Interview with a Superstar!
– Hershae Chocolatae
VR: Who is Hershae Chocolatae?
HC: Hershae is a hard working well traveled entertainer with many talents, and a big heart. I also enjoy my craft very much and am thankful of finding a job that not only do I enjoy but I also am good at!!
VR: Where are you living these days?
HC: Born in Youngstown Ohio I currently reside in Toledo Ohio
VR: I know this is a hard question, but can you tell us what your life has been about, say the last 5-10 years or so?
HC: Well I have been performing for the past 7 years. My first year on the stage I was a stripper. My name then was Hershey Smooth….Now Hershae Chocolatae and for the past 6 years I have been working on improving my craft as a female impersonator. I try to keep on my toes by doing a lot of pageants and lots of shows as well. Taking in and learning from the best and the worst of the business. Everyone out there has something to teach even if they don’t think so.
VR: When you were growing up and each morning you would look in the mirror did you feel that was the wrong person looking back at you?
HC: I always have felt comfortable within my own skin. I never looked in the mirror and thought who is that, instead I would look in the mirror and think what am I missing?. What is my purpose? I think my purpose is to entertain. Entertaining is my love. I don’t just do it for what it does for me but rather what it does for others.
VR: Who was your inspiration when you were young?
HC: Hey I am not old yet…lol but I have had many inspirations and teachers who were kind enough to help polish and refine my attitude, my look, and my way of thinking. These people include but not limited to Nadirah Desmond Vega, Coco Vega, DeAngela Shannon, Destiny Hunter, Jennifer Foxx, and Tasha Long just to name a few.
VR: When did you start doing drag?
HC: I starting doing drag 6 years ago when I was 19. I tried it once for Halloween the year before I started but it was just for kicks who knew a year later this would be where I am!
VR: Do you have any place in particular that you work now, some place my readers can come see the beautiful Hershae Chocolatae perform?
HC: There are several places your readers can see me. I am regular at a club called Stiletto’s in inkster Michigan. It is a lesbian bar but Lord knows I love my lesbians. It is a very nice bar and they make 1 hell of a snow cone!!! If that is to far check out www.Hershae.com and postings for when and where I will be are always available, and updated regularly.
VR: You are a very beautiful lady, you must have won a lot of titles, can you share a few of them with us?
HC: Currently I hold 5 titles, I am Miss Toledo Gay Pride, Miss International Ambassador, Miss Cleveland International, Miss Powerdiva, and Miss Deco….I am a past Miss Stiletto’s Miss Rhouse, Miss Cleveland Gay Pride, and Miss Club X
VR: To date what is the biggest one you have won and which one stands out the most to you, the one you like the best, most proud of?
HC: Every title I win is special to me! The one that stands out most to me is Miss Stiletto’s. When Miss Stiletto’s came around for me I had done 3 years worth of pageants. I lost every one of them too. There were 7 girls including myself going for the title. Somehow I was named the winner. Then barely 3 weeks later I won Miss Rhouse with the same package. These places not only renewed my own belief in self but they also awakened a side of me I was not aware of yet. Both Places embraced me and worked me hard and I only got better..Thank you Alana…and Steve and Joe!
VR: What has been your biggest accomplishment to date?
HC: Many people don’t know that I am a peer outreach leader for planned parenthood of northwest ohio. I talk to people about sex and making sure they protect 
themselves. I have been able to reach hundreds of people. Those who I haven’t been able to reach I still work on. Being able to help and give back to my community is important to me. My greatest accomplishment saving a life!
VR: Who do you admire these days?
HC: These days the art of female impersonation is constantly changing. The girls who set the standard for me are Tasha Long, Nicole Luv Dupree, Maya Douglas, Candice Cane, and Raquel Lord.
VR: Do you have any pet peeves?
HC: My pet peeves are who don’t know there alcohol limit….and people who shoot others down just to get ahead!
VR: Do you think you are a nice person or do you think you can be a bitch at times?
HC: I know I am a nice person…..I only allow my inner bitch to come out when a situation presents itself and my inner bitch is the only person who can control it…lol
VR: What do you think makes you stand out above others?
HC: Well for being so young in the business I think the things that make me stand out is my talent. I am not your normal queen who goes out and lipsyncs while sashaying around. I dance and I dance hard. I sing live. I do lots of characters. I sing live looking and sounding like some of my characters. I am pretty good with a make-up brush…..and I love to have fun!!
VR: Do you get nervous when you are asked to speak to a group or perform on stage?
HC: I have 1 motto for life Keep it clean and you have no reason to be scared. I enjoy groups and speaking in front of them. Nervousness only comes to me at a pageant right around crowning time.
VR: Are you a full time lady or if not have you ever considered living full time as a lady?
HC: I am not a full time lady. yes I have considered it. I don’t think I am that far along yet. Being a woman is a lot of work and I commend my fellow sisters who make the change and go for it. I just don’t think I am ready for that yet.
VR: Are you in love now?
HC: I have 4 loves in no particular order God, Family,drag and my man.
VR: Where do you see yourself in the future?
HC: I always say my goal for life is to be a 60-70 year queen with an amazing following. Every time I hit the stage with my walker I get tipped down and then I sit and emcee the rest of the show….lol
VR: What do you think you have to offer the transgender or gay community, anything at all?
HC: I have lots to offer. Being a well rounded entertainer I have many talents that will be good to attract crowds. I am usable for benefit shows. I can have a voice which I use to try to help the community to protect itself.
VR: What words of wisdom would you give to someone who is reaching out for help?
HC: Never give up and don’t rush it. Be open to input, don’t get mad if you hear something you don’t agree with, and smile!
VR: Do you have a final statement, for our readers?
HC: My Final statement is be safe protect you and the ones you love, and Stay Beautiful!!!
You can also find more information about Hershae by writing her at her EMAIL
Or you can go to her WEBSITE and read more about her and look at some really great pictures
Note from Vicki Rene: I have had the privilege of knowing this superstar for a couple of years now. When ever I needed anything for my site, this lady was there for me, she is a friend and a great one.
I would be remised without saying thank you to her other half also, as the saying goes, “Behind every great lady there is a great man” or “Behind ever great man there is a great lady”! This couple is a perfect example of that!
Below are a list of her titles:
Miss PowerDiva 2005
Miss Cleveland International 2005
International Ambassador 2005
Miss Toledo Gay Pride 2005
Miss Deco 2005
Stiletto’s Entertainer of the Year 2005
Winner Performing Artists of Detroit’s Danee’ Russo Best Out of State Performer 2003 & 2004
Miss Cleveland Gay Pride 2004
Miss Rhouse 2002/2003
Miss Stiletto’s 2002/2003
Miss Club X 2000
