Life & Work with Charleen Martinez of Studio City

Today we’d like to introduce you to Charleen Martinez.

Hi Charleen, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My creative journey actually started with graphic design. At the time, I was especially interested in creating cover art for music and loved the idea of using visuals to help bring an artist’s vision to life. I started college with that direction in mind, but eventually realized that the traditional college path wasn’t the right fit for me and decided to drop out.

That decision ended up leading me into a completely different creative world. I enrolled at Hollywood Professional Makeup School, where I was introduced to everything from beauty and theatrical makeup to special effects. I became fascinated by how makeup could completely transform a person and tell a story in a way that felt very similar to what originally drew me to graphic design. What started as an interest in creating art digitally evolved into creating art on people, and that became the foundation for where I am today.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Far from smooth. Next August, I’ll celebrate 20 years in the beauty industry13 years as a licensed esthetician and 12 years as the owner of Arched. There have been plenty of highs and lows along the way, and building a business while raising my daughter and being a dedicated softball mama has definitely required sacrifice, balance, and a lot of perseverance.

Then came COVID, which brought challenges none of us in the beauty industry could have prepared for. There were moments of uncertainty, setbacks, and times when I had to simply trust that everything would work itself out. But by the grace of God, I’m still here, still working, still growing, and now surrounded by the right people. Looking back, I think the struggles have made me appreciate what I’ve built that much more.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I like to call myself a “face enhancer.” My work is all about enhancing what’s already there rather than changing someone into something they’re not. I offer everything from microblading and custom facials to red carpet and bridal makeup, but my specialty has always been facial symmetry and understanding how small, intentional details can bring balance to the entire face.

I think I’m most known for my natural approach. Whether I’m working on someone’s brows, skin, or makeup, I never want the first thing people notice to be the service I performed—I want them to notice how beautiful, refreshed, and confident that person looks.

Aside from being a mom, Arched is one of the things I’m most proud of. She’s my baby. I’ve spent over a decade building her, growing with her, and creating a space and brand that truly represents my approach to beauty.

What sets me apart is that I don’t believe beauty is one-size-fits-all. I’m not interested in giving every client the same brow, the same makeup, or chasing every trend. I study the individual—their facial structure, symmetry, skin, features, lifestyle, and even their personality—and enhance them accordingly. After nearly 20 years in this industry, I’ve learned that sometimes knowing when to stop is just as important as knowing what to do. My goal has always been for my work to whisper, not scream. I want people to see you first and my work second.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My biggest advice would be to stay true to yourself and don’t get caught up comparing your journey to everyone else’s. Especially now with social media, it’s easy to feel like you’re behind or that success is supposed to happen overnight. It doesn’t. Build your craft, stay consistent, protect your reputation, and treat people well. Your relationships and the way you make people feel will take you further than you realize.

There will be seasons of growth, setbacks, redirection, and even starting over. Trust the process, give yourself grace, and don’t be afraid to evolve.

Most importantly, know your worth, but stay humble enough to always keep learning. Nearly 20 years later, I’m still learning, still evolving, and still trusting God with what comes next.

Pricing:

• Microblading $850
• Makeup $500
• Eyebrow Sculpt $55
• Facials $350
• Lash enhancement $850

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Getarched.com
• Instagram: Killacamtheartist
• Facebook: Ig: _arched_
• Twitter: https://archedbrows.glossgenius.com/