Who is Karen From Finance?
Karen From Finance is the premiere ‘corporate’ queen of Melbourne, Australia. She lives alone with her budgie ‘Dante’ and enjoys tax time, office-based bonding activities, and invoice archiving. She placed as one of the top 4 finalists in season one of RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under in 2021, has toured the world in cabarets and is currently touring her sophomore one-person comedy show, Doing Time.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
If I didn’t work in Finance (and cabaret) I’d probably operate a TV camera or running a lighting desk in a theatre. Or maybe I’d be a security guard in a gallery. The opening scene of BEAN: The Ultimate Movie where Mr Bean is falling asleep in that gallery has always stuck out to me as something admirable.
Who inspires you and why?
Dolly Parton has always been my long-time idol. A fierce business woman, an uber-talented songstress and performer, and the ultimate glamour. The brings so much to the world, and even has a plan for how she can continue releasing music and bettering the world for after she’s gone. An outstanding role model and a calming heroine.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Are you ready for a pageant answer!? Everyday, in everything that I do, my intention is to make people smile. No matter what front people put on, you can never truly know what someone is going through. Being able to bring a smile to someone’s face or make them feel good in a singular moment, whilst often can only make a small or insignificant difference, to some – it can change their day. I love offering people a little bit of escapism, of optimism, a chance to know that not all is bad and things are going to be ok.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Dollywood! I went 10 years ago and found it to be the happiest place on earth! Although, as a Drag Queen, visiting Tennessee certainly isn’t at the top of my to-do list at the moment, I’d love to go back and visit Dollywood.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Honestly, I would say my house. I like to say that my apartment is the best gay bar in Brunswick East (it is currently the only gay bar in Brunswick East). I have karaoke, a full bar cart, heaps of chocolate, a Schapelle Corby clock, and a full room for dress ups.
What are you currently reading?
A lot of business contracts… Touring 4 countries, over 30 cities, and engaging in over 50 individual show dates as an independent self-produced drag queen means A LOT of contracts…
What are you currently listening to?
My favourite Aussie songstress Katy Steele of Little Birdy fame is set to release her sophomore solo album next month. There are already three singles out and they’re all bangers. I couldn’t be more excited!
Happiness is?
A well-made martini, good company, even better music, and a calendar full of show dates that people are busting to come and see, which is basically my life at the moment. I’m very happy!
What does the future hold for you?
A world tour supporting and duetting with Adele, a lead role in a major Broadway or West End show that has been written specifically for me, a winning casting on either I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here or an International Drag Race All Stars, as well as playing a major part in ending the Drag Bans in the US and eradicating the opposition to Drag Queen Story Hour worldwide. It’s going to be a very big second half of the year – I can feel it…!
Karen From Finance stars in her one-person comedy show, Doing Time – which plays the Spiegeltent Wollongong on Friday 9 June. Doing Time will also be presented in Hobart (3 June); Wagga Wagga (8 June) and Canberra (11 June) before heading to the UK in July & August. For more information, visit: www.karenfromfinance.com for details.
Image: Karen From Finance (supplied)