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Send us a text In this episode of the Tatter-a-fact PMU Podcast, Teryn Darling sits down with internationally respected PMU educator Alex Mechenici for a powerful, science-driven conversation every permanent makeup artist needs to hear. This episode goes beyond trends and social media brows and dives into pigment science, saline vs. laser removal, aged results, and critical thinking in PMU education. Together, Teryn and Alex unpack why certain pigments age beautifully, why others create removal nightmares, and why understanding the why behind your work matters more than ever. What You’ll Learn: • Saline removal vs. laser removal in PMU • Iron oxides vs. organic pigments (and common misconceptions) • Carbon black, titanium dioxide & yellow pigments explained • Healed results vs. aged results—the true measure of skill • Why PMU education must evolve with responsibility Guest Spotlight: Alex Mechenici is a globally recognized PMU educator, speaker, and researcher known for her uncompromising, science-first approach to permanent makeup and removal education. She teaches internationally, runs her PMU academy in the UK, and is widely respected for raising industry standards through critical thinking and ethical education. 📲 Follow Alex on Instagram: @alex.pmu.academy This is Part 1 of a two-part series. Part 2 dives deeper into industry correction, marketing myths, and the future of PMU education. 🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe. 🎸 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 #120 of Tatter-a-Fact, Girlz Ink founder Teryn Darling returns with Part 2 of a powerful, honest conversation on mindset, money, and navigating economic slowdowns in the permanent makeup industry. If you’re a PMU artist feeling slower bookings, financial pressure, or self-doubt, this episode delivers real-world guidance—not toxic positivity, fear-based narratives, or Instagram fluff. This is a deep dive into how experienced artists think, adapt, and build stability when the economy shifts. In This Episode, We Cover: • Why mindset directly affects your business decisions • The difference between awareness and operating from fear • How negativity spreads in PMU communities—and how to protect your headspace • Why not every PMU artist is slow (and what that means for you) • Manifestation explained realistically—vision + action • What artists should focus on while business is slower • Strengthening systems, policies, communication, and client experience • Why mastering theory, skin, and craft outlasts trends Real Talk on Money & Financial Stability This episode also tackles money conversations most PMU artists avoid, including: • Why money equals freedom, safety, and better decision-making • The importance of separate personal and business emergency funds • How to start building a financial cushion—even from zero • Cutting expenses strategically without deprivation • Why financial literacy is a career-long skill in PMU • How financial stability allows you to say no to red-flag clients This Episode Is For You If: • You’re a PMU artist navigating a slow season • You want long-term sustainability, not quick fixes • You’re building confidence in business and finances • You believe PMU is your calling and you’re committed to growth Core Message Slow seasons are temporary. Mindset, preparation, and financial clarity determine who survives—and who thrives. This episode is about using slower times as leverage, not letting fear define your future. 🎧 Listen now, take notes, and come back to this episode when you need clarity, grounding, and direction. 🎸 Composition and guitars - Russ Letizia 🥁 Drums and studio engineering - Mike Zerbe 🎼 Recorded at The Compound in Las Vegas, NV

Send us a text Is business slow in the permanent makeup industry right now? You’re not imagining it and you’re not alone. In Episode 119 of the Tatter-a-Fact Podcast, Teryn Darling is joined by Sarah from Girlz Ink for an honest, grounded conversation about the current PMU slowdown, the broader economy, and what permanent makeup artists should be doing right now to stay strong and prepared for what’s next. This episode is not fear-based and it’s not sugar-coated. It’s real talk from industry leaders who have lived through multiple economic downturns and know exactly how artists can survive slow seasons and come out stronger. In This Episode: • Why the PMU industry feels slow — and why it’s not just you • How the economy impacts beauty services (and why beauty always rebounds) • Why permanent makeup is recession-resistant • PMU as a life-changing service — not “just makeup” • The role of confidence, self-care, and healed results in client decision-making • Real stories that show why PMU will always have demand • How slow seasons create opportunity for growth and skill development This episode is for PMU artists, cosmetic tattooers, microblading artists, studio owners, and educators who want clarity, reassurance, and practical perspective — without the doom and gloom. ✨ Part 1 of a 2-part conversation Part 2 dives deeper into mindset, money management, hidden opportunities, and long-term strategy. Listen in, take a breath, and remember: You didn’t come this far just to stop now. 🎸 Composition and guitars - Russ Letizia 🥁 Drums and studio engineering - Mike Zerbe 🎼 Recorded at The Compound in Las Vegas, NV

