We had the good fortune of connecting with Karma Lush and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Karma, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
When asking yourself whether to keep going or give up, you’re not going to get a simple answer. You have to dig deeper and ask yourself, “Does this align with my goals and desires?”

It’s very important to self-reflect on a deeper level when deciding whether to give something up because the longer you take to make a decision, the more time you waste, and the slower your progress will be.

Answering this question has more benefits than people think. It gives you an opportunity to either strategize or quit things that no longer serve your goals.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I set myself apart by drawing inspiration from my unique experiences and the beauty I see in the world around me. As an artist, I have the ability to showcase the beauty within myself as well as others. I see everyone, including myself, as a blank canvas, transforming myself and those around me to help create a world of my own to share with others.

What excites me the most is the ability to explore endless possibilities with each performance or makeup look. Drag allows me to push boundaries, not just in terms of appearance but with storytelling and emotion. I love how each new project gives me the chance to evolve and challenge myself creatively.

Getting to where I am today hasn’t been easy. Like many artists, I’ve made mistakes and had moments where I wondered if I was on the right path. However, I’ve learned that embracing struggles and learning from failures has helped refine my craft. The lessons I’ve learned along the way are to hold yourself to a standard, push your boundaries, appreciate your growth, and be kind to yourself in the process.

What I want the world to know about my brand and story is that my art is about creating a space where everyone can feel celebrated and free to express themselves. My journey is about turning what was once just a dream into a reality, and through drag and makeup artistry, I hope to inspire others to embrace their uniqueness and live boldly.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If I had someone visiting Los Angeles, we would explore based on our mood and what’s happening that week. I would be a terrible host if I didn’t give a proper tour of Los Angeles’ gay nightlife, starting with the lively energy of West Hollywood, the indie vibe of Silver Lake, and finishing with Downtown’s edgier scene. Each area offers a unique drag experience, from classic shows to more experimental performances.

Going out in Los Angeles nightlife is not for the weak, so recovery is absolutely necessary. What better way to do that than by going to the beach? We’d hit Malibu for scenery, Santa Monica for fun, and Venice for its vibrant, relaxed feel. The west side is perfect for unwinding between nights out. We’d also dive into LA’s diverse food scene, making sure to brunch and dine at a variety of spots. The mix of nightlife, beach days, and great food would show off the best of LA.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Someone who was a great help to me when I first started taking professional photos of my drag was Wykin Harris from Saint Rose Agency.

Being able to provide a service is one thing; being able to cater to your client and make them feel comfortable is another. Working with Wykin has always been so easy for me. Our common goal for each and every project has always been the question, “What can we do that hasn’t been done?” and “How can we make this project better than the last one?” Because of this, Wykin has brought my artistic vision to life better than I imagined every time.

Instagram: @karmalush

Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/casey-mackay-3b2419281

Other: Tik Tok: @karmalush

Image Credits
Photography: Wykin Harris @sunnysthegoat

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.