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CHRISTIE LOHR

Age: 34

Occupation: Fashion expert, founder of Style Nine to Five and Beauty Nine to Five

Describe yourself in under 100 words.

I have a lot of ambition. I’m a doer, not a talker. I’m someone who wants to be the best I can be, to live my dreams and check off everything on my life list.

How was your experience getting RAW?

At first, terrifying. If you had asked me in my 20’s, struggling with confidence and acne, I would have said no. But then I felt comfortable, empowered and excited about this opportunity to show everyone what I look like with no makeup. Most of you are used to seeing me at events or on TV all dolled up. That isn’t reality and not my daily norm.

Beauty can be defined in so many ways. What is your definition of ‘beautiful’?

Being genuine, positive, kind, happy, grounded, selfless.

Ask a friend, partner or co-worker to tell you what they find most beautiful about you. Write it below.

“Your ability to remember where you came from and not get caught up in the superﬁciality of the industry. Your internal beauty is in alignment with your exterior—the mask that most only see.”
“your open heart and kindness to others. Despite external beauty, you are non-judgmental and completely accepting of others.”

Have you ever struggled with confidence, body image or insecurities in your life? If yes, please share your story. If you have any advice for people going through the same thing please feel free to share your thoughts here.

Confidence! I was a very shy girl. It wasn’t until I started working at McDonald’s when I was 15 and finally get the courage to talk to people. I’ve also struggled with cystic acne my whole life and even to this day..this left my skin tone uneven. I still go through months of great skin, then months of bad skin, thank goodness for the timing of this shoot! During my teens and most of my 20’s, I felt I had to hide behind a mask of makeup. I wore foundation daily. I didn’t feel confident without it. I thought it made me more beautiful and people would like me more, in return giving me extra confidence. Because I was quite shut off and shy, I relied on my looks a lot (not even tooting my own horn here). But as we know looks fade. I’ve learned, and am still learning, to not be afraid to show who I really am.

Have you ever had cosmetic surgery or treatments? Please share your thoughts on this.

I had IPL from Pure Light Laser. It removed red marks left over from old acne and made my complexion bright and even again! I do believe in beautiful skin, so I don’t mind investing in this.

Let’s talk Photoshop. What are your thoughts on this cultural phenomenon? Yay or nay? Or is there a place for it sometimes?

I think if you have a photoshoot and you woke up with a huge pimple, then yes. To completely alter your face shape, skin shade—then no. The way it’s used in many industries today doesn’t encourage us to be comfortable in our own skin and it’s not representative of the average person today.

You are a total star in the beauty and fashion world. How do we shift from a place of beauty imprisonment (feeling like we aren’t good enough without the latest style, make-up, bag etc.) to beauty empowerment (still able to enjoy the aforementioned things without feeling like we need them in order to be “successful, beautiful, popular” etc.)?

Fashion and make-up are forms of expressing yourself. You can express your style, your personality and even your mood. This can mean rocking whatever bag, whether it’s the latest style or 3 seasons old, with confidence. If you’re passionate and excited about it, others will be. It’s infectious.

How much time do you spend getting “ready” each day (i.e. applying make-up, getting dressed, doing your hair).

15 minutes during the day, if I’m going out and put on full makeup and hair – an hour.

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