Rising Stars: Meet Kayla LaShay of Downtown

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla LaShay.

Hi Kayla, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Kayla LaShay, a female impersonator and drag queen, started in 2004. In 2004, Kayla started as a bet during an amateur drag queen competition. After an eight-year break, they returned to the stage in 2018, thanks to the owners of The Green Monkey.

After losing that competition, the determination set in to be better before the next month’s competition which paid off as I won. At this point, I was hooked and dove into the craft’s history. After many years of trying to build a name and presence in the community, I decided to take a break to focus on school and another career opportunity. While taking a break from the art of female impersonation, I missed it so much and loved supporting other entertainers I had grown to know and respect. I am thrilled I decided to return to the stage and grow my persona and character into being a successful queen in North Carolina. Being able to share my art and meet new people across the state has been very exciting! I host a monthly show at The Green Monkey (typically every fourth Saturday of the month) and a brunch at Libations 317. When I am not working at my events, I travel to other venues and cities throughout North Carolina. I am incredibly pleased to be one of ten contestants vying for the prestigious title of Miss Gay North Carolina America, to be held in Hickory, North Carolina, on August 27, 2022.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Drag and female impersonation has grown exponentially since I first started. RuPaul’s Drag Race has been instrumental in increasing the awareness of the art by moving it from the night-life and club venues to being in people’s homes on the television. Before social media, you had to present yourself at venues to get the attention of show directors and venue owners. This proved to be more challenging and time-consuming, as now, with social media – you can broaden your presence using one or many social media platforms.

Now that it is so popular, the new obstacle is the abundance of entertainers. It is more challenging for some to get hired for events due to the vast amount of great entertainers available. You must continue growing, taking on new challenges, creating new events, and partnering with additional venues to broaden your fan base. Additionally, you must stay most relevant on updating costumes, makeup applications, wig styles, jewelry, etc., to ensure your art does not stagnate but continues to grow.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As a drag queen, I lip-sync to famous artists’ music while dancing and providing comedic relief. In addition to lip-syncing, I am a comedian. I am most known for my quick wit and the ability to have a comeback for any topic or situation. I enjoy making people smile and laugh. Laughing is my favorite thing in the entire world. I’m also known for the Kayla shuffle – a quick little feet work dance I incorporate in each performance. Additionally, I have a signature bump-it hairstyle in a burgundy blend for my wigs. I am most proud of my growth over the past 4 years. Being a contestant in the Miss Gay North Carolina pageant is a dream come true and a complete honor. I am set apart by others because of my glamour and comedic abilities. Being “pretty” and hilarious is not always expected by patrons.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Once you determine the type of drag queen or female impersonator you want to be, you must build relationships with others that fit that category. Most entertainers are excited to share experiences, tips, and ideas with newcomers. Can do this networking by attending local shows/events or reaching out on social media. Some newcomers may elect to have a drag mother, who is a mentor for newcomers and helps them better their art and build the persona and appearance they have as a goal. The drag mother also can help with mentorship on growing as a person, in general, to help you become the best version of yourself.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @thekaylalashay
• Facebook: @thekaylalashay