Perla: Fashion, Fierceness, and the Power of Community
Perla: Fashion, Fierceness, and the Power of Community
Perla Talks Drag Race, Fashion, and What’s Next!
She’s petite, she’s polished, and she’s ready to take Windsor by storm! Canada’s Drag Race Season 5 queen Perla dishes on life after the competition, her evolving drag aesthetic, and her upcoming performance at The Barbershop Bar. Read the full interview now!
The Calgary-born queen reflects on life after Canada’s Drag Race, her fashion-forward evolution, and bringing the whiplash to Windsor.
From Canada’s Drag Race Season 5 to the fashion runways, Perla has made a name for herself as a fierce competitor, model, and fashion blogger. Originally from Calgary and now based in Toronto, Perla’s drag combines high fashion with undeniable stage presence. In 2022, she cemented her status as a powerhouse performer by winning the Absolut Empire’s Ball. Now, she’s bringing her signature style and stunning performances to Windsor for an unforgettable Drag Show Extravaganza at The Barbershop Bar. Before she hits the stage, Perla chats with THISisDRAG.com about her Drag Race journey, career highlights, and what fans can expect from her upcoming show.
THISisDrag: You’ve made waves since Canada’s Drag RaceSeason 5. How has life changed for you since being on the show?
Perla: ah! Thank you!!
Honestly I wish I could say everything has changed and things are completely different, but it's definitely still very much in line with how things were before! Yes I get recognized from time to time and I've had some fun opportunities come my way! But I still get to just vibe out at home, play video games, work on outfits/hair and prepare myself for the next opportunity coming my way!
Tho I will say I do feel a lot of pressure to keep things rolling! I'm always shooting new content, working on outfits for photoshoots, keeping up with social media and expanding my brand as much as I can! They really weren't kidding when they say the real race starts after Drag Race.
TiD: You won the 2022 Absolut Empire’s Ball, a major drag competition. How did that experience shape your career?
P: Honestly winning The Empire’s Ball really brought me so much closer to my sisters. Now I get the joys of having Aurora Matrix and Van Goth by my side every step of the way and cheering on all of our triumphs together! And don't forget about our podcast, The Powder Room available on all podcast streaming platforms and the video components up on YouTube!
TiD: Your background in fashion is a huge part of your drag. How do you blend your skills as a model and fashion blogger into your performances?
P: Literally fashion controls me at this point hahaha. I learned quickly that posing and performing work hand in hand. I may not be the best dancer, but I know my body and my angles so well that I can utilize those in each performance!
TiD: You’re bringing your talents to Windsor for The Barbershop Bar’s Drag Show Extravaganza! What can fans expect from your performance?
P: Hopefully y'all are ready to experience the whiplash in person, hahaha
“They really weren’t kidding when they say the real race starts after Drag Race.”
TiD: What’s your favorite part about performing in new cities and meeting different audiences?
P: I love getting to meet people! I get to have conversations with people who got to know me through the show, I get to meet more performers who do what I do! And I get to learn from them as well! I love learning tips and tricks from other performers as much as I love sharing them!
TiD: You’re known for your polished and fashion-forward drag. How would you describe your style today, and has it evolved since Drag Race?
P: I think after Drag Race, I'm very much holding myself to the standard of what I wore on the show. Performance looks are very different than a runway, but for the moments I can, I want to make sure I'm delivering the same level as the looks I wore on the show.
I think that's a true testament to your own brand and your aesthetic. I think it's extremely important to go on Drag Race as yourself. You should feel confident in your looks and how they represent you, which I'd say I definitely did. And now I want to continue to hold myself to that standard because I know I can.
TiD: What’s next for Perla? Any exciting projects or dream gigs on the horizon?
P: What is next for Perla?! Hahaha I wish I knew! I'm definitely taking all opportunities that come my way and riding the wave as long as I can! I'm excited to continue with some super fun photoshoots, with creating more content with my Powderpuff sisters, and who knows, maybe I'm planning a little hop, skip and a jump over to the UK for some fun shows!
TiD: Is there anything you’d like to add for your fans and readers of THISisDRAG.com?
P: Regardless of the state of the world and the messes happening around us, at the end of the day we are a community. We need to be there for each other, we need to support each other and we need to love each other. Stop focusing on the little things and celebrate the big things. Celebrate ALL community members. Speak up against genocides happening all around us, love your trans friends, support and uplift the people of colour being oppressed. The list goes on. But we can continue to be there for each other and we can continue to fight for each other. Nothing can stop us when we are supporting and uplifting our community as a whole.
