I was inspired by how creatively challenging that was. I had to learn how to be quick on my feet and think fast while battling

Venus, known in the ballroom scene as Vzus, is a celebrated voguing artist and cultural force based in New York. Known for her sharp lines, fearless performance style, and commanding presence, Vzus has become a standout figure in both underground and high fashion spaces. Her talent and authenticity led her to star in a campaign with Marc Jacobs, bridging ballroom culture with luxury fashion in a way that feels both raw and iconic. Revered in the NYC scene and beyond, Vzus continues to push movement, identity, and expression to the forefront.

ISAIAH B — hey Venus! thank you for taking the time out of your day to talk to us. how have you been lately? 

VENUS — Thanks for asking! I’ve been navigating a mix of things—pushing myself creatively, learning to rest without guilt, and finding joy in being around good people. So I’d say it’s been a journey lately lol! 

ISAIAH B — Love that! I think all of those things are so important. Very amazed with your creative mind, what made you start in fashion? 

VENUS — I went to (Fashion Industries) an NYC fashion high school my entire 4 years, and I think that had a huge influence on my sense of style and overall taste. There was no dress code so I took that and ran with it. I feel like it’s definitely molded me in a way where I don’t like to feel put in a box. Having that freedom especially in an nyc school was pretty major. 

ISAIAH B — Yes, it sounded like you could really express yourself through fashion at a very young age. Was there anyone that influenced your style or someone that inspired you? 

VENUS — Back then I don’t recall anyone influencing me, I think I was just given the opportunity to be experimental and find what it is I liked, so I discovered that through trying what worked for me and what didn’t.  I am currently inspired by Rick Owen’s and have been for a while after graduating because of architectural silhouettes. I love exaggerated pieces with a muted color palette. It feels like a good balance, and what’s funnier is I don’t own any of his clothing. 

ISAIAH B — Lol that’s so real, Rick Owen’s mind is insane. Love his work, so V What moment of your career did you feel things were finally going great for you? 

VENUS — As a creative we’re always looking forward to the next project, the next big break. Was there ever a time in your career, where you sat still and looked back at all the things you accomplished? 

The moment of my career where I started to realize things were going great for me was when I did my first major campaign without any audition or submission tape. The team showed interest in me from the start and even included me in their mood board before pitching it to me. After that I was told I was on bus stops ads on those huge screens, and also in commercials on hulu. That was a manifestation of mine I’ve actually never really given myself the opportunity to sit with. 

I’ll be honest, it’s very difficult to sit still and look back on all the things I’ve accomplished so far when I am also in the survival mode era of my 20 something’s. Nothing about where I’m currently at is glamorous, and I think my constant need to move forward and find what’s next keeps me stuck in a loop of not being able to see how amazing my life is on a grand scale. 

I would say that this current moment in which you asked me this question is when I should put my gratefulness into action. I haven’t sat with myself and been grateful about where I am and where I’ve been in a very long time and that’s a very important thing to keep with myself especially when my art isn’t moving me at the pace I THINK it should be moving me. 

ISAIAH B —Yes yes, so important especially for a creative like you. I love your answer where you said you’re still in “survival mode” I thinks that’s important for continuing success. I seen the Marc Jacob’s ad (Congratulations on that!!) I felt like it was perfect for your personal aesthetic. How was that shoot, what’s some knowledge you gain during that experience? 

VENUS — That shoot was probably one of my best experiences with a group of professionals so far. Everything was planned and executed accordingly. Although the music for the final ad played in the final clip, my actual takes were super quiet, I feel like you could hear a pin drop. They made me feel so comfortable and I didn’t feel nervous which is new for me because I always struggle with my anxiousness. All the directors and camera men were there to assist me instead of moments where I’ve just been told where to move and how to speak. I loved being given wiggle room to be myself. The biggest takeaway for me was that I did it. I did the thing people dream of. It just keeps me in this knowing that since I did that, I could do everything else I’ve wanted to do. So I will! 

ISAIAH B — Really love that for you! What’s some advice would you give someone starting out in voguing? Something you wish someone told you starting out? 

VENUS — I would say, don’t be afraid to look foolish in the beginning—voguing is about confidence, storytelling, and feeling the music in your body. The foundation is important, so take the time to really learn the basics: hands, catwalk, duckwalk, spins & dips, and floorwork. I’ve taken long breaks where I lacked consistent practice and that’s created this distrust around my own movement, causing me to not do my best at times.

But beyond the technique, the biggest thing I wish someone told me is that vogue is about presence. It’s not just about the moves, it’s about the energy you bring to the floor. Believe in yourself even when you’re still learning, because your confidence is what sells it. And most importantly, find community. Ballroom isn’t just about performance; it’s about family, history, and culture. Respect that, stay humble, and never stop evolving!

ISAIAH B —Voguing has been such an important part of our culture. What made you fall in love with voguing? How did you learn the foundation, did you have a personal trainer or mentor? 

VENUS — Funny enough, while attending fashion school, I had this deep urge to start dancing again but I wanted to find something that really spoke to me and after some time everything just fell into place. I had a group of friends who were design majors and they happened to be friends with a voguer so when we’d hang out after school and I started to slowly become introduced to this new world. I was taking a free class and going to a Kiki lounge every week at “The Door” which is a youth center. I’ll never forget when I was too scared to vogue so I’d just sit in the back and watch everyone take class and practice. I told myself “I want to walk women’s performance and I want to change things for this category.” I didn’t have a mentor until I was lucky enough to join the Iconic House of Juicy Couture, where they got me together. Before then I was just teaching myself and practicing on the roof of my building. 

ISAIAH B — What made me fall in love with voguing was the freedom in it. Although you can choreograph a voguing piece, everything is freestyle when you’re walking a ball. I was inspired by how creatively challenging that was. I had to learn how to be quick on my feet and think fast while battling. So inspiring, I just want to thank you for taking the time out to talk to us. Your story inspires us all!. Before you go, I want to ask some last questions.. what’s next for you? As a creative, as a human being, what’s something you want to accomplish this year? 

VENUS — Thank you so much for showing interest!!! I can’t wait to read it. 

Something I want to accomplish this year is getting back to being playful. I allowed heart break to stipple my growth and creativity for three years. This year is dedicated to having fun in all of my art because that’s when it’s at its best and most authentic. I also would love to finally have representation behind me and an agent who contributes to moving me forward and helping me expand myself.