Inspired by Ms Amber Red

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This one gets deep… and then somehow we end up talking conspiracy theories. 😂

In Part 2 with our guest Iona, Ms Amber Red and Sasha go beyond her journey from Scotland to Las Vegas and get into the parts of her story that took a whole different kind of strength.

Iona opens up about her struggles with addiction, the hurdles she faced along the way, and what it took to overcome them and build the life she has today. We talk about resilience, starting over, owning the darker chapters of your story, and the strength it takes to come out on the other side.

It’s vulnerable. It’s honest. And it’s a side of Iona you might never expect if you only knew her as a cosmetic tattoo artist.

BUT… we couldn’t let things stay serious for too long.

Because Iona is also a Scorpio—and if you’re going to put a Scorpio in the hot seat, we might as well ask her about CONSPIRACIES😂

We finish things off with a rapid-fire round covering conspiracy theories and some completely unexpected questions that take this conversation in a very different direction.

Deep, funny, a little unhinged and VERY Inspiring!

If you listened to Part 1, you know how Iona got here. In Part 2, you get to know the woman behind the story. Tune in now, this is an episode you don't want to miss!

Follow Iona on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/tattoosbyiona/

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Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of Ms Amber Red & Inspired by Ms Amber Red. The material and information presented here is for entertainment purposes only. “Inspired by Ms Amber Red" name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, service or view.

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How does a girl from Scotland end up living in Las Vegas and building a career in cosmetic tattooing? There’s a LOT that happened in between.

In Part 1 of this two-part series, Ms Amber Red and Sasha sit down with guest Iona to go all the way back to the beginning. We’re talking Scotland, her move to London, crossing the pond to Los Angeles, eventually landing in Las Vegas—and all the twists, decisions, and life changes that happened along the way.

Iona shares how she first found the permanent makeup industry, where she trained, what those early days of becoming a cosmetic tattoo artist actually looked like, and how she eventually found the service she wanted to specialize in.

But this episode isn’t just about PMU. It’s about taking chances, completely uprooting your life, starting over in new cities (and new countries!), finding your lane, and figuring things out as you go.

If you’ve ever wondered how other cosmetic tattoo artists actually got their start—or you just love hearing the REAL story behind the artist—this one is for you.

And we’re only getting started with Iona. 👀

Hit play on Part 1 now, then stay tuned because Part 2 takes the conversation even further.

Follow Iona on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/tattoosbyiona/

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Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of Ms Amber Red & Inspired by Ms Amber Red. The material and information presented here is for entertainment purposes only. “Inspired by Ms Amber Red" name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, service or view.

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In this exciting episode of the Inspired Podcast, Sasha and Ms Amber Red share the BIG news… the studio is expanding into the Downtown Las Vegas Arts District! 🎉

What started as a dream years ago when Amber first entered the permanent makeup industry is officially becoming reality—and we’re talking all about the vision, the emotions, the risks, and the creative energy behind this next chapter.

We discuss why the Arts District feels like the perfect fit for the brand, the vibe we want to create inside the new space, and what this expansion means for the future of PMU, education, creativity, and community.

If you’ve ever chased a dream that felt impossible at one point… this episode is proof that things can change fast when passion meets persistence.

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Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of Ms Amber Red & Inspired by Ms Amber Red. The material and information presented here is for entertainment purposes only. “Inspired by Ms Amber Red" name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, service or view.

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This week on Inspired by Ms Amber Red, we're diving into one of the most awkward situations we've ever heard... and we need your opinion.

Here's the story...

This artist has 219 five-star Google reviews, one one-star review, and one two-star review.

The crazy part? The two negative reviews weren't even from clients. She’s never tattooed either of them.

One of those women called her studio years ago, became aggressive on the phone, and she chose not to book her. She left a one-star review anyway. The artist responded professionally, moved on with life... and honestly forgot all about it.

Fast forward THREE YEARS.

She walks into her studio for a consultation.

Not only does she want brows... she wants eyeliner, lips... maybe the whole makeover.

The artist recognized her name immediately.

What should the artist do?

Tell her who she is?
Pretend she never noticed?
Refuse service?
Or does she let her work speak for itself... and hope she realizes she reviewed someone she'd never even met?

We also read what artists around the world had to say—including one response that perfectly sums up a lesson every business owner eventually learns:

"Not all money is good money."

Would you give someone a second chance?
Or once someone has shown you who they are... do you believe them the first time?

🎙️ Hit play, then tell us...

👇 Ms Amber Red POV:
Would YOU tattoo her? Yes or no?
And if you would... would you bring up the review afterward?

Your answer might end up in a future episode.

PURCHASE OUR CLIENT/BUSINESS FORMS HERE: https://www.inspiredbymsamberred.com/offers/HqwYh9oE/checkout

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Become a VIP on Inspired: http://www.inspiredbymsamberred.com

Support our podcast here! - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2235069/support

Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of Ms Amber Red & Inspired by Ms Amber Red. The material and information presented here is for entertainment purposes only. “Inspired by Ms Amber Red" name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, service or view.

