The Ink Post

In this episode of The Ink Post, Shay Alsaid sits down with Isabel Marrone for a real conversation about what actually helps tattoo artists and permanent makeup artists get more bookings in today’s industry.

From building trust online to improving client experience, branding, content creation, pricing psychology, consistency, and standing out in an oversaturated market, this episode breaks down the habits and mindset shifts that separate struggling artists from fully booked ones.

Whether you’re a beginner trying to land your first clients or an experienced artist looking to grow your business, this conversation is packed with honest insight, strategy, and industry perspective.

Topics discussed:• How artists can attract more clients• Why some talented artists still struggle to book• Social media mistakes hurting your growth• Branding and positioning in the PMU/tattoo industry• Building client trust online• Mindset, confidence, and consistency• What clients are really looking for when booking an artist

Listen now and level up your artistry and business.

On this episode of The Ink Post, we’re having the conversation the industry keeps avoiding.

From six-figure marketing promises to influencer educators launching courses before mastering their craft, we unpack what’s really happening behind the scenes in the PMU and tattoo education world.

Are income claims setting artists up for disappointment?
Can large group trainings truly create mastery?
At what point does bold marketing cross into deception?
And who is actually responsible for student outcomes?

This episode isn’t about drama. It’s about standards.

If you’re an aspiring artist trying to choose the right education path, or an established professional questioning the direction of the industry, this conversation will challenge you to think deeper.

Ethics. Accountability. Skill. Transparency.

Because we don’t graduate technicians.
We graduate artists.

Press play if you’re ready for the truth.

In this episode, Shay Alsaid discusses the challenges and insights from the permanent makeup industry in 2025. She shares her personal journey, including emotional struggles and business metrics, while emphasizing the importance of authenticity and community support. The conversation highlights the need for resilience in the face of economic challenges and the significance of understanding one's business metrics to navigate the industry effectively.takeaways

• The permanent makeup industry is facing significant changes and challenges.
• It's important to reflect on business metrics regularly to gauge success.
• Emotional resilience is crucial for personal and professional growth.
• Authenticity is key in a world increasingly influenced by AI.
• Community support plays a vital role in overcoming challenges.
• Understanding your target audience is essential for effective marketing.
• 2025 was a year of shedding what doesn't serve you.
• Bad moments in life can lead to personal growth and gratitude.
• Marketing strategies need to adapt to economic conditions.
• Don't measure your worth by business outcomes.

• "2025 exposed you."
• "You have to stay strong."
• "What loves you stayed."

Sound BitesChapters00:00The State of the Permanent Makeup Industry02:52Navigating Business Challenges and Metrics04:52Understanding Sales and Marketing Strategies07:30Customer Engagement and Retention10:03The Importance of Data and Analytics12:55Adapting to Market Changes15:42Vulnerability in Business Leadership18:03The Future of the Beauty Institute25:29Navigating Economic Challenges in 202531:20The Emotional Weight of the Beauty Industry35:26Personal Loss and Resilience40:30Finding Gratitude in Adversity46:29Empowering Immigrant Women in the Beauty Industry

Summary

In this live session, Shay Alsaid, founder of the Beauty Institute, engages with students to check in on their progress, address common challenges in the beauty and tattooing industry, and provide valuable insights on advertising, photography, and client acquisition. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community support, effective marketing strategies, and continuous skill development in the beauty industry. In this engaging conversation, Shay Alsaid shares insights on the journey of learning tattooing and permanent makeup, emphasizing the importance of practice, the joy of mastering techniques like nano brows, and the significance of workshops in experiencing 'aha' moments. She discusses the regulatory landscape for aspiring tattoo artists, the value of non-traditional tattooing, and how to balance a full-time job with a tattooing career. Additionally, Shay highlights the importance of creating engaging content and leveraging seasonal opportunities to grow a business in the tattoo industry.

This is a follow up of part one!

Takeaways

00:00Introduction and Overview of Previous Webinar

05:37Letting Go of Regrets and Creating New Memories

11:20Introducing the beauty inkstitute new App for Continuous PMU & Tattoo education

17:24Future Goals and Community Engagement for 2025

This video is filmed in 2025, but I've been using these methods since 2013 to grow my skills and business over time. Am I the richest tattoo artist ever? No, not at all, but for someone who isn't particularly famous or insanely talented ( I am talented but there is some crazy work out there) this guide shows you that anyone could do it.

