18. James Boehmer, Makeup Artist, Co-founder Peggy Mercury

An established leader in the beauty space, James Boehmer is embarking on a new adventure in Kent, Connecticut after years as the Global Artistic Director for SHISEIDO Makeup. That role was preceded by groundbreaking work at NARS.
In this podcast, James talks about beauty, leaning into difference and creating community. You will hear about "Peggy Mercury" - an exciting new multi-category store and art space he and his partner Greg Fricke are bringing to life - and lots of funny and touching stories about how a beauty obsessed teenager who felt like an outsider in St. Louis, Missouri managed to create a life that took him into the inner sanctums of the fashion world, both backstage and corporate boardrooms.

The entire podcast is available in video form: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNVsi0LU2Zs

Thanks for subscribing here and on Youtube, if you feel inclined to support my project.

For more about James: check out @itspeggymercury and @jamesaaronboehmer on Instagram

"At SHISEIDO, James drove product innovation and directed shade development. He oversaw all Global Artistry teams and communicated the brand’s unique point of view by creating content across multiple channels. In addition to devising many of the attention-grabbing looks for SHISEIDO Makeup’s ad campaigns, brand films, and social content, he worked closely with various departments within the company to conceptualize educational materials and tools that enhanced the consumer experience and increase customer engagement.

Prior to his position at SHISEIDO Makeup, James served as Director of Global Artistry for NARS where he defined seasonal beauty trends, conducted seminars, educated other makeup pros, and assumed the role of key artist backstage for numerous designers including Mansur Gavriel, Creatures of the Wind, Suno, Naeem Khan, Vivienne Westwood, and Carolina Herrera.

His work has appeared editorially in prestigious international publications such as Marie Claire, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, Purple, Jalouse, L’Officiel, and The New York Times Magazine. He has also contributed to beauty stories in WWD, British Vogue, The Financial Times, and The Guardian. James' client roster includes Hunter Schafer, Arca, Isabella Rossellini, Alek Wek, Sofia Coppola, Karen Elson, Daphne Guinness, Naomi Campbell, Zoe Saldana, Amy Sedaris, Olivia Palermo, and countless other top models and actresses. James has also designed makeup for various independent feature films that have been on view at Sundance, Slamdance, Toronto, and IFP."

To learn about my documentary project: @cartondinvitation on Instagram.

Original music for this podcast by Ashley Rivera, Myla Carlos and Chloe Hsu.