This NYC born beauty queen is serving shows this Cinco de Mayo: Miss Nicki Giselle!
Thotyssey: Nicki, hello! I know you have a very busy Day Job Existence, is there anything you wanna share about that?
Nicki Giselle: Hello hello hello! Thank you for having me. Yes, I am currently working in sales for LaserAway. A newer job, but I am a geek for aesthetics within the beauty industry. Prior to committing to drag, I got a Bachelors in Cosmetic and Fragrance Marketing at FIT–so I’ve tried to remain in beauty one way or another. But, shameless plug, if ya need any services like hair removal (Dollies! I do face / neck right now) or facials or even botox, let a girl know!
It seems like quite a natural pipeline from cosmetics and marketing to drag! I bet you probably approach drag differently than a lot of girls who fell into it without that specific background.
Yeah, my love for beauty and cosmetics has stemmed from drag. I am always a fan first before I’m a queen! I watched Season 3 of Drag Race when it aired on Logo, and it changed my life for the better. It is definitely important for my mug to be stamped for any performance. She’s a pretty girl, after all! But that’s just one factor I consider for providing sickening performances. Music choice and my musicality with it are super important, too.
How might you describe your drag today, as far as that music you like to use for your numbers and just your overall vibe?
Its very fem-forward. Sounds like a repeat of what Shea Couleé said, that her drag is a homage to black women. Mine is that way with trans women. I love music videos, I love the storytelling behind it–but you won’t see a trans woman as the love interest or the hot main girl in the video. The music I select gives the “what if” effect to shine light on how much stardom comes out of my community. I love divas too, both old and new, and so every performance isn’t like the previous ones. It can be anywhere from Bey to Joseline Hernandez to Donna Summer to Flo to Doechii. As long as I can connect to the song, the audience will naturally vibe and hype me up, and see me in my element.
Also I’m a body queen, so I try to show off my natural body as much as possible to showcase that I am a trans woman that happens to do drag. I also love a buildup: start slow and build the rhythm and intensity before fully going off with choreo and tricks.
Since you mentioned Doechii, have you seen / heard her new track and video with Gaga for The Devil Wears Prada 2’s soundtrack? If so, cute or meh?
Cute for sure! First listen I was like, “okay, this is alright… not what I expected.” This is why I love music videos though, because it made me go from like to love. So proud of Doechii… and, like, Gaga with a female rapper!? Iconic! They both deserve the world, and this was a fab song for the movie. They did! What needed! TO BE DONE! That collab is literally an example of my duality. I gotta perform her soon.
So can you tell us about where you’re from originally, and what ultimately put you on the drag path?
I am born (literally) and raised in Washington Heights, NYC. Big New Yorker over here! I dabbled in drag in both high school and college with my original alter ego, NicTheGlamazon. She walked so Nicki Giselle can strut. I committed to drag in September 2023 on my birthday at Drag Wars, and have been doing it since. I needed something that would emotionally fulfill me and that I could have complete fun with.
I think it was when I went to Greece a month prior, and I got a whole new outlook on life. That was a place I always wanted to see and was able to do so, which made me go “what else have I wanted to do, but haven’t done it (that is doable)?” and drag was something I was dancing around doing. Once the song played that day, which was “Virgo’s Groove” on my birthday, I knew I was meant to be performing.
What do you love about drag today, and what maybe makes you at least occasionally say “I am so over this,” lol?
I think as history goes on, the diversity in drag entertainers is the best part. Like I said, I am a fan first! I know going to a show with a full lineup that everyone is giving something different and giving it their all, too. It keeps my heart warm and my creative juices flowing knowing I can push it further as an entertainer.
I feel like I might be over certain versions of songs that are being done repeatedly by many queens, lol. There is so much music out there, I don’t need another queen bucking to the Glee version of “Disco Inferno…” unless you’re Kennedy Davenport. I am here for shock value and individuality!
Cinco de Mayo is upon us already! Frida Cox and Athena are hosting a special celebration on May 5th Proper at Fresco’s Grand Cantina, and you’ll be their guest star! How excited are you for this?
Super excited. Fresco’s has been a home for me, and allowed me to develop so much as an artist. Everyone there, whether it’s staff or other drag artists, are beyond down to Earth and are full of love and support. It’s important to shine light on these queer owned businesses that are first of foremost a safe space for the community, and a place that promotes nothing but love and acceptance. We have to preserve these places, especially in the world we live in today.
It’s also Cinco De Mayo on a Taco Tuesday, which is super iconic… like mi gente Latina! Also, Frida and Athena are always a ki to be with, and I’m forever a fan of theirs. We are going to have a grand ole time. I’m excited, and still brainstorming the numbers I want to do.
Is there anything else you wanna plug, discuss or mention?
Yes! Besides my love for beauty and drag, I’ve always wanted to model. I never thought I would be recognized for my beauty–you know, with model standards for a certain image. However! You can find me modeling for Danessa Myricks Beauty in bigger Sephora locations. It was a dream come true, honestly, to see myself in a store solely about beauty and me being used to sell the products. That shoot was so fun, and everyone on the team was so supportive and uplifting. I felt like such a doll that day, and knew I belonged in those spaces. So yeah, find me in Sephora, take a pic and tag me! First of many, hopefully!
Besides that, if you ever wanna book ya Girl to Twirl, I am only a DM away! New Yorker grit is truly finding opportunities in all realms, and wearing many hats. Whether it’s one time or all the time, I will always try something new!
Congrats! Okay lastly–this is my frequent closer with queens, but it might especially apply to you: what’s your favorite / most essential item in your drag bag?
I feel like it’s tied between having a purse, and my tucking panty. Obviously with going to gigs, I basically bring a big bag with me. But! Most, if not all, of my drag got no pockets. I need a purse to walk around the venue with my makeup for touchups, perfume, a joint….you know, essentials! The tucking panty is also a given. I am a lady first! Gotta remind everyone of the Nicki Giselle essence, which is my personal dollification.
Thanks Nicki, Feliz Cinco de Mayo!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Nicki Giselle’s upcoming appearances, and follow her on Instagram.
Thotyssey 