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Is 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 development

This 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 conversation
Part 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

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In 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 artist

Connect With Candice Falcon

Instagram: @falconartistry
Hybrid training available for advanced artists in:
– Areola & nipple tattooing
– Scar camouflage
– Gender-affirming FTM tattooing

About Girlz Ink

We 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 text

In 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 Learn

• The science of dark lip neutralization — undertones, melanin response, and healed color
• Pigment chemistry: the real difference between iron oxides, organics, and hybrids
• How carriers, needles, and voltage impact implantation and retention
• Best practices for eyeliner tattooing and working on mature or sensitive skin
• How to rise above toxicity and build a grounded, professional PMU career

💡 Guest Spotlight – Carla Ricciardone, Sculpted Studios

Carla 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 → @sculptedstudios

Explore all courses and products at GirlzInkTraining.com
and GirlzInk.com

⏱️ Episode Chapters

00:00 – Intro & why honesty matters in PMU
05:42 – Teaching with facts over trends
12:30 – Toxic Facebook groups & finding community
23:10 – Pigment science & color theory explained
34:00 – Dark Lip Neutralization: what every artist should know
53:25 – Pigment carriers and healed results
1:07:00 – Iron Oxides vs Organics vs Hybrids
1:14:45 – Integrity in PMU education
1:29:10 – Needles, machines & hand pressure
1:35:20 – Eyeliner tattoo tips
1:46:00 – Working on mature skin
1:58:00 – Drama-free growth & artist mindset
2:06:00 – Closing thoughts & Girlz Ink updates

Subscribe 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
| @tatgirlzink

At 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