We had the good fortune of connecting with Karen Beaches and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Karen, what is the most important factor behind your success?
My success is finding a creative team that I trust and enriches in my artistic growth. It is important to surround yourself with individuals who understand and support the same vision. Living in the city of angels, I am fortunate enough to be exposed to a wide variety of artists that inspire me daily. Countless people proclaim “it takes a village,” but when it comes to the art of drag “it takes an army.”

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Being a drag artist is a playground of expression. Whether I’m painted as a green witch, making a slime tutorial, or wearing a McDonald’s Happy Meal in my wig, drag is a platform for me to deliver my own insanity. I want my audience to ride on my time machine. I am known to be a throwback queen, providing a taste of nostalgia. I am proud to see my growth as a makeup artist and witness my inner strength blossom. I was very timid with my drag and took limited risks at the beginning. Constantly the voices in my head took over and I found myself editing all my content, looks, vocal tone, and performances to match what I thought my audience wanted. Within drag there’s numerous different styles and performance pathways which can be overwhelming to find your unique niche. I tend to look at drag through a theatrical lens. Trying to achieve a beginning, middle and end and tell a story in some capacity whether it’s a makeup look or a live performance. One of the biggest compliments that I continue to receive is that no one never knows what I’m going to do next. I try not to limit myself to any specific genre or style and continue treating myself like a blank canvas.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Call me a lover of nature and second hand clothes because I constantly find myself lost in a sea of fabrics at Buffalo Exchange and on a deep hike in my neighborhood with all my visitors. When it comes to venturing on a more residential hike, the Los Angeles reservoir has been a recent addiction. One of my best friends resides in Venice Beach, so I tend to make the trip there when my family comes into town. We enjoy grilling under the hot sun with a cold beverage in hand. Recently, we grilled some carriots, which was life changing on the grill. After the veggies have their moment, steak tends to directly follow. The Pennsylvanian in me will forever love the power of a good grill.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Developing video content that serves the world a slice of Karen has become my focus. This would not be possible without Jessica Denison and Tommy Cramer. Together we have expanded upon Karen’s Mockumentary Series. Each episode invites you into Karen’s eccentric world where she embraces failure and continues to provide comic relief. Jessica has been there every step of the way with Karen. Whether it be filming, content creating, or Karen’s aesthetic, she is the microphone in my ear speaking to me from the van parked outside. Tommy Cramer and I share a similar vision when it comes to the eyes of humor. His timing, editing, and rhythm with filming only enriches Karen’s voice. Please be on the lookout for upcoming projects coming your way in the near future on Karen’s youtube channel, @Karenbeaches. Our latest project was a remake of Wicked’s “Defying Gravity,” where Karen plays both Elphaba and Glinda. It has always been a secret goal (ever since Parent Trap) to act opposite of myself in the same clip. I am blessed to have worked with different brands and artists that have offered endless support. This includes the following: -Nasty Women Cosmetics @nastywomancosmetics (Cruelty Free & Vegan Cosmetic brand) -Pearl Steffie @pearlsteffie (Travel and Hair Enthusiast blogger) -Golden Hippie Co. @goldenhippieco (Vintage Curator of lashes & accessories) -The Whimsical Twin @thewhimsicaltwin (Vintage Curator) -Lee Jameson @leejameson (Photographer) -Chase Runaway @chaserunaway (dragqueen/host of Runaways Digital Drag Show) -Tom C. Media @faketommycramer (Production Company) I encourage everyone to take a peek at their work.
-@nudaunbrand (hair accessories)
-@stableish (self-care company emphasizing Mental Health)

Instagram: @karenbeaches
Facebook: @karenbeaches
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-R8szTxvXYA2xwrj4-SNxw?view_as=subscriber, https://youtu.be/nF9MVSWG2N8