as well as, Columbus, Ohio; Seattle, Washington; Victoria and Vancouver, Canada. I have been able to do those shows because I reached out to queens and producers from those cities to get booked. It has really helped push me to apply or ask for more shows back in DFW.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has not been a smooth road. I have my own mental health issues that are from my service in the military, which hinders me from being able to go out as much. I am also currently a graduate student in history at Texas Christian University, so I have had to balance competing or doing shows with all my requirements for school.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I think what sets me apart from SOME of the other drag artists in the area is that I am willing to go backstage to help my fellow queens when I am not in drag (or even in drag). It helps me stay grounded by helping out. Plus, I have learned a lot of great tricks for entertaining and putting together a look/number by just being backstage listening and helping.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I was accepted to be a select artist for this year’s Austin International Drag Festival.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.micheletheblog.com
- Email: michele@micheletheblog.com
- Instagram: http://www.micheletheblog.com
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/shellyvonmiller
- Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/michelethetweet
Image Credit:
Fernie Renteria (first)
Mo (Top Left)
David Martinez (Top Right)
Kilo Kikii (middle left)
Nebuleux (bottom left)
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