Today we’d like to introduce you to Riley Finley, Bèyonshade Starr.
Riley, 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 five years ago playing with makeup and exploring the art form of a Female Illusionist (Drag Queen). I started in a rough patch, just like most do. My makeup was not great; costumes not well put together. But like any other hard worker, it takes dedication to strive for me!
I attended talent night at The Rainbow Lounge. I never did win but that didn’t knock me down. Shortly after The Rainbow Lounge was no longer, I became a host and Mc for Club Reflection in Fort Worth on the patio. I started off not getting pay, just doing what I love to do best. Entertain people and give them a space to feel welcomed! Shortly after I started, I finally was being paid and so were my performers. Hard work pays off!
I hosted the Death Drop Friday show for almost 2 1/2 years before I decided to walk away and pass the Mic to my sister Veronica Reyes! She now hosts the show and is doing an amazing job. I am now currently apart of the Imperial Court System of Fort Worth And Arlington!
We are a 501c3 organization. We are such an amazing group that helps raise one dollar at a time for our LGBTQ Community. I am beyond proud to say I am on the line of succession as (Xzarina) to Reign 40. We have put on some of the best charity events this year and will continue to help our community. If it wasn’t for my family, friends, or Sisters, I wouldn’t be where I am at today!
I Thank God every day for allowing me to do what I love and to live freely.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth path to go down. I’ve been judged by many, saying I’m too extra, I’m not talented, I can’t dance. I was bullied before I moved to Fort Worth for being gay. This took a huge piece of me and I had to hide it.
Please tell us more about your work. What do you do? What do you specialize in? What sets you apart from competition?
I’m not a company but I guess you can say my Drag is a brand! I am known for my MCing skills and makeup skills. I am most proud of how far I have come to this community and can’t wait to grow even bigger. I think what sets me apart from others is I love to perform on booked gigs but I turn right back around and give back to my community through charity. Not a lot of up and coming queens know about the imperial court system and I think it would be amazing to have them be apart of it so they could also give the gift of helping others.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
I think the proudest moment of my drag career was being crowned this year, “ Miss Imperial Pride 2020, “ for ICFWA. Not to mention how excited my mother was when I called and told her! She is my Rock!
Contact Info:
- Email: rileykfinley@gmail.com
- Instagram: Beyonshade_starr
- Facebook: Riley Finley
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