We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cha Sloan. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cha below.
Alright, Cha thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Has your work ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized?
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?
In 2006, I flew to Los Angeles, California, to get my training at Makeup Designory, My course Beauty Makeup for Film and TV taught me not only about application but also how to deal with people and situations when you start working in the industry. After my training, I went back to my home country, Philippines, where I started connecting with photographers, stylists, and models, to work on my portfolio.
I became a resident Makeup Artist for a men’s magazine called FHM. I would say this was the best training for me, to work in a studio, a nice house, beach resort, or in a remote location. I’m from a country where the weather is just hot, hotter, and rain. I made sure that the models are comfortable and have everything they needed. You have to be smart working in places where you don’t have access to electricity or you can’t take everything with you. I made sure to understand how other departments work. Establishing good relationships make the job easier and more fun. It’s never about you. It’s what you can contribute to the team.
Makeup application is one thing but there’s so much more that goes into creating something great.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding is when you see your clients realize how strong and beautiful they are. Life happens and we tend to forget ourselves. I have worked with moms who have devoted their lives to looking after their families. When someone gets in my chair, I try to give them a relaxing and fun experience. I want it to be about them. The goal is to pamper and make them look and feel beautiful. It’s a safe space. They can speak freely and know that there’s no judgement.
For my younger clients, it’s a bit harder with social media. I always encourage them to go for a more natural look. If they want to use colors, they should still look like them. I offer them options and show them a more classic look instead of a trend. It’s good when they realize that they look more beautiful with less.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
I moved to TN with my husband 5 years ago. I had to leave everything including family and friends. I suffered from severe depression and anxiety. Life back home involved weekly dinners and drinks with friends. Sundays are family days. A lot of food, laughing and talking. When we moved, I didn’t feel like I fit in. I didn’t feel like myself. I didn’t know where to start. I had never felt more alone.
I knew I had to do something. I went to get help through therapy. Best decision ever. I knew I had to get better mentally and physically to be able to get back on my feet. I joined a kickboxing class and I was hooked. I finally found a community and made some friends. With my renewed confidence, I went back to doing makeup. We ended up owning the gym. It helped me so much and we wanted others who might be struggling to find their strength back like I did.
There were challenges along the way. I was diagnosed with skin cancer and had to go through surgery. At the height of the pandemic, we had to close our gym. We lost our precious dog, my heart.
My clients got me through one of the most difficult times of my life. They don’t know how grateful I am that they let me be a part of their most special moments, meeting their family and friends.
This industry is about relationships. Always be grateful for the people that you meet, clients and other creatives. Every project is a way to grow and learn more about yourself.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.chasloan.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/chasloan_makeupartist
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/makeupbychasloan
- Other: https://staffmeup.com/profile/makeupbychasloan?ne=1
Image Credits
John Myers Photography FHM Magazine