It took “a good couple of minutes” for Katie Smallmon to react when her name was called at the Australian Makeup Industry Awards on Sunday night.
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The 33-year-old make-up artist and hairstylist from Junee had been nominated in two categories – fantasy, and special effects facial art.
She won neither. Instead, she won the people’s choice award.
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“I didn’t win the categories, but I won the major award,” Ms Smallmon said.
“Four thousand people, industry professionals and the sponsors voted, and they voted for me. I was blown away.”
Ms Smallmon started experimenting with effect make-up three years ago, after her almost two decades as a hairdresser began to prove less than challenging.
Following the weekend’s event in Brisbane, she is now keen to make her film debut.
“It’s intimidating for a country girl to go to the city, but it’s been amazing to have the whole town behind me giving me so much support. It’s overwhelming.”
But following the winter warmth provided by the Brisbane gala, Ms Smallmon is now ready to conquer the journey back to Junee.
“It was something like 27 degrees in Brisbane, so it’ll be a shock to the system coming back,” she said.
“I’m looking forward to a nice hot shower and a lot of sleep.”
