Before we start...congratulations! Your performance was incredible, and the theme was very unique! What led to your decision for the theme you chose?
Thank you! The idea was first brought up because of some roadkill I found by my house. It was a coyote and the first large animal I’ve ever skinned. My friend, Than Monk, was the brilliance behind the skin-walker idea. He knows I’m a very spiritual and primal person and suggested that I use my new fur for the costume. Unfortunately, I was not able to use that exact skin for this project due to not preserving it properly, so once I bought a new one, we were able to create the look for our skin-walker! A type of harmful witch who has the ability to turn into, possess, or disguise themselves as an animal.
One of the things that impressed me about your performance is that it only included you! Did you know from the start that you didn’t want to have any others appear in your performance? If so, why?
There did not feel like a place for other performers in this act. I wanted her to be this very strong and powerful being. I wanted you not to be able to take your eyes off her and feel transfixed on her magic.
Describe your first experience competing in one of our events and how it shaped your preparations for Polerotica 2022?
My first experience was last fall, competing for Miss Exotic. I did a Kill Bill set for the qualifying round and pulled out a bunch of tricks. I did not make it through to the finals, but I had a lot of fun! This helped me with Polerotica, to push myself to capture the audience in a way they would not forget. I realized that I had to step it up a notch and really captivate them.
What advice would you give to other performers who are looking to win it all at an Exotic event?
I would say stick to your strengths and put it all out there on the stage!! Think of a really fun theme and create an act that they can’t look away from!
If you could travel back in time and talk to baby stripper Venus, what would you say, and what advice would you offer?
I would tell her to just be her wild self! That she will attract the right people along the way.
This issue marks your second Exotic cover in just eight months. The list of performers that have been featured on multiple covers is short and even more exclusive, that close in succession. Did you ever imagine you’d be a two-time Exotic covergirl?
Nope! Living the dream!
And what if our readers are interested in seeing you perform? Where can they catch you on shift?
I perform at Devil’s Point on S.E. Foster in Portland every week. You can catch me sitting upside down on the ceiling or hanging off the chains of the suspended stage most Friday nights. There is a chance you will get to sing me a song while I dance to your karaoke here on Sunday nights, for our world-famous Stripparaoke!
Lastly, what consumes your time when you’re not slaying it on stage or striking a pose for the next cover of Exotic?
My downtime away from work consists of taking my mastiff and pug out hiking and exploring. When I’m not in the forest, you can catch me playing for your local women’s tackle football team, the Oregon Ravens, during the season. When I’m not out catching receptions, I’m circus training in aerial acrobatics and contortion.
I love to push my body, to see what I am capable of! Once the physical activities of the day are done, I like to create art in my spare time as well, with my primary medium being wood burning.
Learn more about Venus and her many talents by visiting her IG: @AGoddessOnAMountaintop.
