Send us Fan Mail

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

Support the show

🎙️ Follow & connect with us:

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

TikTok: msamberred - https://www.tiktok.com/@msamberred?_t=8We7Q2Gtd0&_r=1

FB: msamberred permanent makeup - https://www.facebook.com/Msamberred

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.

Send us Fan Mail

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/

Support the show

🎙️ Follow & connect with us:

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

TikTok: msamberred - https://www.tiktok.com/@msamberred?_t=8We7Q2Gtd0&_r=1

FB: msamberred permanent makeup - https://www.facebook.com/Msamberred

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.

Send us Fan Mail

🎨 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

Support the show

🎙️ Follow & connect with us:

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

TikTok: msamberred - https://www.tiktok.com/@msamberred?_t=8We7Q2Gtd0&_r=1

FB: msamberred permanent makeup - https://www.facebook.com/Msamberred

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.

Send us Fan Mail

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.

Support the show

🎙️ Follow & connect with us:

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

TikTok: msamberred - https://www.tiktok.com/@msamberred?_t=8We7Q2Gtd0&_r=1

FB: msamberred permanent makeup - https://www.facebook.com/Msamberred

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.

Send us Fan Mail

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!

Support the show

🎙️ Follow & connect with us:

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

TikTok: msamberred - https://www.tiktok.com/@msamberred?_t=8We7Q2Gtd0&_r=1

FB: msamberred permanent makeup - https://www.facebook.com/Msamberred

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.

Send us Fan Mail

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

Support the show

🎙️ Follow & connect with us:

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

TikTok: msamberred - https://www.tiktok.com/@msamberred?_t=8We7Q2Gtd0&_r=1

FB: msamberred permanent makeup - https://www.facebook.com/Msamberred

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.

Send us Fan Mail

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.

Support the show

🎙️ Follow & connect with us:

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

TikTok: msamberred - https://www.tiktok.com/@msamberred?_t=8We7Q2Gtd0&_r=1

FB: msamberred permanent makeup - https://www.facebook.com/Msamberred

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.

Send us Fan Mail

Let’s talk about the brows that should’ve never happened.

In this episode we’re following a real 10+ year brow journey that started with microblading… and turned into blurred strokes, heavy pigment buildup, color shifting, and years of correction and removal.

We talk about:

• why oily skin + microblading = disaster
• how repeated touch-ups can overload the skin with pigment
• the truth about removal (laser vs. lift)
• and why patience is the only way to get good results

If you’re thinking about getting your brows done—or you’re an artist still learning—this episode could save you years of frustration and thousands of dollars.

Support the show

🎙️ Follow & connect with us:

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

TikTok: msamberred - https://www.tiktok.com/@msamberred?_t=8We7Q2Gtd0&_r=1

FB: msamberred permanent makeup - https://www.facebook.com/Msamberred

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.

Send us Fan Mail

This episode starts chaotic… but ends with gold.

Ms Amber Red, Sasha, and Tracy are exposing what happens when you don’t have control over your own website, domain, and client data—and how easy it is to end up stuck, frustrated, and completely dependent on the wrong people.

From paying thousands for a site you can’t even edit… to realizing your client data might not even be yours… yeah, it gets real.

And then—we flip it.

The last part of this episode is packed with rapid-fire website + SEO tips that every PMU artist should know (but most don’t).

If you have a website… or plan to… this might be the episode that saves you.

Support the show

🎙️ Follow & connect with us:

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

TikTok: msamberred - https://www.tiktok.com/@msamberred?_t=8We7Q2Gtd0&_r=1

FB: msamberred permanent makeup - https://www.facebook.com/Msamberred

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.

Send us Fan Mail

You know those moments where you realize… yeah, I almost got played? This episode is exactly that.

We’re back with Tracy with Be Envied Beauty co for part two, and now we’re getting into the stuff that actually drains artists—marketing scams, overpriced agencies, losing control of your own website, and why depending on the wrong people can quietly wreck your business before it even starts.

If you’ve ever thought, “I should just hire someone to do all this for me”… you might want to listen to this first.

Because we’re breaking down what’s actually worth it… and what’s straight-up BS.

We also get into something even bigger:
why learning the basics yourself might be the difference between building a real business… or getting taken advantage of.

If you’re in the beauty business (or trying to be), this episode might save you thousands of dollars and a lot of regret.

Follow Tracy on IG! - https://www.instagram.com/beenviedbeautyco/

Support the show

🎙️ Follow & connect with us:

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

TikTok: msamberred - https://www.tiktok.com/@msamberred?_t=8We7Q2Gtd0&_r=1

FB: msamberred permanent makeup - https://www.facebook.com/Msamberred

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.