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Switching to a new PMU machine can feel like starting all over again. Suddenly your healed results look different, your depth feels off, and frustration sets in. But that’s not failure, it’s the learning curve.

In this episode, Teryn Darling walks you through what really happens when you pick up a new machine: the vibration feels strange, the stroke is different, the voltage doesn’t behave the same, and your muscle memory needs time to catch up. She shares her own big switches, from a cheap starter pen to a coil, and then to rotary machines and how patience, adjustments, and reps made all the difference.

💡 You’ll learn:

• Why every artist “sucks” at first with a new machine (and why that’s normal)
• How vibration, stroke, and voltage changes impact your work
• What adjustments to make with speed, pressure, and stretch
• Why documenting healed results is your best teacher
• How muscle memory, patience, and consistency build confidence

✨ This is Part 1 of the Learning Curve Series. Next up: needles and pigments.

If you’ve ever left a brand-new $800 machine sitting in a drawer, this episode will inspire you to pick it back up and push through the curve because greatness lives on the other side of frustration.

🎸 Composition and guitars - Russ Letizia
🥁 Drums and studio engineering - Mike Zerbe
🎼 Recorded at The Compound in Las Vegas, NV

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If you want a long, thriving career in PMU, consistent healed results, confident color choices, and the ability to pivot on tough skin, this episode is your blueprint. Teryn breaks down the core fundamentals every permanent makeup artist must master (and keep revisiting): skin science, pigment theory, needles, machines, hand movements, stretch, depth, and saturation strategy. Whether you’re doing powder brows, nano brows, combination brows, eyeliner tattooing, or lips, this is the real talk that levels up your results and your reputation.

What you’ll learn:

• Skin: overtones/undertones, oily vs. dry vs. mature, reading & reacting to “misbehaving” skin
• Pigments: inorganic vs. organic, base tones, concentration, aging, when/why to modify (orange/yellow/red)
• Black carbon: when it’s risky, when it’s appropriate
• Needles: singles, liners, shaders, mags; diameter, texture, angles, and movement pairings
• Machines: stroke, speed, give; syncing your hand speed & depth control
• Saturation strategy: soft/airy vs. full saturation—how to get bold looks without overworking skin
• Signature trainings vs. true fundamentals—how to think critically, pivot, and deliver consistent healed results across all skin types
  
  

Who this is for: 

• Aspiring, beginner, and advanced PMU artists who want consistent healed results, confident pivots, & lifelong careers
• Artists offering powder/ombré brows, nano/combo brows, eyeliner, lips, and corrections
  
  🤩 Make sure to follow us on Instagram! 🤩
  💙 Teryn @tatgirlzink
  💜 Tatter-a-fact Podcast @tatterafactpodcast
  💖 Girlz Ink Studio @girlzinkstudio

🎸 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 episode of the Tatter-a-Fact PMU Podcast, Teryn dives deep into the truth about topical anesthetics in permanent makeup, what works, what doesn’t, and what every artist needs to know to keep clients safe and results beautiful.

From melting and migrating formulas that ruin mapping and stretch… to the real facts on whether anesthetics affect pigment retention… to the rise in reported cases of pupil dilation during eyeliner tattooing, this episode is packed with education, safety protocols, and myth-busting.

You’ll learn:

• Why some anesthetics melt, drip, or migrate and how to prevent it
• How oily carriers interfere with mapping, stretch, and healed results
• What to do if your client experiences pupil dilation (step-by-step safety protocol)
• Why anesthetics don’t “ruin retention” when used correctly
• How to choose melt-free, eye-safe products and avoid dangerous knockoffs

At Girlz Ink, we’re raising the bar in PMU—through education, integrity, and real talk. Tune in and empower yourself with knowledge that protects your clients and your craft.

🎸 Composition and guitars - Russ Letizia
🥁 Drums and studio engineering - Mike Zerbe
🎼 Recorded at The Compound in Las Vegas, NV

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In today’s episode of the Tatter-a-Fact PMU Podcast, we’re diving deep into a question every permanent makeup artist will face at some point:
“My client is allergic to nickel… should I still move forward with the procedure?”

With 25+ years in the industry and over 20,000 procedures under her belt, Teryn shares her real-world experience, breaks down the science behind nickel in PMU pigments and needles, and explains why she feels 100% confident tattooing even clients with known sensitivities, without the stress of patch testing or doctor’s notes.

Topics we cover:

• Do all PMU pigments contain nickel?
• Are patch tests reliable (and worth the wait)?
• What EU REACH regulations say about pigment safety
• Understanding OMG Needles and surgical-grade stainless steel
• How to use consent forms and addendums to legally protect yourself
• Why cheap pigments + low-quality needles are a big NO in our industry

Teryn also talks about her role in formulating the Loaded and OMG Pigment Lines, what makes pigments truly safe, and how you can confidently tattoo even your most sensitive clients when you know what’s in your products.

