Conversations with Justine Van de Blair

Today we’d like to introduce you to Justine Van de Blair.

Hi Justine, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I was always into theater and production as a high school student. I got my very first taste of drag at what would become my first home bar – Club Pantheon – in Charleston, SC in 2007, right after graduating.

I remember the magical feeling of seeing the queen bring their illusions, beauty, and mystique on the stage, and then leaving the club totally de-dragged like a whole different person.

This sparked me to begin to compete in the drag talent shows (which included me jumping out of my parents’ house window fully made up to sneak away in the night and get my life on stage)! I finally landed on a name a couple of months in, which was a tribute to my straight ally best friend couple at the time, Justin and Christine, to make my first name “Justine”.

My last name was a tribute to my TV diva icons at the time, the main characters in gossip girl, Serena Van der Woodsen and Blair Waldorf make “Van de Blair”. I worked my way all across SC stages and eventually moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where I perform weekend after weekend in every aspect of drag, straight, or private party venue! Drag is my life.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has not been smooth. First and foremost, my allergy to makeup, makes experimentation and usage of glitter and all things shiny (drag queens’ favorite) very difficult. I also have a tremendously overwhelming religious family who does not support drag art.

We have tried to work through this for many years and I am hopeful that one day, they will give it a chance. I also had an ex-boyfriend who in 2016 sold or destroyed every piece of drag I owned- following a breakup, which was a surprise to me when I returned to claim it.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in my transformation.

I’d say makeup is my strongest ability. I appreciate showgirl style drag and have emulated my own style after many showgirl mentors. Feathers, rhinestones, and looks are most appealing to me.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
For those just starting out, whatever level you end up on, remain humble. I have never “known it all” or “arrived”, I feel there is something to learn every day from newbies and legends alike.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @justinequeenqueen
• Facebook: Justine Van de Blair
• Youtube: Justine Van de Blair

Image Credits
Cody Stallings