By day, he's a supermarket manager, by night, she's the ultimate drag superstar.

Meet Tyler Shaw, also known as MisTy DelRay — the first Tasmanian to be crowned Miss Gay Australia International.

Earlier this month, MisTy beat drag queens from across Australia to take out the coveted title — judged in multiple categories, including talent and ball gown attire.

MisTy says drag is a labour of love. ( ABC News: Jessica Hayes )

MisTy said the win was an opportunity to create change in the community.

"My biggest focus is on being a role model for all the baby queens, around Australia and in Tasmania," she said.

"I want to get it out there that it's OK to be who you are, whether it's through drag, or if you are [trans], or anything in between."

The annual pageant, which began in 2010, aims to promote inclusion, diversity and equality for LGBTQIA+ people.

MisTy said drag was a labour of love, with the pageant taking months of preparation.

"It's been a massive couple of weeks, and now realising what I've achieved, I'm very proud … especially being a Tassie girl and proving we have a lot to offer," she said.

"I think Tassie gets forgotten, so it's showcasing we have a lot of drag talent and getting that across is amazing."

MisTy gives Tyler "confidence". ( ABC News: Jessica Hayes )

Event preparation can take several hours, and each competition involves plenty of blood, sweat and tears.

"Starting out it [make-up] used to take about three hours, but doing it constantly all the time I've got it down to about an hour and a half," she said.

"You're not going to walk out on the street looking like a supermodel [your first time], because I certainly didn't. It's just practice."

Part-time job led to drag career

Born in Launceston, Tyler moved to Hobart in 2010, where the seeds of his drag career were first sown.

MisTy says perfecting your drag look takes time. ( ABC News: Jessica Hayes )

He was initially focused on a career in the corporate sector, but became enthralled by the drag world while working a part-time hospitality job.

"I started working behind the bar at Flamingos Dance Bar when I saw my very first drag show," he said.

"I watched them in awe and realised it was definitely something I wanted to do.

"It's an art form and you get to show off a different side of yourself.

"I think MisTy gives Tyler confidence that he wouldn't have in everyday life. Putting on a wig, an outfit and make-up is a bit more of a driving force to be that person that Tyler wouldn't be day-to-day."

'I'm as proud as a mother could be'

Della Behera says it's been "amazing" to watch Tyler flourish as MisTy. ( ABC News: Laura Beavis )

Proud as punch, mother Della Behera is Tyler's number-one fan.

"He's put in a lot of time, effort and money, so it brings a tear to my eyes when I go and watch and get all excited," she said.

"I'm as proud as a mother could be … I'm happy for him because he's doing what he loves to do."

Ms Behera said her son had shown signs of star power from an early age.

"He's always performed, even as a kid and I knew he could do it and so I'm not surprised," she said.

"I knew he wanted to follow his dream and he's doing that the best he can which has been amazing to watch."