Meet Vivvi The Force | Drag Queen & Whips n Furs Costume Shop Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Vivvi The Force and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Vivvi, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I started my business to bring a unique, year-round costume store to San Diego, offering items that were hard to find locally. While living in San Francisco, I worked at a costume shop and fell in love with the energy and creativity of the industry. As a drag queen and a former healthcare worker, I wanted a career where I could make my own rules and create a space that celebrates self-expression. My goal was to build a shop that serves the community with costumes, makeup, wigs, and vintage fashion, all in an inclusive and welcoming environment

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is all about transformation, self-expression, and celebrating individuality. As a drag queen and business owner, I see fashion, makeup, and costumes as powerful tools that allow people to step into their most authentic selves. What sets my work apart is my focus on inclusivity and providing a space where everyone—whether they’re performers, cosplayers, or just people looking for something unique—can find what they need to express themselves. Our motto is “Clothes make a statement Costumes tell a Story.” And we have a lot of fun honoring that slogan.

I’m most proud of creating a business that serves my community, especially in a city where access to specialty costume pieces was limited. It wasn’t easy getting here—starting a business comes with financial and logistical challenges, especially opening our doors during the pandemic of 2020. But I overcame those obstacles by staying true to my vision, building strong relationships, and adapting to whatever came my way.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that success comes from persistence and authenticity. I want the world to know that my brand isn’t just about selling costumes—it’s about creating a space where creativity thrives, where people can explore different sides of themselves, and where self-expression is celebrated all year round.

I was given the exciting opportunity to showcase my passion for costuming and drag on the reality TV competition show, The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula. Although I did not come in first place, that experience allowed me to inspire my local community to pursue their dreams and continuously push their creative boundaries.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
San Diego has a lot to offer visitors for a week long trip of fun. In the same neighborhood as Whips n Furs Costumes, you’ll find a thriving community of art, shopping and delicious food. I always recommend other vintage shops in North Park: Hunt & Gather on Grim Ave and Day to Day Vintage on Univeristy. There is also a very fun and nostalgic toy store called Replay Toys on the corner of 30th and University. Of course, Verbatim Books is on top of the list for shops to see. Dark Horse Coffee and Subterranian Coffee shop are great vibes. Swamis is a fabulous lunch spot and if you’re in need of art supplies or in the mood to shop local artwork, Visual Art Supply studio is celebrated for a community atmosphere and friendly artist workshops. Going out for a cocktail? Red Wing is a well known bar in North Park for small bites, kareoke and an all inclusive atmosphere.

I also host a drag event and dance party for alternative performers called Shapeshift once a month at EQ in Hillcrest, so be sure to check our calendar when visiting San Diego.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I owe most of my success to the family and friends who encouraged me to keep moving forward and to never give up on new business goals.

Website: https://g.co/kgs/XhoYyZF

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

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/whips-n-furs-costume-shop-san-diego

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKuu3mbayf8

Other: https://www.instagram.com/vivvitheforce

Image Credits
Photographer: Captured By Weinchez, Homestudios SD, San Diego, CA