In honor of Black History month, Microbeau would like to recognize a select group of Black women who are dominating the PMU industry. We took the time to chat with these women who are changing the lives of their fellow Black peers, and diversifying the industry, inside and out.
Here’s what they had to say.
Ashli Briggs @ashlikent
Tell us about your history. How you started off in the PMU industry.
I started as a hairstylist as an adolescent, and later became a hair color stylist. One of my clients showed me a picture of an ombre brow from an artist she wanted to go to and I completely fell in love with how the industry had evolved from when I first learned about microblading 10 years ago! I got my brows done, and immediately knew this was the industry for me. It speaks to my creative side and I love getting lost in creativity when I’m doing brows. It’s my passion and I could do this all day and all night!
How do you feel that you can relate to Black History month?
Black history month is a time to celebrate black creatives old and new. As a black PMU artist, I relate to Black History month because it’s a reminder of the amazing and inspiring people that have paved the way for me to be who I am today.
What has been your experience as a Black artist in the PMU industry?
As a Black PMU artist, I feel it’s important to be represented and recognized for our talent and contributions. I love being a Black woman and I feel proud and honored to showcase my work on a diverse clientele. It’s like having a superpower, because I’m able to work on all skin types, ad show how beautiful PMU can look on everyone!
What is your advice to other Black PMU artists?
My advice to other black PMU artists is to expand your reach! Being able to service all skin types is a major flex! It feels good to know that someone from our community is just as talented and there are no limits to what we can achieve together.
If you could change anything about the PMU industry, what would it be?
If I could change anything about the PMU industry, it would be to see more artists of color going after those big brand deals and seeing us well represented as industry leaders.
What is your favorite Microbeau device to use, what procedures do you like to perform with it, and why?
All my students know that the Bellar V2 machine is HANDS DOWN my favorite PMU machine! I specialize in brows, and I love that I’m able to go from a beautiful pixelated ombre brow, to crisp, clean nano strokes using one machine. The low vibration and sleek feel of the Bellarv V2 is what makes this machine so magical and easy to transition between brow techniques.
Angela James @expressionbrowstudio
Tell us about your history. How you started off in the PMU industry.
I started in the PMU industry almost 7 years ago to get out of the monotony of a 9-5 job. I have always been a creative and after having my brows done by an artist in NYC, I just knew I wanted to get into the industry. Back then, PMU seemed like an exclusive club with very little ways to pursue training. Within a few years, the Microblading craze was taking off and I happened to be living in a new city itching for a career change. I took a few trainings and I’ve been obsessed with all things PMU ever since!
How do you feel that you can relate to Black History month?
I believe Black History Month is the celebration of the contributions of the Black community to every aspect of American life, including PMU.
What has been your experience as a Black artist in the PMU industry?
I would say that it’s been a bit harder to get noticed or taken as seriously in the community. Luckily, I have been able to connect with so many great artists from all walks of life. I’ve also been able to build a very successful business. Despite any setbacks and I’m super proud of that. My team is diverse and I think that’s because I refused to be pigeonholed from the very beginning of my career. My business is intentionally diverse, and I am proud of that.
What is your advice to other Black PMU artists?
My advice to other Black artists is to keep grinding. I see so many other Black artists not only succeeding, but setting the standard for what it means to be an artist and successful business owner. At the end of the day the only thing that matters is the work!
If you could change anything about the PMU industry, what would it be?
If I could change anything about the PMU industry it would be for artists to get as much education as possible. Truly learn about your craft from the inside out and never be afraid to keep learning. This industry has changed so much since I started and it’s only going to continue to grow and evolve. I invest in education every single year because there’s always more to learn and it’s so exciting!
What is your favorite Microbeau device to use, what procedures do you like to perform with it, and why?
I’ve used a Bellar V2 since the day I picked up a machine, and it’s my favorite tool in my arsenal for the buttery powder brows and lips! Obsessed!
Shanika McCall @chanelluxxe_3dareola
Tell us about your history. How you started off in the PMU industry.
I've always been known to be very artistic, and I have always loved any form of art I could perform/transform with my hands. Before I got into PMU, I was on active duty in the Army for 15 years, and I started diving into PMU about 4 years before I got out. I was a Drill Sergeant in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, for 2 years, and this job made me interested in PMU. I loved to wear makeup, but with a job like that, it was impossible not to sweat my brows off, and that's when I turned to PMU. I finally was able to get my brows done on a small break, and I never looked back. After my time as a Drill Sergeant, I then took leave to learn all I could about Permanent Makeup.
How do you feel that you can relate to Black History month?
I feel like I can relate to black history month because, as part of the culture, I feel that it needs to be celebrated because of all the significant contributions the black culture has made to the world.
What has been your experience as a Black artist in the PMU industry?
My experience in the PMU industry has been nothing but great! I've seen more women of color enter the industry lately and soar to the top with some of the most brilliant training and mentorship programs to help others succeed. More techniques are being taught that benefit women of color now than ever before, and I love being a part of this growing community.
What is your advice to other Black PMU artists?
Success never happens overnight. There will be many sleepless nights, and that's ok as long as you keep pushing through and remember you are good enough.
If you could change anything about the PMU industry, what would it be?
I wouldn't change anything. Greatness takes time and I can see the industry growing and becoming more advanced everyday.
Have you used any of our Microbeau devices? If so, what procedures do you like to perform with it, and why?
I have a Flux Mini that I absolutely love to use for tiny tattoos and Areola Tattoos because it gives that extra hit I need, but at the same time it's an extremely smooth machine. I have the Bellar V2 that I love to use as well for eyeliner and nano brows, its slim and it helps me create the crisp lines I need for these techniques without a doubt. I also own the Xion S, which has always been my favorite for lips and brows, but recently I received the Bellar Air. The Bellar Air is my new favorite for lips and brows now without a doubt.