It's scary out there, it's depressing, it's hurtful but we always have our friends, our chosen family etc.
So chainsmoke and listen to the Deluxe version of Eternal Sunshine and keep your head held high!
Perla
Saturday, May 10, 2025
At The Barbershop Bar in Windsor, Ontario.
Don’t miss Perla LIVE in Windsor! On Saturday, May 10, 2025, The Barbershop Bar will host the Drag Show Extravaganza featuring Perla from Canada’s Drag Race Season 5, alongside Poison, Mae Breast, and hosts Angelina Lepore and Venom Vonsnaps. Doors open at 7:00 PM, with the show kicking off at 8:15 PM. Grab your tickets now before they sell out! 💃🎟️ Get tickets here.
Festive Drag Returns
Juice Boxx: Festive Drag Returns
Juice Boxx reflects on her Canada’s Drag Race journey, her Windsor-Essex roots, and what fans can expect from her annual holiday show.
Juice Boxx Lights Up Windsor
Juice Boxx made an unforgettable splash as a contestant on the inaugural season of Canada’s Drag Race, becoming a fan favorite despite being the first queen eliminated. Born in Windsor and raised in Essex, Juice Boxx is a multi-talented performer with a degree in visual arts and a diploma in makeup artistry and special effects. Known for her charm, humor, and stunning visuals, Juice Boxx is returning to her hometown for the annual holiday tradition, All I Want For Christmas Is… Juice, promising a festive night filled with drag excellence and holiday cheer.
THIS is DRAG: It’s been a few years since your time on Canada’s Drag Race. How has the experience shaped your career and growth as an artist?
Juice Boxx: It truly changed my life. I was able to not only address my mental health issues after being on the show but was also opened up to an incredible platform to grow in ways I wanted, not being stuck only performing in Toronto bars.
TiD: As the first queen to be eliminated, you’ve turned that narrative into something positive. How did you find the resilience to do that?
JB: There was no other option. I will always find a solution to a problem, and I was handed something I didn’t necessarily want, so I thought, “How can I make this work for me?”
TiD: Growing up in Windsor and Essex, what role did these communities play in shaping your drag and artistic journey?
JB: They gave me resilience. Windsor/Essex never felt accepting or warm to me as a queer person growing up—hopefully, that has changed for the better—so I learned that not everyone will like or accept you, and that’s okay.
TiD: Returning to Windsor for All I Want For Christmas Is... Juice must feel special. What does it mean to you to perform in your hometown during the holidays?
JB: I love coming home for the holidays. Windsor always has such a fun and exciting crowd. I hope everyone is ready for a fun night!
“I thought, ‘How can I make this work for me?’—and I did.”
TiD: This event has become an annual tradition. How do you keep it fresh and exciting each year for your audience?
JB: This year, I’m coming with new numbers and costumes. Plus, I’ve promised to be a lot more family-friendly on the microphone—haha!
TiD: The holidays are a time for connection and celebration. What’s your favorite holiday tradition, and how does it inspire your performances?
JB: I love being able to see family, mostly. I take a lot of inspiration from the women in my family—specifically in my hosting and how they speak.
TiD: You have a background in visual arts and makeup artistry. How do these skills influence your drag, especially for a themed show like this one?
JB: I mean, look how hot I look? Ugly isn’t an option.
TiD: What’s next for Juice Boxx in 2025? Are there any new projects or goals you’re excited to share?
JB: I’ll be working a lot more on things in the digital space like Twitch and TikTok. I also have some big shows planned for summer 2025 that I can’t share at the moment, but keep an eye out!
TiD: Is there anything else that you would like to add?
JB: Come see me and the cast at All I Want For Christmas Is... Juice this December 21st ❤️.
All I Want for Christmas is… Juice
Saturday, December 21, 2024
At Rockstar Music Hall in Windsor, Ontario
Celebrate the holidays with Juice Boxx at All I Want For Christmas Is... Juice on December 21, 2024, at Rockstar Music Hall, presented by Lavender Promotions and Trans Wellness Ontario. Featuring performances by Aria Doll, Remedy, Angelina Lepore, and Venom, this festive annual event is a must-see. Tickets are $20 + fees at lavendertickets.com. Doors open at 8 PM—don’t miss this holiday tradition!