Location
I've been living in Austin, TX for the last 10 years (before the secret got out that Austin was such a cool place to be!); originally from the SF bay area though. I also lived in LA for 5 years before coming to Austin.
Occupation
Custom Purr-fumer (aka the "Mixtress of the Dark") for my own line "Kitty Korvette Presents Purr-fume" available at
www.kittykorvette.net
Also, bass player for Austin-based band, Midwest Monster.
Can you tell us a little about your obvious love for Elvira and her one of a kind look?
I've always been a fan of horror ever since the youngest days of my kittenhood. As I got a little older, I started to love dressing up uniquely, wearing eye-catching make-up and sporting outlandish hairstyles (some things never change!). All this combined with my corny quick-wit, made for an instant understanding and love for Elvira's character when I first stumbled upon her. She made purr-fect sense to me: sexy, intelligent, and funny as hell. The ultimate triplethreat, combined with a heaping-helping of good looks and just the right touch of naivety that can win anyone over.
You appeared on the TV series "The Search for the Next Elvira." What was that experience like and how far did you get in the competition? OH BOY! Where to start? First off, I gotta admit that I was saying NO when asked by Cassandra, her personal assistant, and the casting director. We all know what reality shows are like, and I was not about to take any part in a very likely train wreck. I ended up caving in because of the pressure I got from my friends and bandmates. After all, they sold me on the point that Elvira herself was asking me to take part in this, and I had known her for 10 years before this show even came about. So, in that sense, I was honored. But let's just say that should you ever be tempted to say yes to a reality show, feel free to hit me up for advice before signing that contract in blood! Ha! The producers (not Elvira) certainly have an agenda and will edit accordingly. Unfortunately, my cool and clever footage only made it to the cutting room floor. Ha! Everyone has a role that the producers want the viewers to believe, and you likely will cringe just as I did when you see what they turn you into. People who know KK know that was not really her on the show. LOL! It is scripted (sorry if I'm bursting any bubbles out there!). Just know that "reality" TV is anything but reality. I had honestly hoped to "die" off the show in the first episode (like a "now you see me, now you don't" magic trick). I nearly died when I made it to the very end. I knew all along that no one could ever be "the Next Elvira'... That's a very big bra to fill!! LOL! However, I did make a lot of awesome friends with the other contestants and crew, and I am thankful for our lasting friendships. Cassandra rocks so hard, and we continue to stay in touch. She still apologizes for the show and we crack up laughing!
Besides Elvira, who are some of your other all-time favorite female horror pioneers?
I know this is predictable, but—VAMPIRA! (Yes, I know about the ongoing controversy between her and Elvira, but that was between them and no one else.) I also love Elsa Lanchester in her role as The Bride in The Bride of Frankenstein. She made a beautiful monster, didn't she? And one more female that cannot be forgotten is 1931 cinema actress-turned-"Queen of the B's" filmmaker Ida Lupino. She became the first female noir filmmaker in 1953 with the film The Hitch-Hiker. And later she became the only woman to ever direct an episode of The Twilight Zone and episodes of Alfred Hitchcock Presents.
Where do you get your inspiration for the large array of perfumes that you sell under your brand Kitty Korvette? Which ones are your favorites?
My inspiration is to help the world smell better, one victim at a time! HA! My inspiration for the names comes from the things I love most: typically anything horror, feline or fetish-inspired. I have fun naming each scent that I create. I have even had online contests to help name new concoctions. I have nearly 300 custom blends available for men, women, fiends, ghouls, and everything in-between. I only use the highest quality oils in my blends, so you can be sure it is longlasting and will smell great on you (and the one you love). As far as my favorites, that's kind of not fair to ask. I created them all! They all mean something to me! Ha! I guess if I had to name my Top 13 purr-sonal favorite potions, I would say "KITTY KORVETTE" (yes, my namesake is made of aphrodisiacs. Gee, I wonder why....?). Also, "Sleepy Hollow", "White Witch", "Amityville", "Bride of Frankenstein", "Killer Wolf", "Love Me To Death", "Love Potion #138", "Sachet Noir", "Sugar Pill", "Sweet Revenge", "Vamp Tramp", and "To Die For!" Samples are available on my site, so you can always try-before-you-die.
Fans can find you at different conventions around the country. What are some of the upcoming shows you will be attending? I'm already busy getting myself ready for Texas Frightmare Weekend, May 1-3 in Dallas. TFW was just named Best Horror Convention 2015! Every year it grows faster than The Blob! This will be my 6th time as a guest, and I have a table full of great KK photos, merch, and many of my Purr-fumes available. If you haven't gone yet, you absolutely should experience it, and don't forget to come say hi!
Last question, if you were a horror villain, what would be your weapon of choice? WOW, this is a big one to contemplate. If I was a horror villain, I would say my weapon of choice would be the LOOKS THAT KILL! ~Kind of a combination homage to the Motley Crue song, and my favorite line in "Bruiser" by the Misfits: "If looks could kill, then Death would be my name!" I know I would be afraid to approach any villain with that weapon!
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