Inspiring Kamloops model takes next step in career; documentary coming out soon

A Kamloops Indigenous model and makeup artist who dazzled the local and creative art scene last year is moving to Victoria to take the next step in his career.

Joey Roo, 26, is known for his work in expanding gender expression and bringing attention to Indigenous modelling.

A documentary about his creative process and transition from a traumatic past to a successful diva will be released soon as he says goodbye to his construction job and picks up his brush as a full-time makeup artist.

“I can’t wait to hang up my hard hat and further pursue my career,” Roo said. “Not many go from construction to makeup. This is everything I have worked so hard for. I got my mental health in order and all of my dreams have come true.”

The documentary filmed by Lydia Frederick with Shaw TV Kamloops has been in the development process since early in the fall of 2021 and the editing process is wrapping up.

READ MORE: Documentary will explore creative process of queer model from Kamloops

“We did over a month of interviews one day per week and she came with me to film during photo shoots and projects,” Roo said. “It will be quite short but has a powerful meaning behind it. It will be released soon. I am so excited to get that out. The moment we started filming I felt like a celebrity.”

Roo’s new job opportunity came about at the 2021 Salmon Arm Pride Festival where he had an exhibit of his modelling portfolio. There he met Missy Mackintosh, the owner of MisMack Clean Cosmetics, who owns two makeup studios, one in Salmon Arm and one in Victoria.

READ MORE: Clean makeup business founded in Salmon Arm expands to Victoria as sales skyrocket

“She sent me to Victoria where I did private lessons to get familiar with the product,” Roo said. “Then I worked at the Salmon Arm location for a day. I felt like a real artist, working in a studio with all the lights and directors chairs. She gave me a professional makeup kit with all the product and brushes.”

Roo spent more time working at the Salmon Arm location over the holidays, when he was offered the job in Victoria working under artist Heather Nightingale. 

“I lived in Victoria for years and want to move back,” Roo said. “Missy and Heather are big names in the makeup industry. It means the world to me they saw my potential and believed in me.”

Roo has modelled for boudoir, done creative photography and worked as a model to bring awareness to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Children.

In the past, he has been assaulted, experienced mental health challenges, job insecurity and homelessness. He has struggled with low self-esteem and been in and out of treatment for anxiety.

He is still processing the traumatic parts of his past, but is finding some healing through creative, artistic expression.

“I am taking the broken pieces and making something awesome with them,” Roo said. “It feels good to put my work ethic into something I’m passionate about. I think past trauma is something I will always have to work through. Through reconnecting with my culture and modelling I have found acceptance and love.”

Roo said he has made connections in the modelling industry in Victoria and is excited to represent Kamloops-based models there.

“I give the biggest thank you to everyone who has believed in me, accepted me and inspired me to continue,” he said. “I encourage everyone to take risks, be humble and grateful, and believe in yourself.”

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