May 29, 2016
'RuPaul's Drag Race': Kim Chi and Naomi Smalls
Scot Holland READ TIME: 3 MIN.
I felt like I waited so long for "RuPaul's Drag Race" to start and then it felt like in the blink of an eye we were at the finale. I did really enjoy this finale, but when the three girls performed, although they all did a good job, it was obvious that Bob sealed the win (well deserved). Congrats to Cynthia Lee Fontaine for winning the Miss Congeniality vote and for Kim and Naomi for putting up a great fight and earning a spot in the top three. It was a pleasure to sit down with Kim and Naomi the very next day for this exclusive Hotspots Interview.
How surprised were you to make the top three, and did you expect to win?
Naomi - I feel like you shouldn't enter the competition unless you want to win. I went into the competition thinking I have the crown, so no I wasn't surprised.
Kim - I think I wanted to win, but the entire cast new Bob was going to win from the get go. However, I knew I had to make it to top three. I didn't want to compare myself to anyone in the work room, I just wanted to do my best.
How happy are you for Bob?
Naomi - I'm so happy for Bob. He literally is one of the most deserving humble people ever. And he did do the best in the competition. I am so, so so happy for him.
Kim - Extremely happy for Bob. Bob, along with Naomi are two of my best friends. He is truly a humble person and he is the one that deserved it.
At what age did drag become an interest, and how did you pick your name?
Naomi - Drag became an interest when I was in high school...16 or 17. But when I was 18 and could get in to the clubs I thought I could totally do that and I got really into it. I picked my name from two inspirations of mine - Naomi Campbell and Biggy Smalls.
Kim - I started doing drag by accident three years ago. I did drag for Halloween and got booked for a show that night. That lit the fire in me. I wanted to pick a name that was traditionally Korean but sounded good in drag.
How many times did you apply to be on "RPDR," and how did it feel when you found out you got chosen?
Naomi - I auditioned only once, and when they called me I couldn't believe it was happening as I know queens usually have to audition many times before getting picked. I was freaking out when I got the call.
Kim - I got on the show the first time I applied. It felt super surreal as I know so many queens that have applied multiple times. It was really cool when I got the phone call.
Is there an additional pressure now that RuPaul has been on for eight seasons?
Naomi - Yeah, but I think the pressure is to stay relevant. Now that there is 100 of us it's harder to stand out, but I am ready to accept that challenge.
Kim - Yes, as the fandom is definitely crazier now so people are way more vocal and talk about the contestants they don't care for.
Tell me about your "RuPaul's Drag Race" experience?
Naomi - It was the most amazing experience in my entire life. I never got to spend that much time with so many other people that do what I am passionate about.
Kim - It was cool, every day I woke up and there was always a fun new challenge. It really was a fun roller coaster ride.
Tell me something people would be surprised to know about you.
Naomi - I am really open to all styles of Drag... Bigger queens, fishy queens, Female impersonators. I think you can learn something from any style of drag.
Kim - I don't drink alcohol.
What's ahead for you?
Naomi - I want to get into art fashion, cosmetics and of course continue to do performances. I am trying to make a career with Naomi smalls.
Kim - I want to become a beauty mogul, and I have a lot of fun collaborations come out. I can't announce it quite yet, but stay tuned to social media.
Kim, how did you learn to do your make-up/incredible looks?
I am inspired by the high fashion runway. I try and look completely different then I did the time before, just like the models look different every time they are on the runway.
For more information on Naomi or Kim go to their Facebook.com/Naomi Smalls or/ Kim Chi. You can also catch them at: TW: @naomismallsduh, IG: @naomismalls; TW: @KimChi_Chic, IG: @kimchi_chic