The PMU Slowdown: Staying Strong, Visible & Profitable in a Tough Economy | TAF #119

Send us a textIs business slow in the permanent makeup industry right now?You’re not imagining it and you’re not alone.In Episode 119 of the Tatter-a-Fact Podcast, Teryn Darling is joined by Sarah from Girlz Ink for an honest, grounded conversation about the current PMU slowdown, the broader economy, and what permanent makeup artists should be doing right now to stay strong and prepared for what’s next.This episode is not fear-based and it’s not sugar-coated. It’s real talk from industry leaders who have lived through multiple economic downturns and know exactly how artists can survive slow seasons and come out stronger.In This Episode:• Why the PMU industry feels slow — and why it’s not just you• How the economy impacts beauty services (and why beauty always rebounds)• Why permanent makeup is recession-resistant• PMU as a life-changing service — not “just makeup”• The role of confidence, self-care, and healed results in client decision-making• Real stories that show why PMU will always have demand• How slow seasons create opportunity for growth and skill developmentThis episode is for PMU artists, cosmetic tattooers, microblading artists, studio owners, and educators who want clarity, reassurance, and practical perspective — without the doom and gloom.✨ Part 1 of a 2-part conversationPart 2 dives deeper into mindset, money management, hidden opportunities, and long-term strategy.Listen in, take a breath, and remember:You didn’t come this far just to stop now.🎸 Composition and guitars - Russ Letizia🥁 Drums and studio engineering - Mike Zerbe🎼 Recorded at The Compound in Las Vegas, NV

Send us a textIn this powerful episode of Tatter-a-Fact, Teryn sits down with Candice Falcon, an industry leader in medical tattooing, 3D areola restoration, scar camouflage, and FTM gender-affirming tattoo work. Candice shares her artistic philosophy, her high standards, and why medical tattooing requires far more than basic PMU skills.Together, they dive deep into compromised skin, breast reconstruction, color theory, trauma-informed care, client psychology, and the emotional responsibility behind working with cancer survivors and trans clients. This conversation is real, raw, and educational—everything we stand for at Girlz Ink.Whether you're a PMU artist exploring the medical side of the industry or a seasoned tattooer wanting to elevate your craft, this episode will challenge you, inspire you, and expand your perspective.Topics Covered:• PMU vs. medical tattooing — understanding who is ready• Working on radiated, grafted & surgically altered skin• 3D areola design, nipple placement & healed expectations• Scar camouflage & skin-tone color matching• FTM phalloplasty tattooing & gender-affirming work• Ethics, boundaries & raising industry standards• Breaking rules the right way as an artistConnect With Candice FalconInstagram: @falconartistryHybrid training available for advanced artists in:– Areola & nipple tattooing– Scar camouflage– Gender-affirming FTM tattooingAbout Girlz InkWe are committed to integrity, healed results, and raising the bar in the PMU and medical tattooing industries.Explore our online courses & PMU products: GirlzInkTraining.com | GirlzInkStore.com🎸 Composition and guitars - Russ Letizia🥁 Drums and studio engineering - Mike Zerbe🎼 Recorded at The Compound in Las Vegas, NV

Send us a textIn this episode of Tatter-a-Fact, Teryn Darling sits down with Carla Ricciardone of Sculpted Studios, global PMU educator, color-theory expert, and pioneer of dark lip neutralization for a powerful and unfiltered conversation about what truly matters in Permanent Makeup today.Together they break down the science behind pigments, color theory, needle choice, and machine movements, while opening up about artist growth, education integrity, and creating healed results that speak louder than hype.🎓 What You’ll LearnThe science of dark lip neutralization — undertones, melanin response, and healed colorPigment chemistry: the real difference between iron oxides, organics, and hybridsHow carriers, needles, and voltage impact implantation and retentionBest practices for eyeliner tattooing and working on mature or sensitive skinHow to rise above toxicity and build a grounded, professional PMU career💡 Guest Spotlight – Carla Ricciardone, Sculpted StudiosCarla is an international PMU educator known for her science-driven teaching style and transparent approach to color theory and melanin-rich lips. Her focus on data, healed results, and ethical education has made her one of the industry’s most trusted voices.Follow her on Instagram → @sculptedstudiosExplore all courses and products at GirlzInkTraining.com and GirlzInk.com⏱️ Episode Chapters00:00 – Intro & why honesty matters in PMU05:42 – Teaching with facts over trends12:30 – Toxic Facebook groups & finding community23:10 – Pigment science & color theory explained34:00 – Dark Lip Neutralization: what every artist should know53:25 – Pigment carriers and healed results1:07:00 – Iron Oxides vs Organics vs Hybrids1:14:45 – Integrity in PMU education1:29:10 – Needles, machines & hand pressure1:35:20 – Eyeliner tattoo tips1:46:00 – Working on mature skin1:58:00 – Drama-free growth & artist mindset2:06:00 – Closing thoughts & Girlz Ink updatesSubscribe to Tatter-a-Fact for more real, educational, and empowering conversations designed to help you grow as a PMU artist.Follow us on Instagram → @girlzinkstudio | @tatgirlzinkAt Girlz Ink, we stand for education, ethics, and healed results that last.🎸 Composition and guitars - Russ Letizia🥁 Drums and studio engineering - Mike Zerbe🎼 Recorded at The Compound in Las Vegas, NV

