Building a PMU Business: Tips for Beginner Artists
Starting your journey in the permanent makeup industry can be exciting, but also overwhelming. With so much to consider, from choosing the right training to building your portfolio and attracting clients, it’s easy to feel lost. If you’ve been wondering how to start a PMU business without burning out, you’re in the right place.
We’ve gathered expert tips from experienced artists and educators to help beginner PMU artists build a strong foundation for their business and avoid common pitfalls.
Invest in your Education
One of the most important early steps in becoming a PMU artist is choosing the right training. Katie Fearns, artist, trainer, and owner of Inkd Liverpool, emphasises how important continuous practice and ongoing investment in education are for developing your skills and confidence.
Some of her tips for selecting the best PMU training courses include:
- Make sure to select reputable training courses taught by experienced professionals who have a portfolio that demonstrates they can perform the treatments they're teaching.
- Look for courses that include a high-quality starter kit and cover essential topics like pigment selection, skin types, managing complications, and hygiene and aftercare.
- Be wary of training courses promising to teach in-depth treatments and techniques to beginners in a very short period of time.
Katie Fearns offers a range of in-depth PMU courses suitable for artists at different levels, including beginners and more advanced artists. At Killer Beauty, you can also find a selection of training courses provided by reputable artists, including Gabrielle Rock, that can help boost your foundational learning!
Remember, investing in proper education early on will save you time, money, and stress in the long run.
Optimise your Social Media
Social media is your digital portfolio and one of the most powerful tools for growing your PMU business. It’s often the first place potential clients go to check out your work, learn about your services, and decide whether to book with you. According to Dominika Taylor, strong branding and authenticity are key to standing out.
Start by creating a consistent and professional brand identity. Choose a logo and brand colours that reflect your style, and inject your personality into your content. People connect with people, not faceless brands, so let your voice and passion shine through.
Here are some tips to elevate your social media game:
- Identify Your Target Audience: Know who you're speaking to. Are your ideal clients professionals, new mums, beauty enthusiasts? Tailor your content to speak directly to their needs and lifestyles.
- Build Your Story: Share why you started your PMU journey, your values, and what makes you different. Your story builds emotional connection and trust.
- Share High-Quality Visuals: Post crisp, well-lit before and after photos of your work.
- Provide Value in Every Post: Go beyond promotion—share aftercare tips or behind-the-scenes content to educate and engage your audience.
- Add Personality: Use stories, reels, and captions to show who you are. This builds familiarity and makes followers more likely to book.
- Be Consistent: Stick to a posting schedule and show up regularly for your followers.
- Optimise Your Profile: Make sure you include all the relevant information your clients will need when they click on your page, such as your name, business name, the services you offer, your location, your contact information and how to book, and any training, certifications, or awards you’ve received to show your clients your level of experience.
The Importance of Networking
When you're building your PMU business, your skillset is just one part of the puzzle—your network is just as important. Connecting with other artists, educators, and industry leaders can open doors to new opportunities, boost your confidence, and accelerate your growth. Why networking matters:
- Learn from other artists: Every artist has a different journey, and you can learn so much from their experiences, including what worked, what didn’t, and how they overcame challenges.
- Stay inspired and up to date: Industry trends evolve quickly. Attending events helps you stay ahead with new techniques, tools, and treatment styles.
- Build friendships and support systems: Starting out can feel isolating, but networking reminds you that you're not alone. Many successful artists started exactly where you are now.
There are several PMU events and conferences that could be worth attending:
- Queens Night 2025 – A two-day celebration of permanent makeup, scalp micropigmentation, medical micropigmentation, and fine line tattooing. Expect masterclasses, live demos, competitions, and awards. It's an inspiring, high-energy event to connect with artists from across the UK and beyond.
- Browista Competition 2025– A fantastic event for both beginners and seasoned artists. You can enter one of five competition categories (from classic hairstroke brows to brow lamination) up until the 1st July 2025, or simply attend the exclusive Brow Brunch on the 13th July 2025. Either way, you’ll get access to workshops, live demos, and industry speakers, making it a brilliant networking opportunity.
- Worlds PMU Event 2025– Organised by Aleksandra Lambert, this prestigious international event brings together elite artists and educators for workshops, live demonstrations, and expert panels. Whether you're looking to be inspired, earn an award, or learn from the best, this event delivers high-level value.
Whether you’re stepping into your first event or entering your first competition, networking can truly transform your PMU journey. Don’t be afraid to show up, introduce yourself, and learn from others—you never know where a single conversation might lead.
Provide a Thorough Consultation Process
The consultation process is where trust begins. Emily Bartle-Haigh, permanent makeup artist and Lead Educator at Brow Jam, emphasises the importance of making your client feel comfortable, while still staying professional.
Some of her tips for making the most out of your initial consultation with your client include:
- Ask lots of questions to understand their expectations
- Show examples of your work to make sure you and the client are on the same page
- Always review the full consultation form to manage expectations
- Don’t be afraid to turn away a client if you feel the treatment isn’t the right fit for them
A thorough consultation is key to ensuring client satisfaction and avoiding future issues.
Invest in High-Quality PMU Supplies
The tools you use reflect the quality of your work. Starting with reliable and beginner-friendly PMU supplies can make a huge difference in your results and confidence. For those just getting started, here are some beginner-friendly options:
Dragonhawk – Affordable and beginner-friendly, with popular wireless options like the Mast Tour Y22 and Mast P20 that offer great control, versatility, and ease of use.
Perma Blend Luxe – A trusted range with versatile shades, including pro sets like Carla Ricciardone’s Embody & Enhance for lip neutralisation and lip blush treatments, Paulina Osinkowska’s Ombre Brows Set, and the Microblading Pro Set.
Stellar 2.0 – Super sharp and precise, featuring a colour-coded identification system and a wide variety of configurations for all techniques.
Tina Davies – Designed by experienced permanent makeup artists for artists, these microblades are perfect for creating crisp, clean hair strokes, with multiple configurations to suit different styles.
Hustle Butter – A soothing, hydrating balm that can be used before, during, and after treatments—and it smells amazing, too.
PMU Starter Kits
You can build your own Dragonhawk kit to customise your setup with the machine, cartridges, and accessories that suit your specific preferences.
Take Time for You
Being a beginner in the permanent makeup industry means putting a lot of time and effort into your work—but don’t forget to take care of yourself. Emily Bartle-Haigh highlights the importance of mindset and self-care:
- Avoid the comparison trap
- Take breaks from social media
- Remember that PMU is part of who you are, not all of who you are
Burnout is real, especially in a visually driven industry. Schedule time for rest, hobbies, and non-work activities. Protecting your mental health is just as important as building your skillset.
If you're wondering how to start a PMU business and actually make it sustainable, it starts with education, branding, strong client communication, and prioritising your well-being. The journey won't always be easy—but with the right mindset and resources, you can build a thriving PMU business that reflects your passion and professionalism.