Today we’d like to introduce you to Linda Smales.
Hi Linda, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m Linda, a registered nurse of 21 years, licensed esthetician, and permanent makeup artist in Pittsburgh, PA. During my nursing career, I tried several different areas of nursing because I was looking for where I really belonged. I found that some of the workplace politics and negativity were becoming draining, and it made me reflect on what I actually wanted from my career. I’ve always loved both science and art, and permanent makeup (PMU) is the perfect combination of the two. I have always been really intrigued with microblading but never initially thought of it as something I could turn into a career. I heavily researched PMU in my area and looked up reputable instructors and esthetician schools, and that’s how it all began.
My nursing background gave me a strong foundation in safety, anatomy, and patient care, while PMU allows me to express my creativity in a meaningful way. I fell in love with everything PMU almost immediately-the artistry, precision, and ability to help other women feel more confident. I also picked up a part time nursing gig and am a nursing clinical instructor, where I teach and mentor nursing students in the hospital setting. I really enjoy watching my students gain confidence and develop their clinical judgement throughout the semester. I truly do feel that I have the best of both worlds:)
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I was leaving a pretty successful nursing career to start over in a completely different industry, so I was pretty stressed to say the least. Change can be scary but what’s even scarier to me is the unknown. I knew I wanted to change careers and I felt that I would love the PMU industry but at the same time had no idea if I would even be cut out for it! It was challenging to not get in my own head and get stressed over it. I learned that letting go of what wasn’t serving me allowed me to find what truly was. I was very determined and kept telling myself that there was no room for failure, and I will try my best to do what it takes…classes, study, practice, and research!
Fast forward to now, building a business while continuing to grow professionally has also been one of my biggest challenges. PMU is an industry where education never stops (nursing too). Techniques evolve, pigments improve, cosmetic tattoo machines improve, needle cartridges improve, and there’s always more to learn. Lots of trial and error as a new artist, and also lots of money to go with it. You have to invest in yourself to grow. Success isn’t about the busiest person in the room-it’s about staying authentic, continually improving my skills, and treating every client with the same level of care I’d want for my own family.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Linda’s Beauty Vibes, I offer all permanent makeup services, from brows, eyeliner and lips. My friends always tells me that brows is my bread and butter, but lips are my niche! Lip neutralization is extremely satisfying because there’s more science to it and it’s literally life changing for my clients. The procedure involves heavy color theory and my goal is to shift the darker, cooler tones of the lips to match the lightest area of the lip. I approach every appointment with safety, precision, and education at the forefront. I want all of my clients to understand the process, feel comfortable asking questions, and leave more confident and happy. I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Every face tells a different story, so every treatment is thoughtfully customized to complement each client’s unique facial features, skin, and lifestyle. Every treatment is customized to the individual’s skin tone, facial features, healing response, and goals. I want my clients to leave feeling like the best version of themselves. More than anything, I want every client who walks through my door to feel valued, respected, and more confident than when they arrived. Building genuine relationships and creating results that stand the test of time will always matter more to me than simply completing another appointment. I’m most proud of building a career that’s rooted in both compassion and creativity. Becoming a registered nurse, earning my esthetics license, and growing my permanent makeup business have all been driven by the same purpose-to help people feel cared for and confident. I’m incredibly grateful to do what I love and to have clients who continue to support, trust, and believe in me.
How do you think about luck?
I’ve had some lucky breaks along the way, but I don’t thing luck alone creates success. I’ve had moments where I took a chance, invested in myself, or stepped outside of my comfort zone, and those decisions ended up changing the direction of my life and business. Looking back, some of the things I thought I was losing actually created room for something better!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lindasbeautyvibes.com
- Instagram: lindas_beauty_vibes
- Facebook: Linda’s Beauty Vibes
