Seams of Inspiration: Threads of Rae's Impactful Journey
On this episode of Snack Size, Lala sits down with Rae, a renowned Twin Cities seamstress, costume designer, and creative force behind some of Minnesota’s most memorable drag costumes and custom stage looks. With decades of experience in fashion design, sewing, and drag performance costuming, Rae shares how her passion for creativity evolved from learning to sew at a young age into a career dedicated to helping performers express confidence, individuality, and authenticity.
Rae reflects on her impact on the Minneapolis and St. Paul drag community, collaborating with local drag queens, entertainers, and artists to create one-of-a-kind costumes that celebrate self-expression and artistry. She also opens up about her personal journey after being diagnosed with breast cancer, discussing her treatment, recovery, and gratitude that the disease was detected early.
Inspired by her experience, Rae transformed a challenging chapter into a mission of advocacy and support by launching Cancer Is a Drag, a community-driven breast cancer fundraiser benefiting the Park Nicollet Foundation. The event brings together drag performers, local businesses, and supporters to raise awareness and funding for breast health, women’s health services, and cancer care programs throughout Minnesota.
Join Lala and Rae for an inspiring conversation about creativity, resilience, community, drag culture, cancer awareness, and the power of turning personal challenges into meaningful action. Rae also shares her vision for growing Cancer Is a Drag into an annual fundraising event that honors survivors, remembers loved ones, and supports future generations through compassionate care and giving.
00:00 Sponsor Message
00:24 Welcome to Snack Size
01:12 Meet Raye
02:54 Learning to Sew
04:22 From Bridal to Costumes
05:31 Breaking Into Drag
07:55 Designing for Queens
08:44 Pride Dress Highlight
10:46 Passion Advice
11:39 Breast Cancer Journey
12:34 Fundraiser Origins
15:54 Event Details
18:31 Wall of Messages
19:35 Final Questions
22:30 Closing and Outro
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Still hungry? Check out https://www.snacksizepodcast.com/ for all the episodes!
Intro music for this podcast is by Dayfox, called "Your Love"
