Okay, I’m still trying to find the right words for this… this summer was a wild ride!
I had the incredible, pinch-me honor of being invited by NPR (National Public Radio!) to be one of their makeup artists for their 2024 convention coverage. And not just for one, but for both the Republican National Convention right here in my backyard of Milwaukee, and the Democratic National Convention down in Chicago.
To have a massive, international event like the RNC happen just down the road was already exciting. But to get the email inviting me to be in it, working with a team as respected as NPR? I think I read it five times before it felt real.
My world is usually filled with the joy and personal connection of weddings, events, and makeup lessons. Stepping into the fast-paced, high-energy world of live broadcast news was a whole new level of excitement!
Behind the Scenes in Milwaukee & Chicago
The energy at both conventions was electric. My job was to be on-site with the NPR team, making sure all the hosts, correspondents, and guests looked polished, natural, and confident for their live segments and on-camera interviews.
This is a totally different (but equally fun!) kind of makeup. We’re not talking bridal glam; we’re talking “look fresh and polished under intense HD lights at 7 AM” makeup. It’s all about flawless-looking skin, shine control, and ensuring the look holds up under the pressure and long hours of non-stop coverage.
The NPR team was an absolute dream to work with—so professional, focused, and kind. Being a small part of that massive, well-oiled machine and helping their team feel their best before they went live was such a privilege.
Why This Matters (Even for My Brides!)
It’s moments like these that really validate the endless hours of practice, the non-stop kit sanitation, and the dedication this career takes. But honestly? It also reminded me of why I love what I do, no matter the client.
Whether I’m prepping a correspondent for a live national broadcast or a bride for her walk down the aisle, my goal is exactly the same.
It’s about creating a calm, professional, and confidence-boosting experience. It’s about using my skills to make you feel like the best, most polished version of yourself, so you can forget about the makeup and focus on your big moment.
And let’s be real—the skills are 100% transferable. Makeup that is guaranteed to last all day, performs flawlessly under pressure, and looks incredible on camera? That’s my specialty, and this experience only sharpened those skills.
A massive, heartfelt thank you to NPR for this incredible opportunity and for trusting me with their team. It was a wild, wonderful, and completely unforgettable summer.
Thanks for letting me share it with you!