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What happens when you stop waiting for the "perfect time" and start betting on yourself?

In this episode of Inspired, Ashley Rice joins us after traveling all the way from Colorado to be on the podcast with Ms Amber Red, and the conversation quickly turns into so much more than just permanent makeup.

We dive into why finding high-quality PMU training and the right mentor can dramatically shorten your learning curve, help you avoid expensive mistakes, and give you the confidence to grow your business faster than trying to figure everything out alone.

Ashley also shares why she's stepping outside her comfort zone by pursuing a traditional body tattoo apprenticeship while continuing her career as a permanent makeup artist. We talk about overcoming fear, building new skills, saying yes to opportunities that feel intimidating, building a clientele in a new city, and why the biggest breakthroughs often happen when you push yourself beyond your comfort zone - and doing all of this with 4 kids! Super hero I know!

In this episode we discuss:
✨ Why investing in the right PMU education pays for itself.
✨ The difference a mentor can make in your confidence and career.
✨ Why staying comfortable can quietly hold you back.
✨ Transitioning from permanent makeup into traditional tattooing.
✨ The mindset shifts that separate artists who plateau from those who continue to grow.

Whether you're thinking about becoming a permanent makeup artist, searching for the best PMU training, considering an apprenticeship, or simply looking for motivation to take your next big step, this episode is packed with honest conversations, real experiences, and plenty of laughs along the way.

🎙️ Ms Amber Red POV:

What's one thing you've been putting off because it feels uncomfortable?

Sometimes the biggest opportunities are hiding just outside your comfort zone. Tell us what yours is—you might inspire the next episode.

GIVE ASHLEY A FOLLOW: https://www.instagram.com/inked_cosmetics_by_ashley/

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Support our podcast here! - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2235069/support

Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of Ms Amber Red & Inspired by Ms Amber Red. The material and information presented here is for entertainment purposes only. “Inspired by Ms Amber Red" name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, service or view.

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🎨 Color Correction vs. Removal: Are Artists Recommending the Wrong One?

One of the biggest questions in permanent makeup is also one of the most misunderstood:

Should you correct it... or should you remove it?

In this episode of Inspired, we break down the difference between eyebrow color correction and tattoo removal—and explain why choosing the wrong option can make a difficult case even harder to fix.

We discuss:

• Why grey and overly saturated brows all require different approaches.
• When color correction is the best solution—and when it's simply covering up a bigger problem.
• The biggest mistakes artists make when trying to "fix" old permanent makeup.
• Why adding more pigment isn't always the answer.
• How skin quality, pigment depth, scar tissue, and previous work influence your treatment plan.
• When saline tattoo removal or lightening should come before any new tattooing.
• How to set realistic expectations with clients before they commit to either option.

Whether you're a PMU artist looking to sharpen your skills or someone wondering what can realistically be done with old eyebrow tattoos, this episode is packed with practical advice, real-life photo examples, and honest industry insight.

There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer—and that's exactly why this conversation matters.

🎙️ Ms Amber Red POV:

If a client walks in with old permanent makeup, what's your first instinct?

➡️ Color Correct it?
➡️ Lighten it a bit first?
➡️ Recommend complete removal to start fresh?

Tell us what you would do—and why. Your perspective could be featured in a future episode of Inspired. This episode is a must watch and includes many photo examples!

SIGN UP HERE TO WATCH MS AMBER RED COLOR CORRECT A GREY BROW FOR FREE!: http://www.inspiredbymsamberred.com

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Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of Ms Amber Red & Inspired by Ms Amber Red. The material and information presented here is for entertainment purposes only. “Inspired by Ms Amber Red" name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, service or view.

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Welcome to the very first episode of PMU Court—our newest segment where we hear real industry dilemmas, debate both sides, and deliver the final verdict. ⚖️👩‍⚖️

This week's cases have us completely divided...

Case #1: A client books an 8-week touch-up... then spends 2 hours changing the brow shape before tattooing even begins. Is this still a touch-up? Or has it become an entirely new procedure and you charge more money? Where do you draw the line between good customer service and giving away your time?

Case #2: A Groupon lip blush client can't get antiviral medication prescribed and now wants to cancel. Do you issue a refund? Keep the booking fee? Or is this simply part of the client's responsibility before booking?

Expect strong opinions, real-life stories, industry debate, and a verdict that might surprise you.

🎙️ Do you agree with our rulings... or would your verdict be completely different?

Hit play, listen to the evidence, then head to the comments and tell us:
👩‍⚖️ Guilty or Not Guilty?
We may feature your opinion in a future episode of PMU Court.

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IG: msamberred - https://www.instagram.com/msamberred/

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Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of Ms Amber Red & Inspired by Ms Amber Red. The material and information presented here is for entertainment purposes only. “Inspired by Ms Amber Red" name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, service or view.