Print out that you can follow along:

https://www.canva.com/design/DAGbp7Znrtg/ZOeWv66pQ561qQcu6tnrJg/view?utm_content=DAGbp7Znrtg&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hab892bbf97

In this episode of the Ink Post podcast, host Shay Alsaid engages in a deep conversation with makeup artist Hadi Farhat about the intricacies of content creation, the journey of building a successful business, and the importance of authenticity in the beauty industry. Hadi shares his personal story of moving from Lebanon to Michigan, the challenges he faced in learning a new language, and how he built a substantial following on social media. The discussion also touches on the significance of humor and relatability in content, finding a unique style in a saturated market, and the balance between passion and professionalism. Hadi emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself and the impact of social media on personal and professional life, concluding with insights on future plans and product launches.

Takeaways

Hadi's journey from Lebanon to Michigan showcases resilience and determination.

Language skills are crucial for effective communication in business.

Quality of work is more important than the number of followers on social media.

Humor and relatability can enhance content creation.

Finding a unique style is essential in a competitive market.

Balancing passion and professionalism is key to sustaining creativity.

Client relationships require clear communication and mutual respect.

Social media can significantly impact personal and professional life.

Authenticity in content creation resonates with audiences.

Planning and preparation are vital for successful product launches.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Content Creation in the Beauty Industry

02:50 Hadis Journey: From Lebanon to Michigan

06:09 The Importance of Language and Communication in Business

08:55 Building a Following: Quality vs. Quantity in Content

12:11 The Role of Humor and Relatability in Content Creation

14:58 Finding Your Unique Style in a Saturated Market

18:06 Balancing Passion and Professionalism in the Beauty Industry

21:01 The Challenges of Running a Beauty Business

23:53 The Importance of Self-Care and Taking Breaks

27:01 Staying Grounded Amidst Success and Comparison

29:54 The Power of Belief and Visualization in Achieving Goals

41:30 Building a Life in a New Country

42:53 The Heart of Content Creation

45:13 Authenticity in Social Media

48:57 The Value of Personal Experience

51:20 Finding Passion in Work

55:26 The Journey of Product Development

59:10 Overcoming Perfectionism

01:02:19 Standing Up Against Negativity

01:06:33 The Importance of Self-Respect

01:11:59 Navigating Industry Challenges

01:18:44 The Power of Genuine Connection

Welcome to "The Ink Post," hosted by Shay Alsaid of the Beauty Institute. In this inspiring episode, we feature Maria Bernhardt, a talented permanent makeup (PMU) artist who has both learned and thrived under our courses. Join us as Maria shares her transformative journey from a student to a professional in the beauty industry, detailing her experiences as a customer and student at our institute. Dive into the world of beauty and entrepreneurship and discover how Maria harnessed her passion and skills to carve out a successful career in PMU. Tune in to hear her story of growth, challenge, and success.

In Episode 16 of 'The Ink Post,' host Shay Alsaid from the Beauty Inkstitute talks with Sara Daisy, a former student who became a successful permanent makeup (PMU) artist. Sara shares her journey from being unhappy in her hospital job to finding her passion in PMU. She talks about her initial hesitation to change careers and how an ad for Shay's Beauty Inkstitute inspired her to take the leap. The episode gives a look into Sara's experience training in PMU, including the challenges and rewards of learning under Shay's guidance. Shay and Sara discuss the importance of continuous learning, patience, hard work, and the joy of helping clients feel better about their appearance. This episode is about more than just a career change; it's about following your heart, the impact of a good mentor, and the transformative power of permanent makeup. Whether you're considering a career change, interested in the beauty industry, or just looking for inspiring stories, this episode is a must-listen.

In Episode 15 of 'The Ink Post,' host Shay talks with Nady B, a well-known PMU artist from Detroit. This episode explores the competitive world of beauty and permanent makeup (PMU). Nady B shares her story and the challenges she faced to make a name for herself. They discuss the issue of gatekeeping in the industry, where experienced professionals often keep important knowledge to themselves and are not welcoming to newcomers. Shay and Nady B highlight the need for mentorship and a more supportive environment. They believe that helping new artists can bring innovation and growth for everyone in PMU. This episode is full of valuable insights and inspiration for anyone in the beauty and PMU industry.