BY IRVIN RIVERA

We had the privilege of delving into the dynamic and multifaceted world of SASHA COLBY, a vanguard in the realms of drag, performance arts, and the broader artistic community. Amidst her bustling schedule of engagements, Sasha graciously shared insights into her life post her historic win on RuPaul's Drag Race season 15. Her narrative is one of continuous exploration and adventure, embodying the essence of a life devoted to the arts. Each day presents a new canvas for Sasha, whether she's assuming the role of a model, an activist, a creator, or an entertainer, underscoring her commitment to pursuing a life marked by creative fulfillment and purpose.

Sasha's journey is notably marked by her reflective dialogue on overcoming personal obstacles and embracing self-acceptance. The challenge of navigating through internal doubts and fears to discover and affirm her true identity - both in and out of the spotlight—is a story of resilience and authenticity. It's a poignant testament to the power of self-kindness and the transformative journey towards self-realization. Sasha's narrative transcends the personal, offering a universal message about the courage required to pursue one's authentic self and the endless pursuit of personal evolution amidst life's challenges and discoveries.

As we look forward to Sasha Colby's "Stripped" tour, her story unfolds as a compelling narrative of artistic evolution and the relentless pursuit of one's passions across the expansive domains of fashion, performance arts, and beyond. This upcoming tour, emblematic of Sasha's artistic journey, promises an eclectic fusion of fashion, heartfelt storytelling, and dynamic performance art, each aspect reflecting Sasha's unique vision and personal style. Sasha Colby's influence extends far beyond the stages she illuminates; she is a beacon of empowerment, creativity, and inclusion within the arts. Through her work, Sasha not only captivates audiences but also paves the way for a more inclusive and diverse artistic future. As we celebrate Sasha's contributions to the arts and her unwavering dedication to authenticity, let us also embrace the lessons of determination, creativity, and the transformative power of embracing one's true self.

Congratulations on your historic win in RuPaul's Drag Race season 15 and your upcoming tour, music and Sasha Colby Hair. Now, reflecting on your journey since claiming the crown, what's been the most surprising aspect of this journey so far? 

I think the most surprising aspect is I literally wake up every morning not knowing what my life is going to be that day. It's wild that every day is like a new thing I get to do. I get to be a model one day I get to be an activist another day I get to act or sing or create or design. So it's just kind of really exciting to live life and just knowing that you get to really be creative and do what you love doing. Pursuing my purpose is really great. It's been wonderful.

That's amazing. I love that you said that - pursuing your purpose. 

Yes, I feel like yes, your talents are to guide you towards your purpose. And your purpose is what's going to make you feel of use to the world.

And speaking of your journey into finding your purpose and doing your purpose, what are the challenges that you face and how did you overcome them? 

I think one of the biggest challenges I faced was actually getting out of my own way. And I'm still trying to work that one out. But honestly being nicer to myself, being kinder to myself and not bunking my own blessing with, can I do it or self-confidence or fear... Once I realized that I was in charge of my life instead of letting life lead me, I think that's been the biggest challenge I've had to overcome.

It's like silencing the voices in your head. 

Yes, that inner saboteur that RuPaul talks about a lot. Yes.

Speaking of that, can you share more about your journey to self-acceptance? And how has it influenced your drag persona? How would you describe your evolution throughout the years?

I think I've always, usually when we're doing drag or we find our drag persona, the persona ends up being the ideal self of what we think we are or what we want the world to perceive us as and I feel like I've always been in real life playing catch up to Sasha Colby or like what I exemplify on stage. In real life, I'm not as confident, I wouldn't be as I guess ferocious but I feel that I've managed to become that person. I've found myself with time and actually it was like life experiences and having deaths and life and birth and all the big things that happened to you in your life that shape who you are. I think that's allowed me to become Sasha Colby in my everyday life and be fierce and powerful throughout my day.

Is there a pivotal moment, or a specific experience that you can recall that shaped you as who you are right now?

Ooh. Um, I think the experience that kind of shaped my whole trajectory was when I went to my first dance concert at the dance studio that I eventually joined. Watching a beautiful dance recital and a concert, and seeing all these people that have amazing talents and were just so unapologetically powerful and strong was something that I am now completely addicted to. And getting to be friends with those people and still maintaining friendships, even to this day, has been really exciting. And it's kind of me going back... Even this “Stripped” show, me going back to those dance concerts that we all would be in, in Hawaii.

And then you just continue that journey. 

Yes. We literally have, we've been playing dress-up for 20 years.

How did the pageant world help shape your approach to your own drag? How do you fuse them together?

Growing up in Hawaii, I think drag and pageantry were all one in the same. A lot of Hawaii drag is based on Miss Continental and there's a lot of trans drag in Hawaii. So that pageantry has kind of shaped who I am as a performer. It allowed me to find a venue where I could exercise my dance talents and even in the dance we used to do a lot of dance competitions so it fueled that competitive side of me going into pageants. And really, pageants have helped me be quick at drag, be quick getting ready and changing and being professional. Being on time and really understanding how to brand myself - I got that all from pageants.

It really prepared you for the main stage.

It prepared me for Drag Race then.

As someone who loves to dance, what does performing on stage mean to you personally, and how to channel that energy to connect with your audience during your shows?

As a dancer, I think it's just freeing. I think dance always was a place of complete acceptance and a safe space to do whatever we want to do. And that's also drag so being able to combine drag, and my love for dance together has been really, really great.

Do you feel like a superhuman when you're on stage? How does it feel? 

I've been the recipient of so many opportunities that have helped my career that has just given me more confidence and allowed me to reach more people. And I really wanted to do that with this tour. I mean, it just felt natural. Also, you know, a one-woman show is pretty tiring so I needed a little breath. And having guest artists allows me to watch them, and take a little breather, and enjoy my own show by seeing what each city has to offer.

Fashion plays a significant role in drag culture and you're known for your impeccable style. Can you share some of your favorite designers or fashion inspirations that fans can expect to see during your tour?

Oh, like some design inspiration. Some ideas or inspo?

Yes.

One of my best friends and my stylist and I, actually it's like a bunch of my best friends. When we were talking about how to design this show and the costumes, we wanted an eclectic mix of everything but we wanted to show every time I go on stage, this has always been a motto even in Drag Race or in pageants you want to show a different side of you, that you see 12 different versions of what Sasha Colby could be. And that's what I showed on Drag Race and that's what I want to take you on, on this “Stripped” show, it's kind of every number is a little different, every number has a different vibe. As far as fashion inspo, I mean we've loved Margiela, you know. We also love Dior. Obsessed with Schiaparelli and even just you know, new and up-and-coming designers that we get to work with has been really exciting.

So this is like a very visually stunning tour then.

Yes.  It's visually… it's a feast for the eyes.

Sasha Colby Hair has become a sensation since its release. What inspired you to create your signature ponytails, and how do you hope your hair collection empowers your fans?

I kind of had this ponytail signature since Miss Continental and it's been my I guess it's kind of like a lucky charm for me and I've wanted to empower people and anybody who wants to have like a fierce snatch any day of the week, and really allow them to feel their goddess and feel their power.

I love that. You're just full of empowering energy and I love it.

That is the motto here at Sasha Colby Land to make people feel empowered after they leave a show of mine.

f you were a book, what book would you be and why?  

I'll be the Encyclopedia honey.

Yes. A - Z!

All the volumes, all the volumes baby.