Meet Shanita Blunt

We were lucky to catch up with Shanita Blunt recently and have shared our conversation below.

Shanita, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

“A drag queen with imposter syndrome? That’s hilarious, tell us another one!”
I get that a lot. In many ways, it can feel like being a glamorous superhero—by day, I’m in the office doing my thing, and by night, I’m fighting crime… but instead of literal villains, it’s the mental ones. I’m slaying lip-syncs, not just battling bad guys.
Like many people, I carry my phone around, and it’s full of messages, ads, and stories that somehow make me feel “less than.” The endless comparison game can be overwhelming—the picture-perfect lawns, the glamorous lives—and it’s hard not to feel like I’m missing something. Even after years of hard work, accolades, and recognition, the feeling of not being “enough” can still creep in.
There was a time when the goals I had felt so close and attainable. But after over a decade in my past career of advertising, that once-aspirational ceiling started to feel more like a busted-up drop ceiling—stale, low, and in need of a renovation. I found myself questioning the difference between the image I’ve built and the reality of where I was. What was the line between the performance I put on and who I really was?
To stay grounded, I remind myself to stay creative and keep building, constantly refining my skills and pushing forward. It’s so easy to get caught up in the fear of not being perfect. But I’ve learned that overthinking perfection will stop you in your tracks. Perfectionism is a trap—it prevents growth, makes it hard to make mistakes, or even try new things. So, I embrace it. It’s okay to be cringe, it’s okay to stumble. There are far worse things to be remembered for than being vulnerable.
The more you fall, the quicker you learn to pick yourself up. Eventually, those slips become part of the performance, and you realize that even the stumbles are part of the show. I like to think of it as gymnastics—eventually, you turn the mistakes into moments of grace.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m an award-winning drag performer, host, and costume designer, and I truly believe my art is about creating living, breathing works of transformation. For me, drag isn’t just about the performance—it’s about the entire experience of stepping into a new persona and embodying a completely different world. I love to jump between time periods, silhouettes, and universes, using my art to transport myself (and my audience) to places that are both fantastical and deeply personal. Every transformation, whether it’s through fashion, makeup, or performance, is an opportunity to explore new ideas about identity, beauty, and self-expression.
I’m always looking for ways to push boundaries and redefine what drag can be. It’s not just about entertainment; it’s about creating a space for exploration, growth, and challenging expectations. I see drag as an art form that can be as fluid and ever-changing as life itself, and I want to constantly evolve with it.

Currently, I’m working on some really exciting projects. One of the most thrilling is the development of a TV pilot that blends the world of performance art with storytelling in a way I haven’t seen before. It’s a mix of visual spectacle and deep narrative, exploring themes that are close to my heart.
I’m also in the process of designing my very first collection. It’s a huge step for me, as it’s not just about creating beautiful garments, but about creating a whole new language rooted in my drag persona through fashion. The collection will be an expression of everything I’ve learned about the intersection of performance and design, blending conceptual fashion with the raw, unapologetic energy of drag.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

1. Learning New Skills
One of the most impactful qualities in my journey has been the constant pursuit of new skills. Drag, like any art form, is multi-faceted, and there’s always something new to learn—whether it’s makeup techniques, costume design, performance styles, or even business strategies. Embracing the challenge of learning has allowed me to continually push my boundaries and refine my craft. The more you grow your skillset, the more confident you become in your artistic expression. It’s about stepping out of your comfort zone and finding ways to innovate your work.
Advice: Don’t be afraid to try new things and develop new skills, even if they seem daunting at first. Whether it’s picking up a sewing machine, learning new choreography, or exploring different art forms, growth comes from taking on things that push you to expand. Remember, every expert was once a beginner.

2. Listen to the Elders in Your Artistic Community
Another key quality has been learning from the artists who came before me. In the drag community, there’s a wealth of knowledge and wisdom passed down through experience. I’ve found that listening to those who’ve paved the way is invaluable. They’ve already navigated many of the challenges you’ll face, and their guidance can save you time and energy. Respecting the knowledge and experience of others—whether it’s about technique, navigating the industry, or managing personal growth—has been instrumental in shaping my journey.
Advice: Be humble and open to learning from those who have more experience in the field. Don’t rush your growth or assume you know everything. Take the time to listen, ask questions, and absorb what you can. The community is there to support you, and mentorship is one of the most powerful ways to fast-track your progress.

3. Patience and Persistence
The third quality that has been crucial to my journey is patience and persistence. Success doesn’t come overnight, and neither does mastery. There have been many moments of doubt, frustration, and setbacks, but the key to overcoming those is persistence. Drag is a long-term commitment—building your brand, developing your craft, and gaining recognition takes time. Patience with yourself and the process is necessary. Things may not always unfold as quickly as you want, but with persistence, you’ll see the fruits of your labor.
Advice: Understand that the road to success is often a marathon, not a sprint. There will be times when things feel slow or stagnant, but that doesn’t mean you’re not progressing. Stay committed to your growth, even when the results aren’t immediate. Keep showing up, practicing, and honing your craft. Over time, your hard work will pay off.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

Breathwork, especially through Pranayama techniques, is a simple yet powerful way to calm your mind and relax your body. It’s so important to listen to your body! By focusing on your breath and practicing different breathing patterns, you can quickly reduce stress and feel more centered. Pranayama, which is an ancient breathing practice from yoga, includes exercises like deep breathing. These techniques help you feel more in control of your emotions, clear your mind, and find a sense of calm. It’s an easy and effective way to unwind and bring peace into your day, no matter how busy or overwhelming life gets.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shanitablunt
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@shanitablunt

Image Credits

Killian Allgood, Davide Laffe