We sat down with Taeya, Miss Exotic Oregon 2019, for a brief chat regarding her performance, the title and some personal details. With a persistent, determined attitude and some serious practice, skill and talent, Taeya finally took the crown this year, after no less than four years of competing in the contest.
Exotic: If we’re not mistaken, you’ve competed in Exotic events before, correct? Was this your first time winning? If so, how did it feel to finally have your hard work pay off?
Taeya: Yes, this was my fourth year competing for Miss Exotic Oregon. It was my first time winning—ever. I’ve done all of Dick Hennessy’s contests, too. I always made it to the finals, but never placed. But, it made me become a better performer. I learned something new every time. To finally win—and, win the biggest competition—was so gratifying. I may have even tinkled in my panties.
Exotic: Your sets involve a lot of costumes and/or makeup. What tips would you give performers, regarding the ability to involve a serious amount of wardrobe efforts, while still being able to strip naked and swing around the pole? What types of preparation did you have to do, in order to make your sets tight?
Taeya: To make a great show, you really need to practice. I mean, practice your moves, how you’ll undress...have a clear idea of what you’re going to do. It’s got to be original, too. What really helped me this year, is I had a team—Laboosh Studios. We were able to collaborate. We even had someone to do music (thank you, DJ Frank!). Also, Cece (from Laboosh) is amazing. Being around for 20 years in the industry, she has seen so many performances—she’d be, like, "Nope, seen it before!" Plus, other girls from the studio had props to use. I’m thankful for all of them.
Exotic: What made you want to sign up and compete in Miss Exotic Oregon? What are you hoping to get out of the recognition associated with the title, other than the usual perks associated with being a locally famous dancer?
Taeya: The first time I signed up was because of my friends at Bottoms Up peer-pressured me into it. The owner (at the time) told me I was the best dancer he had ever seen in that club. So, I gave it a shot. And, it was such a rush. I puked before and after my first time. But, I had no idea of what I was getting into. I had no idea of a theme or anything—I just winged it. I kept signing up after that. It was on my bucket list to win. My doctor hates the fact I swing around a pole (at the speeds I can pull off) and walk out of it, without being dizzy. Most people don’t know, but I suffer from brain trauma and epilepsy. I have a condition called cholesteatoma—an inner ear disease. If I were to hit the right side of my head, I could die. I live every moment like it’s my last.
What I am hoping to get out of the recognition is to get backstage of the Mickey Avalon and Dirt Nasty show, February 7, at Dante’s—I already got my tickets.
Exotic: How did you get started performing? Have you always been an exotic dancer or did you come up a different route? If you started out as a stripper, what would you tell your former self, today, in terms of advice and words of wisdom?
Taeya: I started dancing 13 years ago. I was broke and needed fast money. Dealing with a disability and working is really hard to do. If I were to give myself any advice or tips, I would tell myself to save my money. Go to school earlier than I did and don’t let your boyfriend control your money—be independent. Also, just getting wasted every shift is just tacky.
Exotic: Any last-minute plugs or shouts that you’d like to have in print?
Taeya: I would like to thank Julie at Guilty Pleasures, who believed in me, Cece from Laboosh Studios for teaching me, my home bar, Bottoms Up, for always being my stripper family and my husband, for all his support. I would have never done it without them.