Send us a text In this powerful episode of Tatter-a-Fact, Teryn sits down with Candice Falcon, an industry leader in medical tattooing, 3D areola restoration, scar camouflage, and FTM gender-affirming tattoo work. Candice shares her artistic philosophy, her high standards, and why medical tattooing requires far more than basic PMU skills. Together, they dive deep into compromised skin, breast reconstruction, color theory, trauma-informed care, client psychology, and the emotional responsibility behind working with cancer survivors and trans clients. This conversation is real, raw, and educational—everything we stand for at Girlz Ink. Whether you're a PMU artist exploring the medical side of the industry or a seasoned tattooer wanting to elevate your craft, this episode will challenge you, inspire you, and expand your perspective. Topics Covered: • PMU vs. medical tattooing — understanding who is ready • Working on radiated, grafted & surgically altered skin • 3D areola design, nipple placement & healed expectations • Scar camouflage & skin-tone color matching • FTM phalloplasty tattooing & gender-affirming work • Ethics, boundaries & raising industry standards • Breaking rules the right way as an artist Connect With Candice Falcon Instagram: @falconartistry Hybrid training available for advanced artists in: – Areola & nipple tattooing – Scar camouflage – Gender-affirming FTM tattooing About Girlz Ink We are committed to integrity, healed results, and raising the bar in the PMU and medical tattooing industries. Explore our online courses & PMU products:  GirlzInkTraining.com | GirlzInkStore.com 🎸 Composition and guitars - Russ Letizia 🥁 Drums and studio engineering - Mike Zerbe 🎼 Recorded at The Compound in Las Vegas, NV

Send us a text In this episode of Tatter-a-Fact, Teryn Darling sits down with Carla Ricciardone of Sculpted Studios, global PMU educator, color-theory expert, and pioneer of dark lip neutralization for a powerful and unfiltered conversation about what truly matters in Permanent Makeup today. Together they break down the science behind pigments, color theory, needle choice, and machine movements, while opening up about artist growth, education integrity, and creating healed results that speak louder than hype. 🎓 What You’ll Learn The science of dark lip neutralization — undertones, melanin response, and healed colorPigment chemistry: the real difference between iron oxides, organics, and hybridsHow carriers, needles, and voltage impact implantation and retentionBest practices for eyeliner tattooing and working on mature or sensitive skinHow to rise above toxicity and build a grounded, professional PMU career💡 Guest Spotlight – Carla Ricciardone, Sculpted Studios Carla is an international PMU educator known for her science-driven teaching style and transparent approach to color theory and melanin-rich lips. Her focus on data, healed results, and ethical education has made her one of the industry’s most trusted voices. Follow her on Instagram → @sculptedstudios Explore all courses and products at GirlzInkTraining.com and GirlzInk.com ⏱️ Episode Chapters 00:00 – Intro & why honesty matters in PMU 05:42 – Teaching with facts over trends 12:30 – Toxic Facebook groups & finding community 23:10 – Pigment science & color theory explained 34:00 – Dark Lip Neutralization: what every artist should know 53:25 – Pigment carriers and healed results 1:07:00 – Iron Oxides vs Organics vs Hybrids 1:14:45 – Integrity in PMU education 1:29:10 – Needles, machines & hand pressure 1:35:20 – Eyeliner tattoo tips 1:46:00 – Working on mature skin 1:58:00 – Drama-free growth & artist mindset 2:06:00 – Closing thoughts & Girlz Ink updates Subscribe to Tatter-a-Fact for more real, educational, and empowering conversations designed to help you grow as a PMU artist. Follow us on Instagram → @girlzinkstudio | @tatgirlzink At Girlz Ink, we stand for education, ethics, and healed results that last. 🎸 Composition and guitars - Russ Letizia 🥁 Drums and studio engineering - Mike Zerbe 🎼 Recorded at The Compound in Las Vegas, NV

