Meet Mariam T. | Drag Queen

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mariam T. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mariam, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
I’ve always been a workaholic. I had two jobs through high school, and three in college. I’ve continued that strong work ethic throughout my career, but many times, it has led to me to burnout. About two years ago I started weekly coaching with a life coach, who taught me a lot about work/life balance. Now I am able to take time off and enjoy down time without guilting myself. I quit comparing my work ethic to other people’s, and I started to set more realistic timelines and goals for myself. I’m constantly considering my work/life balance, ensuring I don’t fall back into bad habits that will lead me to burnout. It doesn’t always happen, but luckily, I have learned new ways to cope with burnout when in inevitably happens.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I never thought that I’d be a full-time drag queen. My goal was always to do stand-up comedy (out of drag), and then somehow I ended up doing that but in sparkly gowns! I love the art of drag, which has a along and rich history, and huge influence in American pop culture and entertainment. From starting out hosting an outdoor standup comedy show at a coffee shop in South Park, to performing at the Adelaide Fringe Festival in Australia, to now being the Queen of Aspen Gay Ski Week. I’ve learned that being a professional artist requires you to really connect with people, meet them where they are, and then take them to your world. To be successful in this, and I believe any business, you must, above all, be true to yourself. I’ve learned that keeping your word, being professional, and always following through with commitments is integral to becoming successful with your business. I grew up in a rural farming town in Arkansas and grew up as the weird, gay, theatre kid. I chose to take that strangeness with me, along with the southern charm I had inherited and make something fabulous out of it. I capitalized on my talents, and it has been the most rewarding aspect of my life so far.

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?
Isn’t San Diego so great? Just seeing this question made me smile, because the possibilites are endless! I of course would take them on a tour of my stomping grounds, Hillcrest. I’d have to hit Baja Betty’s on Taco Tuesday, and stop in for a bite at some of my favorite spots: Common Stock, Urban Mo’s, and Sister’s Pizza (the best in town!). I’d also have to take them around my neighborhood, Normal Heights, which is truly anything but normal. We’d grab ramen at Dao Fu (where else can you get complimentary salad and dessert?!), go vintage shopping on Adams Avenue, and take a long walk around the neighborhood to stop at all of our lovely parks and peruse the Little Free Libraries. A trip to SD isn’t complete without a beach day, and I think I’d have to choose OB to soak up the sun, do some shopping and check out the Wendesday Farmer’s Market. A weekend brunch in Little Italy is a must- and we’d absolutely have to get the Japanese Pancakes from Morning Glory. Be sure to go see them and their absolutely fabulous staff! I’m a long-time zoo member, so we’d have to walk off those calories at the zoo and Japanese Friendship Garden, one of my favorite spots in all of the city.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my friends and chosen family at Urban MO’s. I have received so much great life and business advice from my colleagues and mentors there, and they have truly opened up a space for me to feel at home and explore my creativity, as well as grow my business. I would also never be where I am today without all of the folks that support my art and my shows.

Instagram: themariamt