Meet Karisse Carnegie | Brie Fromage, Burlesque Performer and Producer

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

Hi Karisse, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Ever since I was a little girl, I knew I wanted to do everything. I grew up being told that if I wanted something—if I just spoke it into existence—it was mine. That mindset really stuck with me.

I gave corporate life a try, and to be honest, I learned so many valuable skills that have been crucial to my journey. That chapter is definitely part of my plot. But it eventually reached a point where my then-boyfriend (now husband) looked at me and said, “You’re so miserable—just quit.” So I did. And from that moment on, I poured all of my energy into building something that didn’t make my life suck. Something I would actually look forward to working on every single day.

Yes, it’s a lot of work—and yes, I’m probably really overdue for a vacation—but it’s my work. I’m excited to wake up and plot. I’m happy to pour hours into my journey because there’s no better feeling than birthing a brainchild and sharing it with the world. I’m very blessed to stay booked and busy—and even when I’m tired, I’m still grateful.

I always encourage people to do the thing, whatever it is. Take the idea, give it a shot, and let it shine. I was raised to try everything—drama, visual arts, gymnastics, sports, dance, you name it—just to see what I liked. Some things I stuck with for years, others I did for a season and moved on from. But I always learned something, no matter what.

That spirit of exploration is still a huge part of me. If you don’t like something? Pivot. But if you do? You’ve just opened the door to a whole new world—and who knows where it’ll take you.

That exact mindset has guided me into creating Rind & Reveal Burlesque, my burlesque and variety show productions; and most importantly, Brie Fromage, who’s now leading the charge in all things Rind & Reveal and beyond.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My burlesque is rooted in sensual storytelling, power, and intentional play. What sets me apart is my commitment to weaving meaning into every act I create. I’m not just here to look good—though that’s fun too—I’m here to say something. I invite audiences into worlds that are bold, kinky, emotional, sometimes funny, and always real. My acts are deeply personal, often exploring themes like dominance and submission, heartbreak, healing, and radical joy through the lens of my lived experience as a queer Black woman.

I’m most proud of how I’ve carved out space for myself—and for others—within this art form. I didn’t grow up seeing people like me celebrated in this way, and now I get to perform, produce, and teach in ways that center authenticity and liberation. One of the things I’m most excited about right now is producing shows under my new production brand, Rind & Reveal Burlesque. I just wrapped my first show, and the next one is coming in August. In an industry where there can sometimes be a lot of divide, my goal is to create a space where performers and audience members alike—from everywhere and every background—feel welcome, celebrated, and safe.

That said, I do feel a lot of pressure when I show up as Brie. I popped out with a bang and have managed to keep a steady pace since, which means I’m constantly in competition with myself. But I remind myself: I signed up for this. The only person I need to impress is me—and if I’m doing that, I’m good. Performing has shown me sides of myself I didn’t know existed. It’s instilled a work ethic I once feared I didn’t have. But the truth is, I just hated everything else I was doing before this. It was hard to show up fully because none of it lit me up. Burlesque does—and that’s how I know I’m on the right path.

Dance has saved me in so many ways. I returned to this artform in 2020, breaking out of deep grief and deciding I was tired of being depressed—I needed grounding, and dance brought me back to myself. It’s charted this wild, beautiful path I’m on now. I grew up dancing, but my family used to make fun of me for having no rhythm. I vividly remember one recital in middle school where my dad laughed on the phone with someone about how bad it was. So now, as an adult, I take it personally. I’ve made it my mission to be excellent—to never feel like that again. Every time I step on stage, I’m reclaiming that little girl and proving to her that she was always enough.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that you don’t have to be for everyone to be powerful. My burlesque is specific, intentional, and honest. I want people to know that every performance I give is an offering: a space to feel, to laugh, to ache, to desire, to reflect. Dance brought me back to life, and burlesque gave me the courage to shine.

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.
Okay, this is actually a tough one because—contrary to what my stage persona might suggest—I’m very much an introvert and a homebody at heart. That said, if my best friend were visiting Atlanta for a week, I’d want to give them a taste of my world and the magic this city holds.

Chances are, I’d have a show while they’re in town, so the first stop would definitely be one of my burlesque performances—front row, VIP treatment, the whole experience. From there, we’d take a little food tour along Buford Highway. It’s one of my favorite things to do with visitors—trying delicious international cuisines, hopping from dumplings to pho to tacos and beyond.

Atlanta’s so lush and green, so we’d definitely spend time outdoors. Maybe a walk through the Atlanta BeltLine, or a laid-back day in a park with good music and snacks. We’d absolutely eat wings for at least two meals—like…it’s Atlanta, duh.

Now that I’m more involved in the local creative community, I’m pretty hip to all the fun, free events popping up around the city. We’d stack our week with art shows, open mics, night markets, and whatever else is happening. Then, once we’ve danced, eaten, laughed, and run around the city… I’d take them to Jeju Sauna to decompress, rest, and fully reset. Because after a week of hosting and socializing? Your girl is gonna need a quiet room and a steam session!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’m endlessly grateful to the people who have poured into my journey—not just as an artist, but as a human navigating life. My dance sisters have been absolutely instrumental. I didn’t grow up with a solid friend group, and now, for the first time, I have people I can call my sisters with my whole heart.

Ivana Coquetu has created a beautiful, welcoming home for ATL’s weirdos to be free, to play, to create, and to be embraced exactly as they are. The creativity I’ve been able to explore with her is limitless, and I’m deeply thankful for her friendship, generosity, and joyful spirit.

I also wouldn’t be the performer I am today without PLUSH. She has laid down an indestructible foundation—not only for me, but for so many dancers across the city. Her loyalty is unmatched, and her talent is absolutely awe-inspiring.

And then there’s my husband, Max—aka Sunshine. I could write a whole book series about the way he shows up for me. His passion for supporting me knows no bounds. There isn’t a room he enters where he doesn’t uplift my name and celebrate me. He’s a one-man army: photographer, chauffeur, sewist, chef, snack-preparer, impromptu duet partner, luggage carrier, and ultimate hype man. There isn’t a single role he won’t take on to support my dreams. He’s the one who encouraged me to pursue this path with intention and seriousness, constantly reminding me that the sky is not the limit—that I can go beyond. Anything feels possible with him by my side. Max, you are so deeply appreciated, so fiercely loved, and this path would be ten times harder without your light. You truly live up to your name.

Instagram: @briefromage_

Image Credits
Max Alkis, Relive the Moment Photography
Rhonda Sebastian
Paul Sebastian
Mark Turnley