By Kevin Ferrisi –

Connecticut’s pop-alternative drag entertainer Ambrosia Black shines as a true fashion icon in the local drag scene. Known for her impeccable sense of style, Ambrosia blends confidence with an instinct for high fashion that dazzles her audiences. Her performances showcase not only her talent but her flair for high-end, custom looks that rival those of A-list pop stars. Each outfit is a testament to her dedication to design and her love for fashion, turning the stage into her personal runway every time she performs.

Ambrosia’s passion for drag fashion goes beyond just wearing bold pieces; she is a diligent researcher with an archive of over 200 designers, many of whom craft looks for music royalty like Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, and Christina Aguilera. Her skills at curating and finding top-tier designs have earned her a reputation among fellow queens, who often turn to her for advice on cultivating their own signature styles. With her discerning eye and knowledge of designers, Ambrosia Black sets the bar for high-fashion drag, elevating her artistry with every appearance.

Ambrosia Black was honored as the first ConnecticutDrag.com Person of the Year, marking the hopeful beginning of a long-lived tradition. As the community celebrated the one-year anniversary of ConnecticutDrag.com, excitement filled the air as readers were given the chance to vote for this prestigious title. The nominees weren’t chosen by the team at ConnecticutDrag.com; instead, they were selected based on the engagement and activity of the readers. The top five most-read exclusive interviews from the past year, spanning from the launch date of August 31, 2023, to August 31, 2024, were highlighted, placing them in the running for the coveted title.

Her drag journey began in 2018 at the University of Connecticut, where her transformation from boyish makeup to full drag artistry marked a defining chapter in her life. Experimenting with makeup and, for the first time, covering her brows and gluing on wigs, she found herself stepping into a powerful new persona. However, life on such a large, conservative campus left her feeling isolated. Surrounded by classmates with values that often clashed with her own, Ambrosia struggled to find her circle, spending most of her days in quiet solitude. Yet this time alone allowed her to focus on her craft, building the foundation for the bold, stylish queen she would ultimately become.

Longing for connection, Ambrosia Black began driving home to Hartford every weekend, escaping the solitude of campus life. She found solace on Wednesday nights at the Chez Est karaoke scene, where she and her roommate let loose, singing and mingling. These nights soon led her to meet local drag artist Flaminia, who would become her drag sister and a guiding presence in Ambrosia’s life. When Flaminia invited her to a drag competition, Ambrosia felt a rare sense of belonging, surrounded by people who appreciated her for who she was. She quickly built friendships within this newfound community, and after many nights spent at Chez Est, Ambrosia felt ready to take the stage herself. That first performance marked the beginning of a journey that would redefine her life, transforming her passion into a celebrated drag career.

Ambrosia Black’s journey to her name was as layered and thoughtful as her approach to drag itself. When she first started performing, she went by Amethyst, inspired by both her love for the character in Steven Universe and her affinity for pastel purple – a color tied to spirituality, which had been a guiding force through her challenging high school years. Yet, out of respect for other queens already using the name, she transitioned to Lavender, hoping it would capture her essence. But something was still missing. Finally, she settled on Ambrosia, drawn to its meaning as the “nectar of the Gods” and the nod to Greco-Roman mythology, which resonated with her and the rich, queer interpretations she found within it. It was a unique name in the drag world, and one that perfectly captured the celestial, ethereal spirit she brings to her art.

In the past, Ambrosia believed she needed to fit into the alternative scene, trying to appease a specific community. However, she eventually embraced her true identity as a “vampire pop princess,” reveling in the blend of Halloween-themed visuals and vibrant pop culture influences. Ambrosia characterized her style as existing in a “Halloween-centric comic book kind of place,” yet her love for pop and dance music shone through. She was drawn to club vibes and whimsical themes, like Barbie, aiming for a successful, mainstream career with versatile, bookable performances. Ambrosia skillfully combined her nerdiness and spookiness with her pop princess fantasy, making pop music her favorite genre to perform.

Winning the ConnecticutDrag.com Person of the Year title, determined by reader engagement, was a deeply affirming recognition for Ambrosia Black. “I’ve dedicated most of the last 10 years of my life to Connecticut drag and not just what happens on stage, but also what happens behind the scenes in order to keep everything going. Person of the Year really feels like a culmination of appreciation for everything I’ve done from all the people that I’ve touched over the years. I don’t do drag for myself necessarily. I do drag for the people that I see and interact with and it wouldn’t have been possible without the people that I have touched sharing it with their friends and family I’ve never even met. Knowing that I made a difference in people’s lives enough for them to want to fight for me the same way I fight for them. It’s something I can’t really put into words.”

Just last week, Ambrosia released her debut solo single, ‘Say It W/ Me’, marking a significant milestone in her career. While she loves drag, she has come to realize that unless a show was exceptionally special or unique, it often fades from memory within a year. This epiphany drove her to create something lasting that she could proudly claim as her own. Ambrosia wanted to produce a piece of art that would endure, something that people could appreciate long after the performance ended. She understood that while outfits might fall apart and makeup could be washed away, music held a place that, even if one outgrew it, could still resonate through time. 

Her debut single ‘Say It W/ Me’ was the first song she felt comfortable releasing, even though it was actually the second one she had created. The track centered around the theme of self-love, exploring the various ways people often misinterpret actions that are ultimately rooted in personal empowerment. Reflecting on her past relationship, she felt restricted from expressing her true authentic self. With a campy and bratty twist, the song conveyed the message that embracing self-love and confidence is essential, urging listeners to celebrate their individuality without the constraints of others’ perceptions. A few days after releasing ‘Say It W/ Me’, she released her second single, ‘Lilith’, making both songs available on Spotify, Apple Music, and iTunes, further solidifying her presence as an artist in the music world.