We had the good fortune of connecting with Angelique Diamond Doll and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Angelique, do you have a budget? how do you think about personal finances?
I am lucky to say Drag is my full time job. Budget can depend on how many times I’m booked or how well a show goes. Some weekends are awesome but there are also some weeks that are not. In a way, this has helped me become more responsible when it comes to saving and spending money. I’m harder on myself when it comes to my “Needs” and “Wants” which I think is a great skill to have for adulthood. Yes, I could go out and get myself a 9-5 job to rack up on nice things faster but I see all my free time as an extra investment into my art form. Why waste my days miserable at a job while I could be doing things to get me where I want to go like; working on choreography, learning to sew or practicing new makeup tricks.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets me apart from others is that I will make something out of nothing. I may be broke as a joke after bills but I will show out at the finale of that competition. I will travel and perform in other cities to get my name out there, and I will hand-sew a costume if I don’t have access to a sewing machine. A lesson I have learned is to work with what I have, I can do anything I put my mind to when I stop making up excuses. When I wanted to start doing drag there were no bars in my city that allowed 18yr olds to perform. So, nearly every weekend I would travel 3hrs for amateur night where I’d perform for free and leave with $20 in tips. That’s how I landed my first spot on cast at my home bar back in Memphis. I was 19 performing at a 21+ bar because they like what I have to offer.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m pretty new to Dallas and honestly I haven’t done much exploring. From what I have done, I’d definitely bring them to party on Cedar Springs and let them catch one of our DIAMOND DOLL shows at Havana Bar and Grill. Take them to Sky Blossom for delicious Pho and drinks with a gorgeous view of downtown Dallas. Exquisite dinner at Trulucks and a super fun brunch at The Trove where they can catch us “The Diamond Dolls” for our show every Sunday.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My Drag family definitely deserves a shoutout. They welcomed me with open arms when I moved to Dallas from Memphis, TN. With critiques from my sisters and mother I began to grow and push myself to improve my craft.
Website: https://story.snapchat.com/p/a316cf6b-72c0-4918-9ed0-56cc93276608
Instagram: @angeliquediamondd @hausofdiamonddoll
Facebook: Angelique Diamond Doll
Image Credits
David Martinez Scotty Kirby