diff --git a/src/blueskydj/settings.py b/src/blueskydj/settings.py
index 537f073..a39677d 100644
--- a/src/blueskydj/settings.py
+++ b/src/blueskydj/settings.py
@@ -83,6 +83,9 @@ DATABASES = {
         'PASSWORD': config('MYSQL_PASSWORD'),
         'HOST': config('MYSQL_HOST'),
         'PORT': config('MYSQL_PORT'),
+        'OPTIONS': {
+            'charset': 'utf8mb4',
+        },
     }
 }