A new Manhattan (and Jersey) queen on the scene who’s making money moves… the vivacious Vicky Vee! [Cover photo: Daniel Roa]
Thotyssey: Hi Vicky, thanks for chatting with us today! How was your Pride, and your summer so far in general?
Vicky Vee: Pride 2023 was…. wild. Last Pride I was literally unpacking boxes in my first apartment–and this year, I was blessed to be all over the city, getting to be a part of some super cool events! Summer overall has been lovely! This recent heat has been testing my makeup skills for sure.
It’s an adventure! Where did you come here from?
I came here from New Jersey; I was living there for school. I lived about an hour outside the city, so I would take the train in on the weekends. But I’m originally from Rochester, Minnesota!
Oh wow! What was life like there, and were you always a creative type growing up?
Growing up in MN was amazing, it’s truly such a gorgeous place! It’s the land of 10,000 lakes, so I was always outside with my brothers. I have definitely always been a creative person. I was very into drawing. I would draw my own fashion creations and cut out little paper dolls and mermaids to play with! I would wear a red bandanna on my head, convinced it was long, luscious hair. My parents should have been able to see my career coming for sure!
How did drag enter your life?
I can remember two specific instances when drag entered my life. The first was when I was in sixth grade. I remember one of my friend’s mom saying, “you’d be an amazing drag queen.” I responded, “um what is that!?” This led to my introduction to RuPaul and Divine.
But I didn’t really understand the concept of being a drag queen until my freshman year of college. One of my friends had a sketch of gorgeous drag queen taped to his wall, it was Shea Couleé! They all showed me Drag Race and, like everyone else, I was hooked. Looking back now, I completely understand what my friend’s mom meant!
And how did Vicky Vee get born? Do you have a drag mom?
Vicky Vee was born on Halloween 2019… fully in Little Mermaid drag, of course! This was my first real time being in full drag. I did drag a few more times until the pandemic hit in March. In terms of a drag mom, I’ve been lucky to have a few queens take me under their wig. Victoria Courtez (Miss Paradise 2017) taught me so much when I was first starting out. She booked me for some of my first real gigs in New Jersey. Now, being in NYC, I have been adopted into Kiki Ball-Change’s family! She has taught me so much about the NYC scene, and how to make myself stand out as an entertainer.
How might you describe the sort of drag you do today, as far as looks and numbers go?
My drag today is very conceptual. I put my all into the look and performance; those two things go hand in hand for me. I form my numbers based on how the music makes me feel, and what the music makes me see. When I listen to a song I want to perform, I visualize specific colors and movements that emulate how Vicky would do the song if she wrote it. When Vicky hits the stage, she’s going to give a polished, electric, and powerful performance!
Have you had a favorite onstage moment yet?
Absolutely! Definitely my finale performance at Maddelynn Hatter’s “Mother” competition at Hush. I performed to “Cosmic Love” by Florence and the Machine. I was able to showcase the most authentic version of my drag! I got to collaborate with Brie Bordeaux–she really helped bring my story to life through the choreography. Definitely a magical night that I will never forget!
These days you can be found serving pop-up performances Saturday nights at The Spot in Hell’s Kitchen; this week’s party is a special Kim Petras edition!
Yes, it’s been a month for me at The Spot and I can’t wait for Saturday! I have been playing Kim’s new album non-stop! “Claws” and “Minute” are definitely my favorites. The children should expect slutty excellence, and we will absolutely deliver!
What else is coming up for you?
July is a pretty chill month for me! I am currently working on some sickening looks for some upcoming photography projects… and a few other things I can’t talk about yet. But I can’t wait to share with everyone! For the rest of this month, you can catch me at The Spot Bar, Porta in Jersey City, and Amor Loco for a variety of brunch and night shows!
Yay! Lastly: what is your go-to drag cosmetic product!?
OMG, I love that question! My go-to drag cosmetic product would have to be the Kim Chi Chic Beauty, “The Most” concealer in the Solid White shade! I literally use this product for everything: under eyes, brow bone, cutting my crease, adding dimension to my lips. It’s reasonably priced, has a great consistency, lasts forever. Shameless plug: you can use code “VICKYVEE” for 15% off your purchase!
We love a good plug! Thanks Vicky!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Vicky Vee’s upcoming appearances, and follow her on Instagram and Twitter.
Thotyssey 