💡 Whether you're a new PMU artist or a seasoned pro, this episode is loaded (pun intended) with education, inspiration, and Girlz Ink truth bombs.

🛍️ Shop OMG Needles & Pigments → www.girlzink.com
🎓 Take Your PMU Skills to the Next Level → www.girlzinktraining.com
📍 Catch Teryn LIVE at PMU World in Miami | Sept 8–11 | Use code: GIRLZINK10

🎸 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 the Tatter-a-Fact PMU Podcast, Teryn Darling sits down with Jessica Ashley of Stunna Beauty to talk about one of the most debated procedures in the permanent makeup world: tattooed freckles.

From ombre brows and lip blush to the artistry of freckles, Jessica shares how she transformed a personal obsession into a signature PMU service now loved by clients across the country. But not everyone in the industry is on board—and that’s exactly why this episode matters.

🔥 Inside this episode:
• The growing demand for tattooed freckles across all Fitzpatrick types
• How social media filters are shaping real beauty choices
• The difference between brows and freckles in pigment saturation and placement
• Why artists need to unlearn perfection for freckle work
• The hard truth about bullying in the PMU community
• How to balance artistry, safety, and client confidence
• The tools, needles, and pigments Jessica swears by
• Her complete online freckle tattoo course and color formulas

This episode is all about expanding your mindset, supporting creativity in PMU, and empowering artists to make space for procedures they may have once misunderstood.

🎧 If you've ever considered adding freckles to your PMU services—or you’ve been judged for already offering them—this is your sign to lean in.

🔗 Find Jessica Ashley on Instagram: @stunnabeauty1
📚 Explore PMU education, supplies, and support at: girlzinktraining.com

🎸 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 episode of the Tatter-a-Fact PMU Podcast, host Teryn Darling sits down with Katri Pagliaro, a permanent makeup artist and first-time inventor who’s making BIG waves in the industry. After four years of passion, prototypes, and perseverance, Katri launched The Pendulum—a never-before-seen pencil sharpening tool designed specifically for PMU artists who use China markers for pre-draws and mapping.

Teryn and Katri dive deep into:

• The 4-year journey of developing a product from scratch
• The power of solving a real problem in the PMU world
• Why The Pendulum is replacing the razor blade
• The emotional rollercoaster of launching a tool in the beauty industry
• The reality of being a first-time PMU product inventor
• Entrepreneurial advice for beauty professionals
• How this tool is transforming training for new permanent makeup artists

Whether you're just starting your PMU career or you’ve been in the game for years, this episode will inspire you to think big, create boldly, and pursue your ideas with confidence.

Follow us on Instagram:
🩷  Katri Pagliaro: @pendulum_pmu
🩷 Teryn Darling: @tatgirlzink
🩷 Girlz Ink Studio: @girlzinkstudio  

Mentioned in this Episode:

• The Pendulum Sharpener
• Watch The Pendulum Tutorial
• Girlz Ink Online PMU Courses

🎸 Composition and guitars - Russ Letizia
🥁 Drums and studio engineering - Mike Zerbe
🎼 Recorded at The Compound in Las Vegas, NV

Send us a text

Are you tired of staring at a blank screen trying to write Instagram captions or brainstorm content ideas for your PMU business? What if AI could help you show up consistently, attract your dream clients, and build your brand—all while saving time and stress?

In this episode of the Tatter-a-Fact PMU Podcast, Teryn Darling sits down with PMU educator and marketing-savvy artist Leann La of Fusion Artistry to talk about how she's using ChatGPT and other AI tools to simplify content creation, elevate her brand voice, and scale her permanent makeup business.

Whether you're a new PMU artist trying to build a loyal clientele or a seasoned trainer looking to increase course enrollments, this episode is packed with real, tactical tips that you can start using today. Plus, Teryn shares how Leann’s AI lecture in Australia inspired her to finally download ChatGPT—and how it’s changed the way the Girlz Ink team does business.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to use ChatGPT for writing captions, emails, and course outlines
• Tips for building a strong brand voice that stands out in a saturated PMU market
• How AI tools can save time and money (and help solo artists do more)
• What not to use AI for in PMU and how to keep your content authentic
• Tools like Opus Clip and Captions App that make video content creation easier than ever

💡 Bonus: Leann and Teryn talk about the biggest myths and mistakes artists make with AI and how to avoid them.

🔗 Follow Leann La on Instagram: @fuzionartistry
🎓 Explore Girlz Ink PMU Courses: www.girlzinktraining.com
📺 Watch this episode on YouTube: Tatter-a-Fact PMU Podcast

🎧 Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow PMU artist who’s ready to work smarter.

