Today we’d like to introduce you to Christine Gallagher.
Christine, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
From an early age, I adored makeup. When I was little, I used to play with my mother’s collection of foundations and lipsticks. When I was 13, I was given one of those light-up makeup mirrors that can show your face in all different “lighting situations” and would practice in it for hours with makeup I got at the drug store. Fast forward about 10 years, I enrolled in a Boston modeling school that taught makeup application. Many years later, after watching a friend have her makeup done by a high-end brand makeup artist, I thought, “I can do better than that!” That’s when I decided to start Pink Cherry Makeup.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
Anyone who knows me can tell you I am literally obsessed with makeup. I am constantly learning about new products and techniques from a variety of beauty influencers, which I think is a great way for anyone to teach themselves like I did. I like doing makeup that makes the wearer feel her (or his) best! Whether that means a little foundation and cheek color or a full beat! Makeup today is limitless. There are no rules. Makeup is artistry that everyone can do.
When I work on a client, I listen to what she is asking for. Does she wear makeup in her daily life? If so, what is it? What kind of look does she want for the occasion? I ask for photos of looks my clients like, so we are both on the same page. I am not an artist that imposes my vision on a client. If she sits in my chair and gives me carte blanche, great! But I want to hear her thoughts and ideas. Even though she is wearing my “art,” it is HER face. She needs to feel beautiful and confident in it! I strive to achieve that with every client I work with.
In your view, what is the biggest issue artists have to deal with?
I don’t work on enough clients to live off doing makeup and am fortunate to have another job that pays the bills. I know I could be doing a lot of more self-marketing and promotion, so I am super thankful for the clients that refer me. If I were to do this full time, I would work for a makeup store or brand where I could earn a paycheck doing what I love while learning from people who know the business of makeup artistry. And I would definitely launch a website!
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
I started a Facebook page several years ago for Pink Cherry Makeup. I came up with the name simply because pink is my favorite color and I like cherries. I try to post as much as I can there because I don’t have a website. Mostly my clients are by word of mouth. I often work with repeat clients I meet as a bridesmaid, then again as a bride, then again as a bridesmaid! I also do a lot of homecoming, semi-formal and prom makeup, so I have clients who book me for several years in a row, from 8th grade through their senior prom.
Contact Info:
- Email: pinkcherrymakeup@yahoo.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pinkcherrymakeup/
Image Credit:
Christine Gallagher; Siobhan H Photography
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
