so you have just graduated from your first permanent makeup training course… what’s next?

⏱ 10 Min Read

Have you recently finished a permanent make up certification course? Congratulations! You’re about to start a wonderful and rewarding profession. But what do you do now?

Let’s get real for a hot minute! Most girls who sign up for these courses have no idea what steps to take next or the level of investment that follows.

Thats ok because I’m here to shed some light on your potential journey. Once you graduate from a good quality training course there are 4 career pathways to choose from - Employee, Self-Employed, Contractor or Company.

what are my career path options?

Can I get a job IN an established salon?

AKA EMPLOYEE

If you can land a job at an established salon then this would ideally be your best option. There are however some PROS and CONS you would need to consider:

PROS

1. Being an employee is great for those who do not have an established beauty business or do not want to start their own business. This means you can spend more time of doing what you love and leave the business logistics the the professionals.

2. An established salon will usually take care of all the administrative and marketing duties. You would just need to turn up to work and service your clients.

3. There is literally zero set up costs. The establishment is responsible for supplying the room, treatment beds, tools and supplies. Unlike going out on your own, there is no further investment to consider.

4. You will avoid one of the largest business expenses - RENT! An established salon will also cover all the necessary overheads like insurance and landlord obligations such as council approvals, compliance checks and waste management.

5. Last but not least, a well run establishment will ensure you undergo ongoing professional development and training, keeping your skills sharp.

CONS

1. As an employee, you will be missing one of the largest perk available to cosmetic tattoo artists - THE INCOME! An established salon would most likely pay you an hourly rate similar to a beauty therapist. Thats right kiss those hundred dollar bills goodbye and say hello to a very average wage.

2. Say goodbye to flexibility. As an employee you will be required to work around the clock.

3. Unfortunately, job listings are far and few between. You could be waiting years for an opportunity to pop up.

4. Most established salons with exsisting clientel are usually seeking someone with a few years experience. This means this option is completely out of scope for a beginner. You may want to complete an aprenticip first to build up your portfolio.

PICTURED: The pros and cons of working as an employee as a new permanent makeup artist

Can I microbladING from A home SALON?

AKA SELF EMPLOYED

The short answer is yes. But is it really a good idea? Think about it, you are in a vulnerable transition stage of artist growth and technical development. Microblading is also form of tattooing, and it's important to take the necessary precautions to ensure a safe and hygienic procedure. Let’s explore some of the the pros and cons of setting up a home salon.

PROS

1. Setting up a spare room at home to operate your permanent makeup business is one of the quickest and easiest options to consider if you have the extra space.

2. Your treatment room set up costs will be relatively low comoared to a complete salon fit out. The main expenses will be your treatment bed, trollies and trays.

3. You will avoid one of the largest business expenses - RENT! You can piggy back off of the current expenses you pay at home and these costs may even be tax deductible.

4. Running a microblading business from home allows you to work flexible hours with if you have other commitments, making it perfect to operate in your spare time while while you build a solid clientele

CONS

1. I must emphasise that a home salon is not the appropriate setting for permanent makeup procedures. Permanent makeup is a cosmetic treatment that should only be administered in a clinical environment. Unfortunately, the growing popularity of home salons has unintentionally fostered a misperception about its casual nature.

2. Working from home isn't always ideal as it lacks personal boundaries, which can consequently diminish the perception of professionalism. If you have children or pets this option is a big no!

3. Risk and liability increases significantly for both you and the client. Tattooing someones face should be done in a controlled environment and in arms reach of a trained professional for at least 100 hours. Tattooing before you are ready can result in undesirable outcomes for your client and your business repuation.

4. Jumping right into a work-from-home setup right after your first permanent makeup course can actually lead to picking up some bad habits and developing incorrect muscle memory. Plus, it's tough to remember and apply everything you learned in a practical sense all on your own. So, it's a good idea to be around other artists who can help you fine-tune your skills quickly before you go solo. Your growth as an artist will happen faster when you're not stuck at home with limited opportunities for learning and improvement.

5. working from home might sound comfy, but you miss out on that awesome team vibe and the infectious energy that comes from being around other ambitious artists. It's like the difference between watching a game at home alone versus being in the stadium with all the fans – the atmosphere and motivation you get from your peers can be a game-changer for your growth and creativity. Feeling isolated is the biggest reason home salons dont work.

6. When you're working from home, you can't really charge the same prices you could in a well-established salon. You should kinda expect to lower your rates by about 30%. It's just the way it goes because clients often expect a different level of service and ambiance when they're in a salon versus someone's home. So, it's all about finding that balance between what you offer and what your clients are willing to pay.

PICTURED: The pros and cons starting a business from home as a new permanent makeup artist

Can I START my own permanent makeup business?