#PMUPodcast #PermanentMakeupBusiness #ChatGPTforPMU #PMUBranding #GirlzInk #TatterAFact #PMUMarketing #BeautyBusinessTips #AIforPMUArtists #PMUEducation #FusionArtistry

🎸 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 raw and real episode, Teryn Darling sits down with PMU educator and artist Shay Danielle to talk about what it really takes to build longevity in the permanent makeup industry.

They dive into the highs and lows of studio ownership, how burnout impacts even the most successful artists, and why staying authentic in a changing PMU world matters more than ever. Shay opens up about being seen as a role model, working with her husband, and the challenges of growing a business without losing yourself.

This episode will inspire you, educate you, and remind you why authenticity and community matter in your PMU journey.

🔗 Follow Shay Danielle: @shaydanielle.pmu
💻 Free education, PMU supplies, and online training: Girlz Ink Academy

#PMU #PermanentMakeup #PMUPodcast #CosmeticTattoo #StudioLife #PMUBurnout #ShayDanielle #TatterAFact

🎸 Composition and guitars - Russ Letizia
🥁 Drums and studio engineering - Mike Zerbe
🎼 Recorded at The Compound in Las Vegas, NV

Send us a text

PMU besties, get ready for one of the most educational + honest episodes yet! In this week’s Tatter-a-Fact, Teryn Darling and her wife + business partner Kat are diving deep into one of the most misunderstood topics in the permanent makeup world: pigment viscosity and retention problems. 

Whether you’re confused by why some PMU pigments are thick, struggling with healed results that aren’t lasting, or just need a little boost in your color theory + machine technique knowledge… this episode is for you!

What you’ll learn in this episode:
•  Why some PMU pigments (like Aqua + OMG) are thicker or thinner—and the real science behind it
•  How to easily thin out brow pigments without compromising healed-in results (hint: Soft FX 💧)
•  What pigment “viscosity” really means and why it matters for implantation
•  The difference between carbon black vs. iron oxide vs. hybrid pigments
•  Why yellow pigment molecules behave like mini sponges (yes, really!)
•  The real reason pigment retention can suck (spoiler: it’s not always the pigment)
•  The truth about shallow implantation + low saturation brow trends
•  What “ultra-micronization” means and how it affects pigment performance
•  Why switching from carbon-based to inorganic pigment lines requires a learning curve

Whether you're using Aqua Pigments, Loaded, Velvet, OMG, or another PMU pigment line, this episode gives you the behind-the-scenes formulation wisdom you didn't know you needed.

Perfect for:
•  New permanent makeup artists trying to improve retention
•  Experienced artists transitioning away from carbon-based brow pigments
•  Artists struggling with pigment thickness, needle flow, or healed-in color
•  Anyone who loves Teryn’s PMU nerd-out moments 🧠✨

Girlz, Ink 2025

🎸 Composition and guitars - Russ Letizia
🥁 Drums and studio engineering - Mike Zerbe
🎼 Recorded at The Compound in Las Vegas, NV

Send us a text

In Episode #102 of the Tatter-a-fact PMU Podcast, Teryn Darling is back with Kat for a deep dive into your most frequently asked questions in permanent makeup! From aftercare best practices to pigment choices for Fitzpatrick 5 and 6 clients, this episode is jam-packed with real talk, expert advice, and proven techniques from a PMU veteran.

Here’s what we cover in this episode:

✅ PMU Aftercare Tips: What aftercare ointments Teryn uses (and avoids) for brows, eyeliner, lips, and areolas
✅ Best Numbing Creams & Anesthetics: What to use now that Face & Body is gone and why we love Microcaine and TAG 45
✅ Pigments for Fitz 5 & 6: The safest pigments for darker skin tones, why carbon black can be risky, and choosing organic vs. inorganic pigments
✅ Eyeliner Removal with Li-FT®: Can you safely remove bad eyeliner tattoos? Yes and here’s how!
✅ Blotting for Retention: Why blotting is the #1 aftercare step that artists and clients MUST understand
✅ Product Rants, Industry Realness & Giving Grace: A candid talk about pigment bashing, PMU machines, and giving artists and brands the grace they deserve

Whether you’re a beginner permanent makeup artist or an advanced PMU pro, this episode brings clarity to some of the most confusing (and controversial!) topics in the industry.

🔗 Mentioned in this episode:
• Li-FT® Saline Removal Course
• Loaded Pigments for Brows
• AfterInked Ointments
• Microcaine Anesthetic

👇 Drop a comment with YOUR burning PMU question we might feature it in a future episode!

📧 Have a name idea for this Q&A series? Email your suggestions to [email protected] for a chance to win a PMU goody bag filled with pigments, needles, and more! 🎁

Girlz, Ink 2025

🎸 Composition and guitars - Russ Letizia
🥁 Drums and studio engineering - Mike Zerbe
🎼 Recorded at The Compound in Las Vegas, NV