In the Spotlight | Carter Hackmann
In our mission to support Central Cass students in the arts, our “In the Spotlight” series aims to showcase alumni deserving recognition.
Carter Hackmann | Central Cass Class of 2015
Body Piercer, Honey Bee Studios LLC
“Being in the arts in high school at Central Cass allowed me to express my creative side.”
Today, as a professional body piercer, Carter Hackmann, class of 2015, continues expressing his creative side in the ways that he decorates his own body with piercings and tattoos. Carter is also a Drag Queen, which is an extreme method of acting. Doing drag allows him to express any and all gender identities that he wants, while still being true to the person underneath all of the decoration.
After high school, Carter attended MSUM and graduated from M-State with Business Management, Marketing and Sales degrees in 2019. He graduated from a piercing apprenticeship in 2018 and has been doing piercings for over five years now. In March 2022, he became a business owner. He runs Honey Bee Studios, LLC, out of Addictions Collective Studios in West Fargo.
In 2018, Carter started doing drag under the stage name, Honey Bea. He has met some of the most wonderful people who are 100% true to themselves. He’s created the best friendships, all while sharing an art form that merged his love of painting and acting into one. Recently, Hackmann has been producing his own shows. Being a well-known name in the drag scene has allowed him to create opportunities for others in the scene—getting them exposure, more chances to perform, and more chances to perfect their own craft. “It means the world to me that people in different areas of my life look up to me. I love being a staple in my communities. I love being someone people can look up to. If I can show one person that it’s possible to do what they love and experience success, it’s worth it.”
“The biggest thing you will ever regret is not doing something you have an interest in or something you love to do.”
Many people told Carter that piercing wasn't a valid career choice and that he wouldn't make any money. Not only is Carter able to support himself and his family, but he is also very happy with what he does. He cannot imagine doing anything else with his life. He is in a loving relationship with two amazing people—James and Taylor. They got married in June 2023 and are currently looking at houses in Fargo to hold their growing family.
When Carter reflects on his experiences in high school, he shared that winning a Superior Acting Award at the State One Act competition was a highlight of his freshman year. Carter was involved in band (clarinet), theater, speech and art. His words of wisdom to high school students today…. “The biggest thing you will ever regret is not doing something you have an interest in or something you love to do. Continuing in arts—post high school, allowed me to create an environment where I was able to be myself, and have others around me support the person I was. I was able to create a second, chosen, family.”
Thanks for sharing your story, Carter!
“In the Spotlight” features Central Cass alum who have excelled in the arts. Do you know a squirrel deserving recognition? Nominate them here!
