Meet Keri Oki | Drag Performer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Keri Oki and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Keri, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Words I’ve always lived by was “Attitude will effect your altitude.”

Honestly; this quote really changed my life when I first heard it. I’ve competed in a lot of competitions may it be singing, pageantry or drag competitions in local bars and I’ve always taken it as a learning experience. You might not always win but the fact that you went out there and you did it! Experiencing the moments with some performers I’ve never worked with before or getting critiques to learn what you can improve on; for me that’s always win!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
If I could describe Miss Keri Oki in a couple words; Sexy, Beautiful and A goof ball!

When I first started learning about drag in 2016; I knew I wanted to participate but it was a bit of struggle as I was still trying to finish my associates degree in Culinary and Hospitality Arts in Upstate NY and working 3 jobs at the time. That said; they had a little new queen off and three of us would be selected to be apart in the next show and I was lucky to be one of those chosen performers. After that show the rest was history and I wanted to keep doing it; about a year later I moved to San Diego and for myself it was a culture shock moving from NY to CA because I didn’t know what would be different with the scenes!
After moving here; I got recognized for being one of few drag artists in San Diego who sings live during their performances!

I gained a lot of personal successes like competing and winning 1st Alternate/Miss Congeniality in Miss Gay Arizona US of A Newcomer to co-producing a drag production company called “Big Table Productions” to being honored at the 3rd annual Hillcrest Honors as a fabulous entertainer! That said; there were some struggles on the way; maybe hopping job to job and still trying to balance your work life with your “Werk” life. I think the biggest struggle that nobody prepares you for drag is how expensive it is. When I tell you just the basics is quite a bit just to start; honestly I’m impressed. The hardest thing is sometimes going out and putting your art out there. Drag is the art of illusion and putting it on feels like an extension of myself but letting the person I wanted everyone to see the most but fear to let them out.

With those struggles; I’ve learned to just continue because you don’t ever try; you do! I’m not going to try; I’m going to do my best! With my artistry; I want people to remember that I was a voice not just as singer but someone who would be their to inspire others and help build platforms for those and make opportunities!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
One of my favorite spots was False Idol; which is a hidden tiki bar located in Little Italy!

If anyone knows me I have the biggest sweet tooth in the world and one of my favorite is checking out North County San Diego at a donut shop called The Goods; their brown sugar sea salt donut is one of my favorites!

I am biased to check out a new winery/brewery so if you ever get a chance to go to Vista, CA you need to check out Grafted Cellars and Weir Beer Brewing; two of my favorite businesses to check out!

Nightlife wise: I love supporting my local drag shows may it be La Bomba located at #1 on fifth avenue to Urban Mo’s one of the longest drag show in SoCal Dreamgirls or their famous Bubbles for Brunch to Rich’s Stunt; an interactive queer dance party! One of my favorite little spots however is Redwing in North Park; I might have a guilty pleasure for Karaoke (groundbreaking; I know)

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First off; I love to shoutout my business partner who has been helping me produce events in North County San Diego to help make it more LGBT friendly! I love to shoutout the drag community here in San Diego and Albany, NY as that’s where I got my start and for always pushing me to do better!

A special shoutout to Lust; my mentor with drag. She helped me out at my pageant in Arizona and created my package for Nationals at Miss Gay US of A Newcomer took me under her wing and made me a better drag artist. She took a chance on me and it was a quite a big one but she’s never looked back. (Ok well.. maybe once or twice.) But that’s besides the point; I love her.

I love to give a shoutout to the person who nominated me for the opportunity to share my story; Lance Holmes; I love you sis!

And of course thank you to my family and friends who has always believed in me to keep going!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/misskerioki/