As a skilled SPMU artist with her own Cosmetic Tattooing Clinic, Cara Maitland has made key decisions throughout her career. From building her own business to becoming a leading SPMU expert in Manchester, she has gained invaluable insights. Here are some of her SPMU: expert tips for succeeding as a Semi-Permanent Makeup Artist:
1. Start with a clear vision and passion for Aesthetics
Cara’s passion for SPMU led her to explore various cosmetic treatments, including dermal fillers and Botox procedures. She’s particularly excited about the future of Semi-Permanent Makeup as she continues to expand her skills. Her main goal is to empower other individuals to follow in her footsteps.
“I wanted to have the freedom to learn more about Cosmetic Tattooing and be my own boss,” she says. “Being genuinely passionate about SPMU will help you keep going when things seem tough.”
2. Invest in Training
After completing her Microblading training in Melbourne, Australia, Cara returned to the UK to continue her tuition. She enrolled at Dermace Training Academy, one of the nation’s largest and most reputable medical and cosmetic tattooing centres. Here she completed training in:
- Powder/Ombré Brows
- Eyeliner
- Advanced Eyeliner
- Lip Blush
- Advanced Lip Blush
- Saline Removal
- Areola Reconstruction
- Scalp Micropigmentation
- MCA Scar Treatment
Cara also trained in Microblading with PHIBROWS in London before establishing Cosmetic Tattoo Clinic Manchester. The academy is one of the few official PHI academies worldwide and the only one in the UK.
Today, Cara has built up her portfolio of SPMU treatments and runs her own intensive training courses. She has developed courses covering theoretical and practical aspects of SPMU and machine techniques. She is fully qualified to pass on her SPMU: expert tips.
“I trained with some first-rate tutors and learnt a lot. It was a valuable experience,” she recalls. “So, I hope I can inspire and motivate my students too. Teaching is a very satisfying part of my career.”
Investing in quality training from professionals can significantly impact your success, particularly when you’re just starting.
3. Maximise Social Media to Build your Brand
When Cara first started her SPMU business, she used her Instagram account to attract clients.
“As soon as I started posting my treatments and a behind-the-scenes look at procedures, people became more interested. I began to attract potential clients interested in SPMU courses and those wanting to book treatments,” she explains.
Social media became her most powerful tool for gaining exposure and educating potential clients about semi-permanent makeup. She reminds SPMU artists to make the most of platforms like Instagram, where visuals can showcase their work. Social media posts help maintain a brand’s presence, increase engagement, and build your reputation.
4. Develop a Strong Rapport with Both Students and Clients
Cara emphasises the importance of building and keeping strong positive relationships.“Many students I’ve trained at my clinic come to me for support, and we have an excellent relationship,“ she says. “The same goes for my clients.” “As an SPMU artist, I have a much deeper understanding of their needs and goals when they feel at ease enough with me to express their thoughts and feelings.”
The better you understand your client’s goals, the more effectively you can tailor your treatments to meet those desired outcomes!
“I believe caring and showing genuine concern for students and clients has been key to the reputation and success of the clinic.”
5. Provide Services that Intensify your Client’s Natural Beauty
Cara’s philosophy is that a client’s natural beauty should be highlighted rather than drastically altered. “I’ve always said that if I’m going to do these brows, I’m going to make sure they look flawless but natural,” she explains. She focuses on making sure her clients are pleased with the results over the long run. “This is vital for building trust and loyalty.”
6. Keep Tabs on the latest trends and offer specialised treatments
While Cara started with Microblading, she quickly expanded her services to include new treatments and services.
“I attend networking events and conferences across the country to stay up to date with the latest beauty industry trends. It’s one of the quickest ways to spot current developments as they pop up.” She adds. “I also have a Google Alert set up for topics I’m interested in.”
SPMU: Expert Tips: Achieving Job Satisfaction
Offering different treatments can help attract more clients. However, you should choose the services that complement your philosophy and skills.
For Cara, that meant focusing on natural brows and other cosmetic treatments that flatter minimal or no makeup.