Karina Sanasaryan - NZ Opera Wigs and Makeup Maestro

04/18/24 • 56 min

Meet our latest guest, the multifaceted Karina Sanasaryan. Karina brings a wealth of experience as a freelance makeup and hair artist, owner of ‘Makeup Station’ with teams in Auckland and Christchurch, and as the Head of Wigs and Makeup at the New Zealand Opera.

Celebrating ten years in the makeup scene, Karina recalls her journey, starting with a makeup course at The Makeup School and then taking the leap into business ownership during COVID times before rising through the ranks to HOD at the New Zealand Opera.

The conversation explores the preparation process for opera productions, the importance of hair in stage performances, and the challenges of working with quick changes and wigs in an industry lacking specialised stores.

Karina shares insights on managing personalities backstage, ensuring quality control, and the joy of mentorship, stressing the importance of nurturing the next generation of artists. The episode touches on the realities of working in theatre, including the lower pay scale compared to other areas in the industry and the limited job opportunities.

Don't miss Karina's insights from behind the curtain on industry resources, managing a creative team, and her love for backstage life!

(00:00:38) Introducing Karina Sanasaryan
(00:01:54) Memorable Moments in Opera & Musical Theatre
(00:03:42) Starting her Career in Makeup
(00:08:29) Discovering Makeup Station
(00:11:34) Preparing for NZ Opera Shows
(00:14:31) Assembling an Opera Makeup Team
(00:19:03) Challenges with Opera Wigs
(00:22:26) Quick Changes in Musical Theatre vs. Opera
(00:26:40) Becoming Head of Department
(00:30:34) Learning Wig Making for Opera
(00:32:45) Essential Wig Design Tools
(00:35:52) Go-To Makeup Resources
(00:37:35) The Necessity of Cross-Communication in Opera
(00:41:10) Quality Control Responsibilities
(00:43:42) Difficulties in Theatre/Opera Makeup
(00:45:34) Advice for Aspiring Makeup Artists
(00:50:59) The Final Three Questions

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Don't miss Karina's insights from behind the curtain on industry resources, managing a creative team, and her love for backstage life!

(00:00:38) Introducing Karina Sanasaryan
(00:01:54) Memorable Moments in Opera & Musical Theatre
(00:03:42) Starting her Career in Makeup
(00:08:29) Discovering Makeup Station
(00:11:34) Preparing for NZ Opera Shows
(00:14:31) Assembling an Opera Makeup Team
(00:19:03) Challenges with Opera Wigs
(00:22:26) Quick Changes in Musical Theatre vs. Opera
(00:26:40) Becoming Head of Department
(00:30:34) Learning Wig Making for Opera
(00:32:45) Essential Wig Design Tools
(00:35:52) Go-To Makeup Resources
(00:37:35) The Necessity of Cross-Communication in Opera
(00:41:10) Quality Control Responsibilities
(00:43:42) Difficulties in Theatre/Opera Makeup
(00:45:34) Advice for Aspiring Makeup Artists
(00:50:59) The Final Three Questions

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Previous Episode

Kimberley Coleman - From Lashes to Leadership

Kimberley Coleman is the owner and operator of the award-winning Lady Lash Studio in Christchurch. Kimberley discusses her journey of building a successful lash salon and how she began with the modest goal of contributing $150 a week to her family's finances. The episode delves into the educational aspect of Lady Lash, which not only teaches lash extensions but also emphasises the importance of being an effective teacher. Highlighting the lack of government regulation in the industry, Kimberley stresses the necessity of insurance for protecting businesses and staff.

The discussion covers practical advice for makeup artists, including the crucial recommendation of using a lash cleanser for lash and eye care to avoid infection. Kimberley also elaborates on her inspiring ‘Let's Go Wahine' mentorship program that combines beauty training with activities such as yoga, surfing, and self-development to boost confidence and make a positive community impact.

Sustainability in the beauty industry is a key topic, with Kimberley sharing insights on eco-friendly products in the lash world and the importance of recycling and reusing.

Speaking from her own experience as a mother and an enthusiast of outdoor sports, she offers advice to other artists on balancing professional hustle with personal life.

Looking to the future, Kimberley expresses her ambition to have the salon operate independently, allowing her to focus on expanding the ‘Let's Go' program nationwide, empowering young women across New Zealand. The episode concludes with a reflection on the supportive nature of New Zealand's beauty industry and the mutual benefit of fostering a supportive community.

(00:01:21) Kimberly Coleman: NZ's Top Lash Salon Winner

(00:03:06) A Decade of Lash Studio Success

(00:08:48) Expert Tips on Lash Extensions

(00:14:00) Balancing Local Preferences and Global Trends

(00:18:07) Challenge of Dealing with Dirty Lashes

(00:21:35) 'Let’s Go Wahine' Mentorship

(00:28:01) Sustainable Practices in Lash Business

(00:32:01) Juggling Business, Roles, and Family

(00:35:41) The Power of Acting on Ideas

(00:38:58) Future Aspirations for the Salon Business

(00:40:12) Empowering Young Women with 'Let's Go Project'

(00:41:54) The Three Final Questions

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Next Episode

Chelsea McEwan Millar - Demystifying Cosmetic Ingredients

Meet our latest guest, Chelsea McEwan Millar, a dynamic force in the skincare and cosmetics industry. As the COO of Go Native, a local supplier of natural and organic skincare and cosmetics ingredients, Chelsea is a true expert in the field. With a lifetime of expertise inherited from her family business, Chelsea possesses an intimate understanding of skincare ingredient percentages, preservatives, and solubility, making her a trusted source of knowledge.

Join Chelsea as she shares her journey of creating homemade makeup and skincare products. Drawing inspiration from her visits to makeup stores, which she describes as akin to an artist visiting an art gallery, Chelsea explains how easy and fulfilling it can be to craft your own beauty products at home.

At the heart of Chelsea's work lies a commitment to sustainability and eco-conscious practices. From packaging to ingredient trends, Chelsea explores the role of sustainability in small cosmetics businesses, offering valuable insights into creating eco-conscious beauty products that leave a positive impact on the planet.

Delve into the world of cosmetic innovation as Chelsea introduces exciting ingredients like natural retinol alternatives Bakuchiol and new 'NovoRetin'. With a keen eye for emerging trends and a passion for DIY beauty, Chelsea invites you to explore the endless possibilities of skincare formulae.

Join Chelsea McEwan Millar as she opens the door to a world of ingredient knowledge and empowers you to take control of your skincare and makeup routine. With her experience and expertise in ingredients, Chelsea can inspire you to elevate your skincare game to new heights.

(00:00:41) Meet Chelsea McEwan Millar
(00:06:01) From Skincare to Makeup Formulation
(00:11:46) Skincare Myths and Misconceptions
(00:16:49) Decoding Cosmetic Ingredients with Marie Rayma
(00:25:29) Keeping Up with New Ingredients
(00:29:56) Sustainable Packaging and Ingredient Trends
(00:35:58) Skincare Innovation: Novoretin and Vitamin C
(00:39:45) Exploring Natural and Sustainable Cosmetic Ingredients
(00:47:12) Empowering DIY Skincare Enthusiasts
(00:49:52) Diving into DIY Skincare Formulation
(00:53:56) The Magic of Barbary Fig Seed Oil
(00:53:58) The Final Three Questions

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.