Envy-ous: Scarlet Envy’s Drag Journey

Scarlet Envy (just one T in Scarlet because, in her words, “too much T isn’t good for anyone”) has been a fixture in the Werk Room since 2019, as she waltzed her way into the 11^th season of Drag Race, announcing that “the world wants me, and the feeling is mutual.” Indeed, she has risen to the top in the world of drag. Though she has yet to win a crown, she has become a fan favorite and has gone on to appear in All Stars season 6 and Drag Race: UK vs the World this last year. Beyond the reality TV show, she has established herself as a stand-alone brand with appearances on stage and television, with a recent premiere of her new cabaret show Bad Advice (that debuted at The Laurie Beechman Theatre in New York) and a book of poetry titled She’s A Poet. She’s a busy Queen Bee with no signs of slowing down.

The glamour queen that’s currently taking the stage is a far cry from the young, queer boy growing up in Kentucky. Raised by two moms, he spent his early years playing sports. Yes, sports.

Life was good growing up in Kentucky. I learned to appreciate bourbon. Growing up, I ran cross country and track. Mom says I was “running from my feelings.”

Scarlet wouldn’t have to wait long after blossoming to start her drag journey.

My first exposure to drag was in high school. My mom hired Pristine Decay, a Joan Rivers impersonation act for a big Halloween party. She interviewed guests on the red carpet as they arrived. I was fascinated!  

She would leave Kentucky to attend the Fashion Institute of Technology to get her degree in advertising design. During this time, Scarlet was born. She first entered a competition and was bitten by the entertainment bug, learning from the pageant and competition world what skills she would need to hone to succeed.

I’ve never competed in a real pageant. It’s all taken very seriously, EOY and Continental and the like. The closest I’ve gotten was losing Miss Cherry’s to Boudoir Le Flur in Fire Island one year. I learned that I like wearing big dresses and that I can make them myself, those were two breakthroughs for me. I like the beauty queen aesthetic, but Drag Race is not a pageant, it’s a reality television show. 

Favorite part about doing drag?

The glamour. 

Least favorite part about doing drag?

The heels. 

Scarlet auditioned for Drag Race four times before she was cast. We have all heard about those laborious audition tapes, what was it about Scarlet’s fourth audition that earned a place in the Werk Room?

I’ve never released my audition tape(s). I included a very unhinged monologue for the acting section where I played Joan (Crawford) and Bette (David) simultaneously which I think they loved. Also, I had more of a point of view in my last audition. I filmed most of my tape in Kentucky. I will never really know why I was cast, but I’m happy the stars aligned.

Scarlet was eliminated in the sixth episode of her debut season, but she had made her mark. With quotes like “My drag is about embracing the beauty that you were blessed with… and I happened to be very blessed,” her confidence and wit would set her apart, even beyond the show. The biggest takeaway from doing her first season of Drag Race?

Connecting with fans was so special to me! They have stuck with me. 

With three runs on Drag Race, she explains simply why she keeps coming back.

I like being on TV! 

Most recently, she appeared in the second series of UK vs the World, winning the acting challenge and practically stealing the spotlight in the Snatch Game. Fans noted her “glow up” this year. She placed 5^th and left us with more quotes, including a play on her All Stars drama quote with “Is it me? Am I actually the drama? Yeah. Yeah, I am… and happily so.” Was there any culture shock in bringing her US sensibility to the UK stage?

I’ve been lucky to spend time in the UK before filming my season of Drag Race there, so I wasn’t really shocked by much. We are fairly sequestered to the hotel and the studio lot while filming the show, but I’ve had my fair share of nights out in the UK: They go wild! 

Craziest drag story?

Doing SNL before Drag Race.

Favorite hotspot?

Circus of Books.

Favorite non-profit?

Alzheimer’s Association and Men’s Health Foundation. 

2024 has been big for Scarlet. In addition to appearing on the UK show, she released her music single “All Night” with fellow queens Raja Gemini, Manila Luzon, and Kylie Sonique Love. She was asked to perform as part of the broadcast of the 2024 NYC Pride March for ABC. She also appeared as part of OutTV’s queen-centric docuseries Raw and Real and debuted her first book of poetry She’s A Poet. We were lucky enough to have been present for an intimate book launch and reading at Circus of Books in West Hollywood. The book contains 42 poems about exploring love, show business, and identity. The book is entirely self-published and contains never-before-seen photos from Scarlet’s life. Why a book of poetry? Why now?

I think it’s important to share this part of myself. I like the intimacy of smaller poetry readings. Writing is a skill set I can bring to the table, and another way to connect with people. I was presented with the idea of following my journey for publishing from OutTV. The documentary follows the process and really kickstarted that process. I’ve been writing poems for years, they were never supposed to be published, but here we are. The images are also special. 

Scarlet now calls Los Angeles home, although her stage appearances will keep her popping up all over the nation. With success in so many different areas of her career, how does she know what direction to in next?

For me personally, it’s not “what’s next,” as much as it’s “what still needs to be done?” She’s a Poet is officially available in audiobook format on Audible and Amazon. Recording the book was quite the process. I read the collection and give commentary on the poetry, which is a fabulously intimate way to connect with readers and explain my thoughts. 

I am also working on releasing my full EP. As an independent artist, it can be difficult to handle multiple projects simultaneously. They put a lot of pressure on you to make the most of your time on air each season, but the truth is, my friends and fans remain plugged in and ready for content.

Favorite cocktail?

A good Dirty Martini. 

What is your after-drag ritual?

Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize.

What’s your favorite pickup line?

“How Much?” 

Halloween season will definitely have her busy, appearing next to some other well-known Drag Race alum.

September 9th kicks off Witch Perfect, a live singing parody of Hocus Pocus starring Tina Burner as Winifred Sanderson, Alexis Michelle as Mary Sanderson, and me as Sarah Sanderson. We will hit over 30 cities in the US wrapping up on November 6th! 

With everything that she has done and what she has yet to conquer, she feels grateful. 

I feel genuinely so lucky to be doing what I love and connecting with those who resonate with my work. 

What is her message to her fans?

Stay true to yourself and stick with it! Give yourself goals and grace. 

Follow everything Scarlet Envy on IG @ScarletEnvy

[All photos by Jasten King]