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What happens when influencers start publicly sharing their permanent makeup procedures online… and PMU artists start analyzing every detail? 👀

In this episode of the Inspired Podcast, we dive into the recent viral lip blush procedure shared by influencer Francesca Farago—and let’s just say, it sparked A LOT of conversation inside the comments!

We break down:
👉 The lip blush healing process and what clients should realistically expect
👉 How every permanent makeup artist works completely differently—even when the end goal is similar
👉 The specific things Ms Amber Red personally would’ve approached differently during the procedure
👉 Why social media often creates unrealistic expectations around cosmetic tattooing results

And then we get into the controversial stuff… 👀

Amber shares honest opinions on certain trends happening inside the PMU industry—like artists applying concealer around fresh cosmetic tattoos to hide redness immediately after the procedure. While redness and irritation are a completely normal part of tattooing, heavily edited or concealed “after photos” can create unrealistic expectations for clients trying to research real healed results online.

This episode is a raw conversation about transparency in the cosmetic tattoo industry, realistic healing, influencer culture, PMU tattoo trends, and why authentic unedited results matter more now than ever.

If you’ve ever considered lip blush, permanent makeup, or wondered how much social media filters are influencing the PMU world… this episode is for you.

💬 We want your opinion: Should PMU artists show completely raw, unedited results online? Leave us a review or message us your thoughts!

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Support our podcast here! - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2235069/support

Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of Ms Amber Red & Inspired by Ms Amber Red. The material and information presented here is for entertainment purposes only. “Inspired by Ms Amber Red" name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, service or view.

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What’s it like being one of the only women cosmetic tattoo artists walking into a heavily male-dominated tattoo convention? Let’s talk about it!

In this episode of the Inspired Podcast, Ms Amber Red and Sasha sit down with special guest Michelle from Vixen Ink & Beauty for a hilarious, inspiring, and real conversation about the evolving world of permanent makeup, tattooing, and female artists making waves in the industry.

We dive into:
👉 What Michelle has been building inside the PMU industry and how she’s growing her brand
👉 Our recent experiences attending separate Tattoo Fest conventions in different states—and why both experiences completely exceeded expectations and grew our business'
👉 The reality of being among the only women cosmetic tattooers in rooms packed with traditional tattoo artists
👉 How attending tattoo conventions can massively benefit your confidence, networking, artistry, and business growth as a PMU artist

And yes… we also talk about Michelle winning an award for her incredibly realistic areola tattoo work—which led to the now-iconic joke that someone officially has “award-winning titties.” 😂🏆

This episode is equal parts educational, empowering, and unfiltered chaos in the best way possible. If you’re a permanent makeup artist, tattoo artist, beauty entrepreneur, or creative woman trying to break into spaces not traditionally built for you—this one’s for you.

💬 Leave us a review and tell us: Would YOU ever attend a tattoo convention as a PMU artist? We want to hear your thoughts.

🎙️ Follow & connect:
Instagram: @vixens.ink.and.beauty
Guest: Michelle Dobrzenski - Vixen Ink & Beauty

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Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of Ms Amber Red & Inspired by Ms Amber Red. The material and information presented here is for entertainment purposes only. “Inspired by Ms Amber Red" name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, service or view.

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What if the permanent makeup industry told clients the full truth about what happens years later? 👀

In this raw, unfiltered episode of the Inspired Podcast, Ms Amber Red pulls back the curtain on the permanent makeup secrets most artists won’t talk about publicly—but every client SHOULD know before getting brows, eyeliner, or lip blush done.

👉 Why yearly touch-ups may actually cause more harm than good over time
👉 How repeated yearly permanent makeup procedures increases the risk of scar tissue in the skin
👉 Why your friends PMU lasts years and yet yours fades in less than a year (it's all in the needles and techniques)
👉 Why almost all healed brows eventually soften into a powdery look as pigment ages in the skin - yes even if you got microblading or nano hairstrokes
👉 The reality of healed eyeliner tattoo results (hint: it won’t stay jet black like liquid liner forever)
👉 What clients should realistically expect from aging pigment, fading, color shifts, and long-term maintenance

This episode is packed with insider PMU education, honest artist perspective, and the kind of transparency the cosmetic tattoo industry desperately needs more of. Whether you’re considering permanent makeup, already have cosmetic tattoos, or you’re an artist wanting to better educate your clients—this conversation is a must-listen.

Real talk about how permanent makeup actually ages over the years.

Have questions or topics you want us to cover next? Leave us a review or send us a message—we want to hear from you.

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IG: msamberred - https://www.instagram.com/msamberred/

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Become a VIP on Inspired: http://www.inspiredbymsamberred.com

Support our podcast here! - https://www.buzzsprout.com/2235069/support

Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of Ms Amber Red & Inspired by Ms Amber Red. The material and information presented here is for entertainment purposes only. “Inspired by Ms Amber Red" name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, service or view.