An Interview with Nikita Dragun
Words by Yael Reed W.
Photographer Reinhardt Kenneth
Stylist Phil Keophaphone
Hair Samantha Annatone
MUA Liv Madorma
An unstoppable energy, she’s the siren on that fire engine that has everyone pulling over to watch and listen. Vivacious and bold, digital influencer and beauty guru Nikita Dragun is a force of nature. With well over one million Instagram followers, 170,000 Twitter followers and 860,000 YouTube subscribers, Dragun struts in her own truth as an openly transgender savant.
Not only does she deliver video tutorials like go-to beauty tips, tricks and trends, but she is also dedicated to utilizing her platform to advocate for the LGBTQ community. She exposes the essence of her authenticity by steadily chronicling her gender transformation for viewers on her YouTube channel. Since launching her YouTube channel in 2013, Dragun has written her narrative as a trans woman, sharing anecdotal content on her experience with plastic surgery, coming out to her parents, and legally officiating the change of her gender and name, an effort that has undoubtedly contributed to the success of her brand and journey.
Fresh off the plane from Sundance Film Festival and currently promoting her new wig collection Bellami Hair, we quickly caught up with The Mother of Draguns for a dose of her vibrant personality.
What’s been your career highlight?
When I landed a huge campaign with Uber that featured my parents and recognized me as a pioneer for trans youth, It was because of a request from my father that led the execs at Uber to donate $75,000 to the Los Angeles LGBT Center as part of the campaign. It’s one my favorite non-profits, so I was so happy to be able to do that. Thanks, Papa Dragun!
Who inspires you?
I’m inspired by badass females. They’re usually fictional characters with superpowers, but lately there has been some real life women kicking butt that have been so inspiring. Thank you to all the strong women out there paving the way for all of us.
What was your craziest interaction with a fan?
One time this girl was so excited to see me that she jumped on me and snatched my wig off my head. I didn’t know whether to laugh or fight.
What was your first concert?
Lady Gaga, The Monster Ball Tour
Go to lip color?
Red, but one that’s kiss proof!
Who’s makeup would you love to do?
Donald Trump needs a better foundation. Just saying.
Carb of choice?
Are boys a carb?
Favorite trend?
fake freckles
Least favorite trend?
Eating Tide pods
If you weren’t a YouTube sensation, what would you be doing?
I would be a cartoon illustrator for a female anime series or a badass female superhero comic book writer.
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