Home PeopleHoboken Girl of the Week Hoboken Girl of the Week: Claire Viehman {Makeup by Claire V}

Hoboken Girl of the Week: Claire Viehman {Makeup by Claire V}

by Arielle Witter
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A little makeup can go a long way  some sparkly eyeliner can jazz up any look and a bit of red lipstick can make you feel bold and beautiful. For Claire Viehman, however, eyeshadow, mascara and everything in-between have become more than simply part of a look — they’ve become her livelihood. After hitting a tough point in her life, Claire decided to pursue her passion for makeup and makeup artistry. Today, she is a successful freelance makeup artist in Hoboken and NYC {owning her own business, called Makeup by Claire V}, — and on the regular, she loves making her clients look and feel beautiful inside and out. Find out how Claire got her start and turned her passion into a career, below. 

Claire HG of the Week

Tell us a little about yourself.

Hi! I’m Claire, a freelance makeup artist living in Hoboken. My specialty is soft, effortless, natural makeup. I do makeup for red carpets, runways, Fashion Week, weddings, photo shoots, and events. I love making my clients feel like the most beautiful version of themselves!

Club Pilates 2023

What is your biggest source of inspiration and motivation? 

My biggest source of inspiration is art. I spend a lot of time looking at paintings and collages and how colors interact in different mediums and under different lighting conditions. I comb through fashion magazines from different decades looking at trends over the years and the thought process that motivated that artist to create that palette on someone. I love trying to recreate some of those styles and designs with modern day embellishments.

Harborside Sport + Spine

My motivation is my family. After college, I landed what I thought was going to be my forever job. Instead, I got laid off and wondered what direction my life should take. My parents knew I had always had a passion for makeup and the beauty industry, so they pushed me to go to makeup school in NYC and pursue a career as a makeup artist. Without their support, I wouldn’t be where I am!

Hobbs Inc

Read More: Hoboken Girl of the Week: Avani Modi Sarkar {of Modi Toys}

What are your goals for this year? 

This year my main goal has been to build my business and expand my clientele and what I offer. I am passionate about networking because not only is it a source for new clients, I also meet others in the industry and learn and share new techniques which make all of us better. When you have that mindset, it ultimately gives my clients the best experience!

Claire HG of Week makeup

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What’s a typical day look like for you? 

Coffee first, always! Every day is different for me, which I love, and which is so electric about this industry and working for myself. I always believe in being available and responsive to my clients and potential clients so I’m constantly checking my emails and social media channels. While getting ready for work, I am also organizing and sanitizing my makeup kit. If it’s an early call time, I’ll do that the night before. I then travel to wherever the job is.

The biggest high of my job is making people feel and look beautiful. I love getting to constantly meet new people and learn from them. Some of my best friends I’ve met through work!

The lows are the early call times, long days, and constantly making sure you’re improving your techniques. As a freelance artist, it’s easy to feel that you aren’t doing enough because you aren’t where you want to be at the time. Some weeks you are busy, others you aren’t. Having a positive support system around you is the most important part. Having faith in yourself that working hard, and knowing you are good at what you do, will ultimately pay off.

Claire Makeup HG of Week

What has been the highlight of your career so far? 

This year, I finally saw some of my hard work and networking pay off. I worked several shows during New York Fashion Week for the first time and am scheduled to do multiple red carpet looks for celebrities. A year ago, that would have been like a dream. Instead, now, it is a reality. To have a career that I’m so passionate about is more than I ever hoped for. When I’m working I’m having fun, meeting new people, making people feel beautiful, and creating art all at the same time. To me, it does not get any better than that.

What do you like to do on your days off? 

I try to rest as much as possible. I love to spin at Prime Cycle, so I’ll schedule a class. I also catch up on my favorite shows.

What advice would you give to someone trying to pursue your career path? 

Be nice, network as much as possible, and work hard!

See More: Taste Maker Spotlight: Valerie Durado of Mint Market

Claire HG Week makeup artist

{Photo courtesy of @makeupbyclairev}

On Her Hoboken + Jersey City Favorites 

What is your favorite restaurant in Hoboken/JC? 

Zacks, Shaka Bowl, and Mathews in JC.

What is your favorite boutique in Hoboken? 

Mint Market, Vintage on First, and Muneca Mullins Vintage – Thank you all for always supporting me! <3 .

What do you love most about Hoboken? 

I love being able to escape from the city but still have the city feel. All the businesses are very supportive of one another and I love that!

What is your favorite thing to do in Hudson County? 

Admiring the city view! I feel so lucky to see it every day!

How long have you lived and worked in Hoboken? 

3 years.

What is your favorite outdoor place to spend time in Hoboken and JC? 

Porta and Pier 13.

What is your favorite place to work out in Hudson County? 

Prime Cycle.

Where do you go out with friends in the area? 

Mostly South House and 10th and Willow.

What is something you think needs to come to Hoboken or Jersey City? 

A martini bar would be amazing!

Want to be featured or nominate someone as an upcoming Hoboken Girl of the Week?

Email hello@hobokengirl.com about your/her story.

RMA

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