Meet Nikki Reifler | Creative Producer & Drag Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nikki Reifler and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nikki, what role has risk played in your life or career?
A principle I follow is to always venture towards the thing that makes you afraid. This led me to a career full of unpredictable shifts. From producing short films in college at Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, to production designing music videos for artists such as Trisha Paytas, Junior Producing at RPA, and even performing and producing drag shows across Southern California, I am constantly undertaking new risks.

My professional career began in 2020 at the onset of the pandemic. I worked in art department to get my foot in the door. This escalated to full time work for two years as a production designer. Every project requires you to create something you have not done before. I did not know I would be able to pull off recreating life size Beetlejuice sculptures and have them live at Trisha Paytas’ house, but oh baby I did. I shifted to a “9 to 5” role as a Junior Producer at RPA. I produced content for clients such as Honda and Pocky and demonstrated I am a powerful, multi-tasking, and organized producer. All the while, my drag persona, Skunky Sweet, influences Southern California and beyond. Skunky is the ultimate star and producer for shock art drag shows. I am producing and co-hosting “Furry Safari” with my drag brother, Jaxsyn Blackwater, at Executive Suite in Long Beach. I also produce and co-host “Cream” with d.rew666 at Casa Irvine in North Hollywood. Drag is a gamble, never knowing if the time and money put into my work will pay off, but the investment is worth the risk! I am excited for what will be added to my skill set and head for the unknown, open to the universe of opportunity that awaits.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a creative producer, fantastic in all the non-glamorous aspects of the industry. I do all those really exciting paperwork aspects of the business with gusto, but I’m also actually a CREATIVE producer. I’m most proud of the work life balance I have managed, earning my income in a variety of film production jobs while also earning a name in nightlife in Southern California. Skunky has been taking over my life. Drag is all about persistence and being steadfast in how you demonstrate your art. I started performing live in December 2021 as Skunky Sweet, and my consistent journey for these last two years has been magical, but the fight to the top is nowhere near over. I am a fantastic queen because of my experience in production and being on set with a variety of celebrity talent. I’ve learned how to behave well backstage and come prepared.

The film industry is about who you know, and luckily I have many colleagues to recommend me for production jobs. I am thankful for having attended Chapman University as most of my jobs have come from a Chapman connection. To reiterate, I was a production designer for two years, but that is not where my career is currently headed. I am proud of a lot of the music videos I production designed, specifically the ones with Trisha Paytas. It was fun and rewarding creatively, but I am interested in my producing career. I am proud of my variety of skills, but I find it is a never ending struggle to explain my multiple skill sets and to prove myself as a producer in film industry entertainment. Currently I am producing for drag shows, to demonstrate my expertise in organizing productions, people, and payroll.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If you’re in the mood for sushi, I’d recommend Teru Sushi in Studio City. The service is quick, the rolls are delectable for a great price and wide variety. I also recommend Palermo Italian Restaurant in Los Feliz. I first went with Girlacne for their birthday. The service is friendly and the food portions are huge. My life is centered around drag, so a venue for drinks is a staple where I perform. I perform in a monthly drag bingo hosted by Future is Female Comedy Show at Ironbark Ciderworks in Claremont, a lesbian owned cider brewery. Sure, it is far from the city, but the ciders are so unique. If you want to see drag in West Hollywood, I’d tell you to go to The Bayou on a Thursday for Laylah Amor’s midnight show. The Bayou has a welcoming vibe that I get behind.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
While I would like to paint a picture of being a lone wolf fighting for my meat in this tough town, I have immense support from my family and my boyfriend. I was born and raised in Orlando, Florida, supported artistically by my parents, Susan and Natt Reifler, throughout my school years. They put me in art classes, theater camps, and gave me all the theme park exposure I could need. We never knew exactly what I would do in my career, but I could not be stopped in pursuing artistic greatness. My boyfriend, Daniel Riser, has been right by my side navigating the industry, where we often work together on productions. Also, Daniel is the key to curating the world of Skunky Sweet with me. He’s my artistic sounding board in so many ways and even performs onstage in drag shows with me. Yes, we are the dream team.

Website: https://nikkireifler.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skunkysweet/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Skunky_Sweet/featured

Image Credits
Personal Photo: Emelie Claxton Drag Photo: Brendan G. Baker Trisha Paytas / Patrick Starrr: The A\V Crew