Send us a text In TAF #116, Teryn breaks down one of the BIGGEST struggles in Permanent Makeup: oily skin — and why it affects stretch, grip, pigment implantation, numbing absorption, and ultimately… your healed results. For 25 years, artists have been told to “just blot more,” “stretch harder,” or “work faster.” But none of that fixes the REAL issue: surface oil AND subsurface oil working against you during every procedure. In this episode, Teryn reveals the science behind oily skin and explains how it sabotages brows and eyeliner results — even for highly skilled artists. She also shares the 2.5-year journey behind creating D’Oil™, the industry’s first solution formulated specifically for PMU artists to control oily skin safely, effectively, and professionally. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: • Why oily skin causes patchy healed brows & uneven saturation • The difference between surface oil vs. subsurface oil • How oil dilutes pigment the second it enters the skin • Why numbing doesn’t absorb well on oily clients • How slippage affects stretch, depth, and needle control • Why this issue does NOT mean you’re inexperienced • The formulation & testing behind D’Oil™ • How D’Oil™ improves mapping, pigment implantation, numbing, and healed results About D’Oil™ — OMG’s New PMU Innovation: The first-ever PMU solution designed to: ✔ Remove surface + subsurface oil ✔ Improve pigment implantation ✔ Improve numbing absorption ✔ Reduce glove slippage ✔ Maintain hydrated, pliable skin ✔ Support better healed results ✔ Work in under 2 minutes ✔ Safe for brows + eyeliner (pH 6) No oil. No slip. No problem. Black Friday Sale • D’Oil™ Intro Price: $16.50 Shop: GirlzInk.com Stay Connected Instagram: @girlzinkstudio | @teryndarling Newsletter: Free PMU education & updates at GirlzInk.com 🎸 Composition and guitars - Russ Letizia 🥁 Drums and studio engineering - Mike Zerbe 🎼 Recorded at The Compound in Las Vegas, NV

Send us a text In this episode, Teryn Darling sits down with industry veteran Robin Hays Velez, a PMU artist with over 32 years of experience, to talk about what it really takes to last in permanent makeup. From pigments and needle choices to burnout, ethics, and regulators… nothing is off the table. If you’ve ever wondered what’s true, what’s hype, and what actually matters for long-term success in PMU, this one’s for you. What You’ll Learn Pigment science: The real differences between iron oxide and organic/carbon pigments and when to use which.Eyeliner tattooing: Why Robin sometimes refuses carbon and how she works safely on mature or crepey lids.Needle mastery: Liners vs shaders, diameters, tapers and why one needle can’t do it all.Saturation levels: How to achieve low, medium, or high saturation results without over-traumatizing the skin.Industry ethics & longevity: Setting boundaries, avoiding burnout, and staying educated through the noise of social media.🎓 Girlz Ink Online Academy: The Needle & The PrickBeyond the Epidermis: Color TheoryMachine & MovementsLi-FT® Saline Removal 🛍️ Shop PMU Supplies: www.girlzink.com ❤️ About Tatter-a-Fact® Host: Teryn Darling — PMU artist, educator, and founder of Girlz Ink Guest: Robin Hays Velez — 32 years in PMU, advocate for education, ethics & client care The Tatter-a-Fact® PMU Podcast brings you real talk, proven techniques, and non-biased education for permanent makeup artists at every level. 🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Amazon Music and follow @GirlzInkStudio + @TatterAFactPodcast + @TatGirlzInk for more PMU education, inspiration & truth. 🎸 Composition and guitars - Russ Letizia 🥁 Drums and studio engineering - Mike Zerbe 🎼 Recorded at The Compound in Las Vegas, NV