AKA COMPANY PTY LTD

Hold on a sec, let's take a breather! It's fantastic to have those big dreams, but for a new artist, diving straight into such ambitious goals might be a tad overwhelming right now. My suggestion would be to dip your toes in and explore a few different paths before you decide to take the plunge. Being a business owner, especially when you're just starting out as an artist, can be a pretty big deal, and it comes with some mighty big shoes to fill.

PROS

1. Starting your own business can bring a super high level of professionalism and instant credibility.

2. Established salons usually have the advantage of charging more for their services, which means there's a chance to rake in a bigger income compared to home salons or being an employee. But here's the catch: you've got to walk the talk and make sure your prices match your pitch. It's all about finding that sweet spot where your talent is a reflection your rates.

3. The sky's the limit here! You can build a team and expand your services into whatever your heart desires. You're the boss now, and the possibilities are endless!

CONS

1. Going all-in on something like this could end up costing you a pretty penny. especially if your not already raking in the big bucks with permanent makeup. Maybe revisit this idea a few years down the road when you've got more experience under your belt.

2. Getting a shop up and running can be a pretty hefty investment. The initial setup costs can range anywhere from a hundred grand to three hundred grand, so it's not something to be taken lightly.

3. Rent is going to be your biggest expense in this game. On average, for a salon space of around 50 square meters, you're looking at a weekly rent of about $300 to $600. But don't forget the extras! Additional costs like electricity, water, council rates and land taxes can tack on another 20% or so per week. So, make sure you've got your budgeting hat on when you're planning to set up shop.

4. Having a salon is just the start; it doesn't automatically guarantee you a flood of clients. Building a steady and stable business can take years of hard work. And here's the kicker: it won't happen without a solid marketing plan and some strategic advertising. Be prepared to invest thousands of dollars every month in these efforts if you want to see your business thrive.

5. Once you're in, you're in – there's no turning back. You'll need to keep those doors open every single week, all year round. Your operational costs won't take a break either. Even if you decide to take a week or more off, those bills and expenses won't stop rolling in. It's a full-on commitment, no doubt about it.

PICTURED: The pros and cons stating a company as a new permanent makeup artist

Can I rent a chair AT ANOTHER TATTOO SALON?

AKA CONTRACTOR

I can't stress this enough: when you're kicking off your microblading career, putting yourself alongside a seasoned pro is an absolute game-changer.

PROS

1. Picture having a mentor right there, helping you perfect your skills until you become a well-rounded and incredibly skilled artist. Think of chair rental as your very own launch pad to success. It's the way to go!

2. If theres something we’ve learnt, we know that perception is everything. Placing yourself in an established cosmetic tattoo studio, where the atmosphere is buzzing, can instantly boost your credibility. Plus, the salon will handle all the heavy lifting when it comes to the setup and attracting customers. You get to ride the wave of those awesome perks!

3. With the right perception and guided support, you'll soon find yourself able to charge higher rates. The return on investment (ROI) will start paying off in no time.

4. The beauty of this setup is that your initial costs are super low because you get to rent absolutely everything you need! Just bring along your tools and pigments, and you're good to go. It's an excellent way to kickstart your business without any additional financial investment.

5. If you're savvy about it, you can even set up a short-term or "pay as you go" bed rental arrangement. This gives you the flexibility to book just the hours you need. What's more, the salon might even send a few extra clients your way as your skills sharpen – it's a win-win situation!

6. Just picture this: you've got another salon handling all the nitty-gritty tasks because they're already established, they've likely taken care of all the council checks, waste management, and other salon compliance issues. It's like having a well-oiled machine backing you up!

7. Your risk levels are significantly reduced because you've got a second set of eyes keeping an eye on your work. The end result? Happy clients and a thriving, successful business.

CONS

1. loading….. On a serious note there is nothing bad we can find.

PICTURED: The pros and cons of renting a chair as a new permanent makeup artist

CONCLUSION

One of the quickest, most cost-effective and fuss-free ways is BED HIRE. This structure essentially takes out 90% of the obstacles from running your own business and allows you to focus on what you do best... BROWS!!! Think about it BED HIRE allows budding artists to piggyback off another successful business, gain instant foot traffic, create essential networks and make yourself LOOK professional. In addition, if you're working from another cosmetic tattoo clinic you'll be within arms reach of a trained professional.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO RENT A CHAIR?

Renting a chair is an incredibly cost-effective solution and a perfect solution for new and emerging PMU artists.

Average Bed Hire Rates:

• Adhoc (Per Sitting) $50

• Date Rate $100

• Week Rate $400

• 6 Months $300pw

• 12 Months $200pw
  
  

PRODUCTS

Unique and distinctive cosmetic tattoo tools

SHOP

ONLINE COURSES

Over 10 Masterclasses to choose from

BUSINESS RESOURCES

A digital library of business assets for PMU Masters

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