A South American born diva on the NYC come-up, Spice Diamond serves flavor and sparkle to all the starving children. [Cover photo: @smossophoto]
Thotyssey: Hello Spice! You were just at 3 Dollar Bill helping a sister with her “Ultimate Diva” pageant package, right?
I was helping my sister Coco Mayumo; she had a great package and she gave her all, but the winner for the night and the “Ultimate Diva” ended up being my other sister by heart, Catalina. I love her so much; she deserves it, too. She is a great drag artist, performer, and human being. I met her on my first day doing drag… so seeing her, it was amazing.
Congrats to her and to all who came out with their best packages! Are you a pageant girl yourself at all, or do you hope / plan to be one someday?
I am not a pageant girl queen just yet; I feel like I haven’t been doing drag long enough. I do hope to start doing some pageants next year–starting with “Ultimate Diva,” so hopefully Catalina will pass me the crown. And I would love to do the “Drag Wars: All Stars” next cycle.
Can you tell us a bit about where you’re from, and what sort of fabulous interests you had while growing up? Were you a performer, a fashionista, etc.?
Oh my God, I love this question! I am Venezuelan and Colombian. I was born and raised in Venezuela. I moved to Colombia, and then I came to New York five years ago. I never took dance classes or gymnastics. I always wanted to, but my dad never allowed me to do so. I had to hide in my room and rehearse to Fifth Harmony, because I used to be obsessed with them back then. Every single dance move and every single trick that I know, I learned it by myself. I never expected to start doing drag, but I love that I started doing drag. It has changed my life for the better. It has made me realize how much of a star I am, and could be.
On a serious aside, it must be scary and so upsetting for you to see what is happening in Venezuela today. Have you been back there recently?
I have not gone back home ever since I left. It is upsetting what is going on back home; I have my mom, and all my family from my mom’s side, over there. I haven’t seen them in over five years, so it is sad. But also, I don’t see myself ever going back to live over there. New York City has showing me that this is the place where I belong, and I never felt [before] like I belong somewhere. So, this feeling of knowing that my artistry is appreciated… I wouldn’t change it for anything.
New York is better off with you!
Aw, thank you so much!
How and when did you become Spice, and what were your first New York shows?
Spice Diamond was born eleven months ago on September 9th of 2023. My debut was at The Ritz for “Open Call,” hosted by a queen that I adore: Holly Dae, and Stasi. That was also when I met Catalina! I remember I was really nervous, but I made it to the top two! I thought drag was gonna be a thing for only one night… but now it has become my life, and I am really proud of what I’ve done in eleven months, almost a year. I made it to the Hall of Fame at The Ritz–there’s only five in that “Open Call” Hall of Fame in the eight years that the competition has been running. I’m proud of say that I’m one of those five queens! “Hall of Fame” means that you won the competition four weeks in a row, and I will never forget that feeling
Congrats! How might you describe your drag today, as far as looks and numbers go?
I will describe my drag as commercial drag, as the future of drag. I am a dancing queen. I will dance the house down bootz! I love dancing, I love pulling tricks… and also I call myself a good entertainer. I feel like I have the full package: I will dance, I’m good on the mic, and I could be funny… sometimes!
As far as looks, Spice has had drastic change. I started wearing almost no clothes–but I love me a bodysuit, I love me some good rhinestones, I love an outfit that shines like a diamond. Right now the thing that I’m still working the hardest on is my makeup, but it has been a drastic evolution as well. Just one step at a time, because honestly drag could be really expensive when you first start.
This Saturday, you’ll be serving brunch shows at Kween in Astoria with Roxie Chanel! T
OMG yes! I love doing brunch, and I’ve been wanting to do it at Kween for the longest. It is an amazing venue, and the owner is Venezuelan–so it fills my heart with joy to be able to showcase my talent in a venue that could feel like home. This brunch is usually hosted by the amazing Freeda Kulo, but she’s away for the week… so my mother Roxie Chanel is taking over for her.
What else is coming up for you?
There’s a couple of exciting things coming up; I’m gonna be soon in another venue in Queens. I’m not sure if I can reveal the place and the show yet, and I don’t have the flyer. So for the moment, I’m just gonna keep being around, even if there’s no bookings! I tried to put myself out there. I am really grateful and thankful for every single place that allows me to showcase who I am, and I’m grateful for every tip spot, open set and open call. It goes beyond the money for me; if you’re doing drag because of the money, quit immediately because it’s expensive.
Looking forward to a bright and spicy future! Okay, lastly: what is currently your favorite, most essential item in your drag bag, cosmetics or otherwise?
OMG, this is a hard one! But honestly, I’m a natural body queen; God blessed me with a great set of legs and cheeks, lol! So to answer your question: vinyl tape! I don’t wear pads, so the tape is essential. Also, I use the tape for installing my wigs.
She’s a crafty queen! Thanks, Spice!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Spice Diamond’s upcoming appearances, and follow her on Instagram and TikTok.
Thotyssey 