Send us a text In this episode, Teryn Darling sits down with Chantal Chadderton, founder of PMU Pros, a 4-day international PMU expo and conference in Durban, South Africa, bringing together top educators, artists, and brands from around the world. They talk about what really makes a great PMU conference, quality education, supportive community, ethics, organization, and a whole lot of passion. Chantal shares how she’s building something special for artists ready to grow, connect, and elevate their craft. ✨ You’ll hear: • Why attending a PMU conference can change your career • How real-life community beats online competition • What to expect from PMU Pros 2026—live demos, workshops, vendors & VIP perks • Travel and ticket tips (and how to make it a tax-savvy trip!) • Why investing in good education protects you and your clients If you’ve ever dreamed of learning from the best, meeting like-minded artists, and reigniting your love for PMU, this episode will light that fire. 🎟️ Learn more: PMU Pros Website → https://inspiredliveevents.com/ PMU Pros Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/pmu.pros.event/ Girlz Ink Online Academy → https://www.girlzinktraining.com/ About Tatter-a-fact® PMU Podcast Hosted by Teryn Darling, founder of Girlz Ink®, Tatter-a-fact dives deep into the art and science of permanent makeup—technique, skin, needles, pigments, business, and truth-talk. Follow Girlz Ink: Instagram →  GirlzInk: https://www.instagram.com/girlzinkstudio/Tatgirlzink: https://www.instagram.com/tatgirlzink/Tatter-a-fact: https://www.instagram.com/tatterafactpodcast/Online Academy → [link] 🎸 Composition and guitars - Russ Letizia 🥁 Drums and studio engineering - Mike Zerbe 🎼 Recorded at The Compound in Las Vegas, NV

Send us a text Think you know your pigments? Think again. In this episode of The Learning Curve Series, Teryn Darling dives deep into the pigment learning curve, breaking down the truth about iron oxides, organics, and hybrids so you can finally understand why your pigments behave the way they do. Learn what really causes gray brows, migration, and fading, how particle size and carbon black impact healed results, and what adjustments to make when switching pigment types. Whether you’re an artist moving from iron oxides to organics (or the other way around), this episode will help you stop blaming your pigments and start perfecting your results. ✨ Ready to go deeper? Explore Teryn’s online PMU courses: www.girlzinktraining.com 🎸 Composition and guitars - Russ Letizia 🥁 Drums and studio engineering - Mike Zerbe 🎼 Recorded at The Compound in Las Vegas, NV

Send us a text Think one needle fits all? Think again. In Part 2 of The Learning Curve Series, Teryn breaks down the myths, the learning curve, and the freedom that comes with mastering liners, shaders, and mags. So you can achieve beautiful results on every skin type and every style (powder brows, lips, eyeliner, areola, and more). What you’ll learn: Why one needle can’t meet every client request.How to adjust speed, pressure, stretch, passes, and angle when switching configs.Why larger groupings implant more pigment with fewer passes.The “dip” difference: small vs. large needles.Embracing the awkward phase of learning and coming out stronger.✨ Want to go deeper? Check out Teryn’s online course The Needle & The Prick—the ultimate training in PMU needle theory. [Enroll here ➜ The Needle & The Prick Course] Girlz Ink® resources: supplies, pigments, machines, aftercare, online trainings, and free PMU education because ethics, innovation, and education are who we are. 🎸 Composition and guitars - Russ Letizia 🥁 Drums and studio engineering - Mike Zerbe 🎼 Recorded at The Compound in Las Vegas, NV

Send us a text 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 workWhat adjustments to make with speed, pressure, and stretchWhy documenting healed results is your best teacherHow 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

Send us a text 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” skinPigments: inorganic vs. organic, base tones, concentration, aging, when/why to modify (orange/yellow/red)Black carbon: when it’s risky, when it’s appropriateNeedles: singles, liners, shaders, mags; diameter, texture, angles, and movement pairingsMachines: stroke, speed, give; syncing your hand speed & depth controlSaturation strategy: soft/airy vs. full saturation—how to get bold looks without overworking skinSignature 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 careersArtists 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

Send us a text 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 itHow oily carriers interfere with mapping, stretch, and healed resultsWhat to do if your client experiences pupil dilation (step-by-step safety protocol)Why anesthetics don’t “ruin retention” when used correctlyHow to choose melt-free, eye-safe products and avoid dangerous knockoffsAt 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

Send us a text 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 safetyUnderstanding OMG Needles and surgical-grade stainless steelHow to use consent forms and addendums to legally protect yourselfWhy cheap pigments + low-quality needles are a big NO in our industryTeryn 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

Send us a text 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