Daily Inspiration: Meet Jenni Tolls

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenni Tolls.

Hi Jenni, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today. 
My name is Mrs. JenniTolls; I am a first-generation Latinx Bisexual drag queen who moved to the United States when I was very young. I was the first to graduate high school and college #UCSC, Banana slug forever! During my time in college, I discovered that as much as I did love being a scholar, there was an artistic side deep within me that I hadn’t had the opportunity to explore because of my focus in assuring I graduated from college, in order to make myself and my family proud. Upon graduation, I moved to Los Angeles, where I decided to put my grad school application on hold, focus on my beautiful marriage, and dive into the art form known as Drag! I have been doing drag for just about a year and a half, and I quickly realized that this is the career I want to pursue. As an up-and-coming drag queen, I realized that there is a huge proliferation of performers in Los Angeles. I have been networking every single week with people in and out of the LGBTQ+ community in order to build strong ties with well-established venues and performers in order to get to where I am now. I have been in many, many drag competitions, and may I say that I haven’t won them all, but what I have done is continued to show support to others in my community, which has now given me the spectacular opportunity to host my very own show! Jenni’s Lipsync Assassins, where shade, talent, and being a well-rounded performer will get you to be the ultimate Lipsync Assassin! 

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
One of the obstacles that I’ve encountered has been elevating my drag but on a tight budget; living in LA is very expensive, and as much as people don’t think drag is very expensive, people who don’t do drag or have friends who do drag don’t always understand how much time and effort goes into every performance. When you’re doing something that you love but financially can’t afford it, it takes time and patience to grow as an overall performer. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My work is in performing in drag. I entertain people who come see me and others live with LipSynching, dancing, and some stunts here and there. I am known for my rapid growth in this community and for being one of the only up-and-coming drag queens who have produced and hosted their own show within the short time that I have been doing drag. So far, I am most proud of producing my own show “Jenni’s LipSynch Assassins”. What sets me apart from others is my tenacity, hard work, and my dedication that goes into each and every one of my performances. 

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Some advice that I have for someone who is just starting out is to not be shy, and NETWORK! Even if you can’t support others in the community financially with tipping at the drag shows, go and network and show your face 🙂 We all start somewhere, so just get your foot in the door and get your name out there as much as you can. I wish I knew how expensive it was actually going to be in order to elevate my looks and performances so quickly. I would also tell someone who is just starting to make friends, we all love sharing! Find yourself some chosen family who will help you up your drag and give you positive feedback on each performance 🙂 

Pricing:

• Custom Wigs: $80-$350
• Custom Outfits: $80-$500
• Makeup: $45-$200

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @Mrs.Jennitolls

Image Credits
Eia Vasco