We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lorie Karnes. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lorie below.

Lorie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

At 18, I was in a terrible car accident that ended my dream of becoming a dancer. While I was trying to figure out a new “life plan,” I took a job at a makeup counter just to pay the bills. I enjoyed the work, but selling lipstick and chasing sales goals never felt like my true calling.

Then one day, a mother and her 7-year-old daughter walked in. The little girl had been badly burned in a house fire, and her mom asked if we could show them how to use camouflage makeup. I didn’t really know what I was doing at the time—but I knew I wanted to help. We spent nearly two hours together, trying products and techniques. When they left, they purchased everything we used, and I honestly thought I’d never see them again.

A few weeks later, the mother returned with flowers and a card. She told me, through tears, that I’d given her little girl back to her, and that I would never truly understand what I had done for them that day.

That moment changed everything. I realized I didn’t just want to be someone who sold makeup—I wanted to be a makeup artist. Not just for beauty, but for transformation, healing, and impact on a larger scale. That little girl and her mother thought I had helped them—but in truth, they saved me. They gave me the career and the dream I’ve carried ever since.

And that’s why, 24 years later, I still work with burn survivors. Because one little girl showed me that makeup could be so much more than surface—it could give someone their confidence, their identity, and their life back.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

After that little girl, that moment gave me a new purpose, and I knew I wanted to be a makeup artist on a much greater scale.

Fast forward 24 years, and I’ve built a career that has taken me across film, television, live broadcasting, red carpet events, music, and commercial campaigns. I work as a professional makeup artist and men’s groomer with IATSE Local 798, trusted by celebrities, athletes, and production teams alike. My services go far beyond “making someone look good on camera”—I specialize in continuity for film/TV, red-carpet glam, on-air talent grooming, and transformative looks that allow people to step fully into their character, role, or moment.

What sets me apart is the belief that makeup is more than aesthetics—it’s storytelling, empowerment, and restoration. Whether I’m helping a burn survivor regain their confidence, prepping an NFL commentator to look polished under studio lights, or ensuring a celebrity feels unstoppable on the red carpet, my work is rooted in the same principle: makeup has the power to give people back to themselves.

I am most proud of two things: the ongoing work I do with burn survivors, inspired by that little girl so many years ago, and the trust I’ve earned from clients who count on me for both artistry and discretion in high-pressure environments. And my most important job being a mama and a fiance to an amazing man.

What I want potential clients, collaborators, and followers to know is this: my artistry is about more than beauty. It’s about transformation, trust, and impact. Whether in front of the camera, under stadium lights, or in deeply personal one-on-one moments, I bring professionalism, creativity, and heart to every chair I stand behind.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One of the biggest lessons in my journey has been learning how to navigate rejection. In this industry, you hear “no” far more than you hear “yes.” Early on, that was discouraging, but I realized quickly that rejection isn’t personal—it’s just part of the process. Every “no” forced me to refine my skills, sharpen my approach, and build thicker skin. Resilience, for me, is about getting back up each time, knowing that persistence matters more than perfection. That mindset has not only sustained my career, but it’s also allowed me to thrive in spaces where others might have given up.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Looking back, I wish I had known about the business and financial resources available for artists earlier in my journey. The craft of makeup is one thing—but running yourself as a business is an entirely different skill set. Early on, I had to learn the hard way about setting rates, negotiating kit fees, handling contracts, and understanding the “net 30” world of payments in film and television. Having resources on how to protect your value as an artist would have saved me a lot of trial and error.

I also wish I had known more about professional organizations, unions, and networking platforms. Groups like IATSE Local 798 or production directories aren’t just labels—they open doors, connect you with opportunities, and help legitimize your career.

And of course, mentorship. In the beginning, I didn’t realize how vital it is to have someone to guide you—not just in technique, but in navigating the politics and pressures of the industry. If I could give new artists one resource today, it would be access to education that combines artistry with business—because you need both to build a lasting career. I’m super grateful for the mentors I’ve had along my journey!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @lorie_promua
• Other: TikTok: @loriekpromua

Image Credits

N/A I own the rights to all as most are BTS shots