Send us a textIn TAF #116, Teryn breaks down one of the BIGGEST struggles in Permanent Makeup: oily skin — and why it affects stretch, grip, pigment implantation, numbing absorption, and ultimately… your healed results.For 25 years, artists have been told to “just blot more,” “stretch harder,” or “work faster.” But none of that fixes the REAL issue: surface oil AND subsurface oil working against you during every procedure.In this episode, Teryn reveals the science behind oily skin and explains how it sabotages brows and eyeliner results — even for highly skilled artists. She also shares the 2.5-year journey behind creating D’Oil™, the industry’s first solution formulated specifically for PMU artists to control oily skin safely, effectively, and professionally.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:• Why oily skin causes patchy healed brows & uneven saturation• The difference between surface oil vs. subsurface oil• How oil dilutes pigment the second it enters the skin• Why numbing doesn’t absorb well on oily clients• How slippage affects stretch, depth, and needle control• Why this issue does NOT mean you’re inexperienced• The formulation & testing behind D’Oil™• How D’Oil™ improves mapping, pigment implantation, numbing, and healed resultsAbout D’Oil™ — OMG’s New PMU Innovation:The first-ever PMU solution designed to:✔ Remove surface + subsurface oil✔ Improve pigment implantation✔ Improve numbing absorption✔ Reduce glove slippage✔ Maintain hydrated, pliable skin✔ Support better healed results✔ Work in under 2 minutes✔ Safe for brows + eyeliner (pH 6)No oil. No slip. No problem.Black Friday Sale• D’Oil™ Intro Price: $16.50Shop: GirlzInk.comStay ConnectedInstagram: @girlzinkstudio | @teryndarlingNewsletter: Free PMU education & updates at GirlzInk.com🎸 Composition and guitars - Russ Letizia🥁 Drums and studio engineering - Mike Zerbe🎼 Recorded at The Compound in Las Vegas, NV

Send us a textIn this episode, Teryn Darling sits down with industry veteran Robin Hays Velez, a PMU artist with over 32 years of experience, to talk about what it really takes to last in permanent makeup. From pigments and needle choices to burnout, ethics, and regulators… nothing is off the table.If you’ve ever wondered what’s true, what’s hype, and what actually matters for long-term success in PMU, this one’s for you.What You’ll LearnPigment science: The real differences between iron oxide and organic/carbon pigments and when to use which.Eyeliner tattooing: Why Robin sometimes refuses carbon and how she works safely on mature or crepey lids.Needle mastery: Liners vs shaders, diameters, tapers and why one needle can’t do it all.Saturation levels: How to achieve low, medium, or high saturation results without over-traumatizing the skin.Industry ethics & longevity: Setting boundaries, avoiding burnout, and staying educated through the noise of social media.🎓 Girlz Ink Online Academy:The Needle & The PrickBeyond the Epidermis: Color TheoryMachine & MovementsLi-FT® Saline Removal🛍️ Shop PMU Supplies: www.girlzink.com❤️ About Tatter-a-Fact®Host: Teryn Darling — PMU artist, educator, and founder of Girlz InkGuest: Robin Hays Velez — 32 years in PMU, advocate for education, ethics & client careThe Tatter-a-Fact® PMU Podcast brings you real talk, proven techniques, and non-biased education for permanent makeup artists at every level.🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Amazon Musicand follow @GirlzInkStudio + @TatterAFactPodcast + @TatGirlzInk for more PMU education, inspiration & truth.🎸 Composition and guitars - Russ Letizia🥁 Drums and studio engineering - Mike Zerbe🎼 Recorded at The Compound in Las Vegas, NV

Send us a textIn this episode, Teryn Darling sits down with Chantal Chadderton, founder of PMU Pros, a 4-day international PMU expo and conference in Durban, South Africa, bringing together top educators, artists, and brands from around the world.They talk about what really makes a great PMU conference, quality education, supportive community, ethics, organization, and a whole lot of passion. Chantal shares how she’s building something special for artists ready to grow, connect, and elevate their craft.✨ You’ll hear:• Why attending a PMU conference can change your career• How real-life community beats online competition• What to expect from PMU Pros 2026—live demos, workshops, vendors & VIP perks• Travel and ticket tips (and how to make it a tax-savvy trip!)• Why investing in good education protects you and your clientsIf you’ve ever dreamed of learning from the best, meeting like-minded artists, and reigniting your love for PMU, this episode will light that fire.🎟️ Learn more:PMU Pros Website → https://inspiredliveevents.com/PMU Pros Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/pmu.pros.event/Girlz Ink Online Academy → https://www.girlzinktraining.com/About Tatter-a-fact® PMU PodcastHosted by Teryn Darling, founder of Girlz Ink®, Tatter-a-fact dives deep into the art and science of permanent makeup—technique, skin, needles, pigments, business, and truth-talk.Follow Girlz Ink:Instagram → GirlzInk: https://www.instagram.com/girlzinkstudio/Tatgirlzink: https://www.instagram.com/tatgirlzink/Tatter-a-fact: https://www.instagram.com/tatterafactpodcast/Online Academy → [link]🎸 Composition and guitars - Russ Letizia🥁 Drums and studio engineering - Mike Zerbe🎼 Recorded at The Compound in Las Vegas, NV

