Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Reed.
Hi Heather, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
After high school, I immediately joined radio broadcasting and spent 10 amazing years living my dream! After being laid off, not knowing where to go next, I began working office jobs to keep paychecks coming in. While I am good at what I do in the office, this has never felt like that is where I was supposed to be. While trying to figure out my next move (only took 20 years), I went through a few emotionally abusive relationships and had my amazing kid! I have always wanted to be a tattoo artist, but with no confidence in drawing skills or myself at all after those relationships, never gave it much thought. Suddenly, one day, I had an epiphany that permanent make-up was an option I had never looked into before. I started my research immediately and have been working on this dream non-stop ever since.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
This industry is not a smooth road at all! I didn’t think about it when I started, that a new entrepreneur with no budget has to fill all roles! Along with learning permanent make-up and how to start a new business, I also had to become webmaster, SEO specialist (Search Engine Optimization, which is how people find you online), full-time student (the continuing education is non-stop), tax “expert”, marketer, photographer (editor), videographer (editor), call center, book keeper, appointment scheduler, content creator, blog writer, pricing setter, researcher, etc.
All of this while simultaneously working a day job, having a house and a family, and trying to bring in enough clientele in order to quit that day job. This is all a struggle…but worth every second!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I am a board certified Permanent Makeup Artist and owner of Be You Cosmetic Tattoo LLC. in Northfield, Ohio. I offer Ombre Powder Brows, Eyeliner, and Eyelash Enhancement (at this time), which are all completed with a tattoo machine. These are all able to be completed with natural, fashion colors, or a combination of the two. To my knowledge, there are no other permanent make-up artists in the area that will use fashion colors. I am also proud to be an LGBTQ+ ally! The purpose of my company is literally to help people feel like themselves, gain self-esteem, and provide an easier day that does NOT include make-up applications and mishaps. You will find if you research permanent make-up, that many artists will NOT perform work that they wouldn’t wear themselves. This is something I don’t understand because everyone is different and just because I like something doesn’t mean you will and vice versa. I will do everything in my power (within reason) to help my client walk away feeling amazing!
Some of my credentials:
Attended The Ohio Institute of Permanent Makeup
Completed apprenticeship at The Ohio Institute of Permanent Makeup
American Academy of Micropigmentation Gold Board Certification
Attended Dayton Powder Brows for eyelash enhancement & eyeliner training
Technique Selection
Accelerated Color Theory
Bloodborne Pathogens Certification
CPR certification
Brow Mapping Course with JennXInk
Pain Control Safety and Effectiveness
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
I want to help people feel better about themselves. This is so important to me because of how low my self-esteem was after those few emotionally abusive relationships. Even though it has been 13 years since the last one ended and I have since found a man that truly loves me no matter what and constantly tries to build me up, I know how difficult it is and how long it takes to re-discover yourself after trauma. It is a daily struggle.
I also have LBGTQ+ family members. Why should anyone have to be embarrassed to tell a loved one WHO THEY ARE with a concern that they might be ostracized?! This is something that still happens, unfortunately. I can potentially help people to feel like themselves no matter how they’ve been treated by someone else, and know that there is always someone on their side, even if it is their PMU artist.
Pricing:
- Bottom Eyeliner $200 OR add to any other service for $60
- Eyelash Enhancement Initial Appointment Starting at 200.00
- Top Eyeliner Starting at 400.00
- Initial Ombre Powder Brow Appointment – Starts @ 429.98 (Touch-up $229.00)
- Initial Fashion Color Powder Brow Appointment – Starting at $450
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.beyoucosmetictattoo.com
- Instagram: bucosmetictattoo
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565942567434
- Twitter: @bucosmetictatoo
- Youtube: @BYCT91624
- Yelp: search for Be You Cosmetic Tattoo
