Life & Work with Charlie Boehm

Today we’d like to introduce you to Charlie Boehm.

Hi Charlie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m a Celebrity makeup artist here in Nashville. I moved here in 2015 from a very small town in Iowa with a helpful nudge from my sister (lead front woman for the rock band Thelma and The Sleaze). She was on the road working on an album at the time so I was left to my own devices for a few weeks. I remember being so horrified and intimidated. I had never been to a big city, I thought I had made a big mistake… Looking back at it now I laugh considering how small this city is in comparison to the rest of the world. But, you live and you learn, and I definitely have.

I’ve been very fortunate to have a great career in such a small amount of time (8 years in the grand scheme) I’ve been fortunate enough to work with the biggest names in the business, travel all over the world, and have my work seen by millions. I’ve been on every major network and talk show and had my work in vogue, billboard, people, and entertainment weekly.

The Grammys, CMA’s CMT and so much more. It’s never as easy as it looks. This business is SO over saturated and I am thankful more and more every day for each opportunity I get.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There are so many challenges and obstacles these days. Seriously, where do I start? I think first and foremost we have got to get it out of people’s heads that perfection is achievable. if I got a nickel for every time someone came to me with an over-saturated and filtered picture wanting to achieve that level of skin or perfection I would have retired yesterday.

It’s unbelievable to me how many artists I work with that filter their work. even the ones who “don’t” still get edited in posts, it’s just how it is. it’s a lot to compete with and it’s doing so much damage to mental health as a whole. I’ve worked on clients who have had other makeup artists work with them and they have admitted that it’s been shopped. It’s a shame, let your art speak for itself.

Working in the entertainment industry is tough, I’m not represented by an agency or management company. I have built my business, brand, and myself from the ground up with absolutely zero help from anyone else. one of the biggest struggles which honestly feels like a crisis at the moment is labels and producers, trying to hustle us out of our hard work and time. The amount of times I have had a conversion throughout the week where I am asked “do you think you could cut your rate by half” is sickening. (of course, we are on all a budget, but let’s be realistic) and honesty it’s very upsetting that there are artists out there willing to do work for less than they’re worth. It’s stealing money out of your pockets and hurting everyone in the long run.

We need to be lifting each other up, celebrating our creativities, and paying people what they are worth. at this point in my career, it’s been so easy to say no to people. and pick the jobs and artists I really want to work with. for me it’s all about authenticity and genuine talent. leave your politics and religion at the door. And let’s get down to brass taxes and put something we can all be proud of out into the world.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Celebrity Makeup Artist, Custom wigs, Costumes, and design.

I also have to shout out Kim Gibson, Who has played such a big hand in helping me achieve a lot of what I do. I bring her with me on most of my projects and put her through the wringer. She’s a trouper and an incredible artist.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
At the end of the day you are only in control of the situations you allow yourself to be in. Go where you can flourish the most. Put yourself where people want to see you.

Read the room, work hard, DON’T BE AFRAID TO SAY NO, and be genuine. The rest will fall in place. You don’t have to work with people because of their status. loose lips sink ships and the good people always float to the top.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlieboehmmua
• Youtube: coming this fall
• Other: under construction

Image Credits
Kevin James Thornton, Ashley Hurst, Judds, Tanya Tucker, D-, Emma Stone, Grace Leer, Electra, Mustaine, Clinton, John, and Leah Blevins