insight 01

find a mentor

When I started my microblading journey, I didn’t know exactly how to pick the right course, and in the end, went with an established institution. (I actually went all the way to Toronto!)

Though I gained a strong foundation, there was a lot I would have to learn on my own! Looking back, it would have been really helpful to have someone mentor me and to grow with. 

I wish I had someone guiding me through where to start, how to pick the right course, and of course, how to take those skills and turn them into a business! This is an invaluable (and often overlooked) component of a thriving microblading career.

Even now, there’s lots of microblading courses, but still so few mentorships. That’s actually part of the reason I decided to start teaching!

insight 02

pick the right educator

Like I mentioned, at the beginning I had no idea how to pick the right place to learn microblading… but I thought I was making a good decision! 

I chose to train somewhere prestigious and well-established in the industry. It had great reviews! And don’t get me wrong: it was fine…

But it wasn’t right for me. So I ended up having to do a lot of different courses to get to where I am today. 

 If I were making that decision again today, I would seek out someone whose work I like — their skill, technique, style — not the prestige of the place.

 When you first start microblading, you might miss the fact that it’s art. But it totally is — and different artists have different styles! 

You’ll save lots of time and money by choosing to learn from someone whose taste matches yours.

insight 03

Don’t skip the details!

This is the last thing I’ll say about learning how to microblade...

Not all courses are made equal! 

Look closely at what’s included in the course—and what isn’t!

My course, for instance, covers the usual — foundations of patterning and technique, practice methods, safety and sanitation… 

But it also covers how to get started, how to get clients, marketing and social media, photography, booking software, and most importantly—post-course support/access to me! 

So take a good look! A good course will teach you not just how to microblade, but how to be a successful microblading artist. 

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Here’s a tip: make a little checklist for yourself when going through options.

insight 04

embody your new role

Once you’re done training, you’ll officially be ready to start.

This can be a little daunting… since for most of us it means the first time we’re not employees, but self-employed. To be successful, you’ll have to keep yourself organized and accountable…

My recommendation: carve out a full day to work on your business every week (or 2 weeks). This is your time to think about your business and brand, to think more strategically about your client acquisition, professional development, and any high-level business strategy.

Don’t let yourself get so busy with clients that you don’t stop to think about your business!

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One Small Example

Take regular photos of your work: behind-the-scenes, fresh brows, healed brows, and anything else that’s part of your work-day. Store them all in an album on your phone. Every 2 weeks, set aside 2-3 hours to go through your photos, edit them, and schedule them. That way, you can go about your day without worrying about making content or finding time to post! You can use a free software like Creator Studio or splurge for something like Later!

insight 05

set firm boundaries

Working for yourself is awesome… until the line between work and home is blurred, you don’t have weekends anymore, and you work around the clock. 

As you transition into a new career, no matter how exciting, remember to set clear boundaries for yourself around work. 

Don’t feel obligated to post constantly, or be available to clients 24/7. 

Everyone will have a different way of working… Some prefer a structured 9-5 schedule, while others do their best work at night. The important thing is to find what works best for you. And then decide your non-negotiables from there. 

No matter what, you have to schedule regular downtime away from your work. This can be a time of day (e.g. “no work after 7pm”) or a day of the week (e.g. “Sundays are personal days.”) 

This might also mean keeping separate personal and professional accounts for social media and emails so you don’t accidentally see something you just have to answer or take care of when you’re ‘off the clock’.

If you don’t take regular breaks, your body will schedule them for you… at the least convenient times.

insight 06

don’t be scared to say no

Managing clients is the most important part of the job. But not every client will be right for you, and that’s okay. 

If someone comes in for their appointment pale with fear or jittering with nerves, my experience has taught me that it’s probably not the right procedure for them. (I don’t mean a bit of anxiety about how much it will hurt or how it will turn out… which is perfectly normal!)

Their anxiety might subside, but it’s not worth the risk! Better to turn them away and hey! — they might come back when they’re ready.

Even more often, you’ll get clients bringing in reference photos that look nothing like their natural brow shape. As much as you want to make them happy, you have to manage their expectations honestly and firmly. 

Losing a few clients here and there won’t hurt your business, and cultivating a reputation for integrity will certainly enhance it.

insight 07

work smart

With the insights above, you’re sure to be busy once you start accepting clients! 

Think ahead and automate as much as possible— from the obvious, like appointment bookings and reminders...

To the less-obvious, like follow-up emails encouraging clients to leave reviews and share healed photos with you! 

You can also use email automations to check in with clients 6, 12, or even 18 months after their appointment to remind them about touch-ups. Client retention for the win.

Running a thriving business takes a lot of hard work…but you can definitely save yourself some time by harnessing technology to your advantage.

insight 08

show off 😉

Last but not least… 

In this digital age, content is everything. 

You can pour your heart and soul into your craft… 

Practice for hundreds of hours…

And become the very best! 

But without beautiful, well-lit photos to show for it, it’s good-for-nothing. 

Good photos take lots of practice, but they also take a few pieces of essential equipment (a good phone camera, a ring light, and a preset or two). Have fun with it!

(P.S. In my course, I share all my secrets for angles, lighting, and editing.)