Send us a textThink you know your pigments? Think again. In this episode of The Learning Curve Series, Teryn Darling dives deep into the pigment learning curve, breaking down the truth about iron oxides, organics, and hybrids so you can finally understand why your pigments behave the way they do.Learn what really causes gray brows, migration, and fading, how particle size and carbon black impact healed results, and what adjustments to make when switching pigment types. Whether you’re an artist moving from iron oxides to organics (or the other way around), this episode will help you stop blaming your pigments and start perfecting your results.✨ Ready to go deeper? Explore Teryn’s online PMU courses: www.girlzinktraining.com🎸 Composition and guitars - Russ Letizia🥁 Drums and studio engineering - Mike Zerbe🎼 Recorded at The Compound in Las Vegas, NV

Send us a textThink one needle fits all? Think again. In Part 2 of The Learning Curve Series, Teryn breaks down the myths, the learning curve, and the freedom that comes with mastering liners, shaders, and mags. So you can achieve beautiful results on every skin type and every style (powder brows, lips, eyeliner, areola, and more).What you’ll learn:Why one needle can’t meet every client request.How to adjust speed, pressure, stretch, passes, and angle when switching configs.Why larger groupings implant more pigment with fewer passes.The “dip” difference: small vs. large needles.Embracing the awkward phase of learning and coming out stronger.✨ Want to go deeper? Check out Teryn’s online course The Needle & The Prick—the ultimate training in PMU needle theory. [Enroll here ➜ The Needle & The Prick Course]Girlz Ink® resources: supplies, pigments, machines, aftercare, online trainings, and free PMU education because ethics, innovation, and education are who we are.🎸 Composition and guitars - Russ Letizia🥁 Drums and studio engineering - Mike Zerbe🎼 Recorded at The Compound in Las Vegas, NV

Send us a textSwitching to a new PMU machine can feel like starting all over again. Suddenly your healed results look different, your depth feels off, and frustration sets in. But that’s not failure, it’s the learning curve.In this episode, Teryn Darling walks you through what really happens when you pick up a new machine: the vibration feels strange, the stroke is different, the voltage doesn’t behave the same, and your muscle memory needs time to catch up. She shares her own big switches, from a cheap starter pen to a coil, and then to rotary machines and how patience, adjustments, and reps made all the difference.💡 You’ll learn:Why every artist “sucks” at first with a new machine (and why that’s normal)How vibration, stroke, and voltage changes impact your workWhat adjustments to make with speed, pressure, and stretchWhy documenting healed results is your best teacherHow muscle memory, patience, and consistency build confidence✨ This is Part 1 of the Learning Curve Series. Next up: needles and pigments.If you’ve ever left a brand-new $800 machine sitting in a drawer, this episode will inspire you to pick it back up and push through the curve because greatness lives on the other side of frustration.🎸 Composition and guitars - Russ Letizia🥁 Drums and studio engineering - Mike Zerbe🎼 Recorded at The Compound in Las Vegas, NV

Send us a textIf you want a long, thriving career in PMU, consistent healed results, confident color choices, and the ability to pivot on tough skin, this episode is your blueprint. Teryn breaks down the core fundamentals every permanent makeup artist must master (and keep revisiting): skin science, pigment theory, needles, machines, hand movements, stretch, depth, and saturation strategy. Whether you’re doing powder brows, nano brows, combination brows, eyeliner tattooing, or lips, this is the real talk that levels up your results and your reputation.What you’ll learn:Skin: overtones/undertones, oily vs. dry vs. mature, reading & reacting to “misbehaving” skinPigments: inorganic vs. organic, base tones, concentration, aging, when/why to modify (orange/yellow/red)Black carbon: when it’s risky, when it’s appropriateNeedles: singles, liners, shaders, mags; diameter, texture, angles, and movement pairingsMachines: stroke, speed, give; syncing your hand speed & depth controlSaturation strategy: soft/airy vs. full saturation—how to get bold looks without overworking skinSignature trainings vs. true fundamentals—how to think critically, pivot, and deliver consistent healed results across all skin typesWho this is for: Aspiring, beginner, and advanced PMU artists who want consistent healed results, confident pivots, & lifelong careersArtists offering powder/ombré brows, nano/combo brows, eyeliner, lips, and corrections🤩 Make sure to follow us on Instagram! 🤩💙 Teryn @tatgirlzink💜 Tatter-a-fact Podcast @tatterafactpodcast💖 Girlz Ink Studio @girlzinkstudio🎸 Composition and guitars - Russ Letizia🥁 Drums and studio engineering - Mike Zerbe🎼 Recorded at The Compound in Las Vegas, NV