Today we’d like to introduce you to Yadi/ellie Garcia
Yadi/Ellie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started doing drag in Little Rock, AR on November 28, 2014 at the age of 21. I was one of the first female drag entertainers in Arkansas (Diva, Femme Queen, Bio Queen). My interest sparked by attending my first drag show at the beginning of 2014. Getting a start in drag as a cis female was challenging. I kept being told that my drag was invalid because I was a girl, and girls didn’t do drag. I’ve never been a person who follows the norms, and I wasn’t going to let that get in the way of me being a part of changing the norms of drag. Drag is an art form. Art has no gender, it’s just simply a representation of who you have created. I created Eléanor to be an outlet for me. I was in a really dark and depressing time when I started, and drag LITERALLY saved my life. I have been very blessed to have gotten to perform in different venues all over, Arkansas, Tennessee, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and many virtual events. I won my very first pageant title in 2015 as Miss Diva Firecracker 2015 I am the emeritus. I have held the titles of Miss Oklahoma Femme American National Star 2017, Miss Tennessee Renaissance Femme 2022, Tennessee SnowQueen 2023, and Tennessee SnowFemme 2024. All of my titles, I am the emeritus. I’ve been able to compete at a national level and placed 1st ALT. I’ve had the honor to work with some really big names in the drag industry, from RuPaul’s Drag Race Girls, to Legends in the world of drag. When I was trying to raise funds for nationals to Renaissance Femme in 2022, I held a benefit show at my home bar DRUS Bar. I had a great amount of support from all over. I wanted to make something that I could auction off at this benefit show. I made cheesecakes to auction off and people LOVED them! I was asked to make them for future events and as donations for fundraisers. I was more than happy to bake for the people! I’ve know how to make home baked cheesecakes for many years, but I never thought that I would eventually be starting a very small business out of it. I had only ever made plain cheesecakes, but then I decided to experiment with adding different flavors. It was a total success. Now I have a set menu but also take custom orders for flavors that may not be on my menu. I’m always down for a good challenge. My friends, and fans are the ones who encouraged me to put myself out there and start advertising. I didn’t think too much of it since this is something I was doing for benefits within the drag community or for events in the LGBTQIA+ community. in 2023 Cheesecakin’ was officially born. My husband, Tyler (Shay) and I work together to make the perfect cheesecakes for our clients. It’s crazy to believe that through drag, I was able to get out there and let folks get their taste of Cheesecakin’.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Drag has been anything but a smooth road. Being a cis female in a “Mans World” is a challenge. People don’t know what to think of me because I don’t fit the gender norm, or am not a cookie cutter replica of what drag is “supposed to be”. I’m always been invalidated simply because of my gender.
Cheesecakin’ has also had its ups and downs. Trying to get out there and let the people know we exist. Going to vendor events and making lots of product to only go back home with most of it. It’s been a lot of trial and error of what sells in what season and at the kind of event.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a female drag queen who makes homemade baked cheesecakes. I don’t do glam drag make make up, and I perform barefoot or in flat shoes. I don’t wear heels due to a medical issue with my hips and feet. I’ve also been known for singing live. The thing that I’m most proud of is that with my platform I’ve been able to inspire other people whom are plus size to love their bodies and embrace every single bit of them, and not being scared of caring what others think. Cheesecakin’ is LGBTQIA and Latinx owned
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Not everyone is going to be accepting, and that’s okay. As long as you stay true to yourself and live your truth authentically, it doesn’t matter. Unfortunately you won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, and that’s okay. Keep doing what you do best, and keep pushing those barriers.
Pricing:
- Full Size Cheesecakes range from $25-$40
- Mini Cheesecakes range from $5-$7
- Catering needs a consultation for pricing
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/cheesecakin901
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/cheesecakin901
