Today we’d like to introduce you to Sugene Hong.
Hi Sugene, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was on my way to starting a radiologic technology program to become an X-ray tech. About a month before my program was supposed to start, I ran into an issue that meant I had to wait until the following year to begin.
In the meantime, I decided to learn a skill that could potentially become a side hustle. At the time, I was working at a restaurant, and there was a spa next door that offered something called microblading. I wasn’t exactly sure what it was, but after looking into it, I decided it was something I could see myself being good at.
I found a training program and was reluctantly accepted because, at the time, I had no beauty license or experience—just an artistic background. To my surprise, halfway through the training program, my trainer offered me a job.
That was the turning point in my career.
I pivoted from my original plan of becoming an X-ray tech and decided to continue in the cosmetic tattoo industry. I went on to get my beauty license and continued educating myself, refining my techniques, and building my skills in the cosmetic tattoo and beauty industry.
I’m so grateful that I get to combine art, beauty, and creativity into a career that I genuinely enjoy—and one that continues to give me opportunities to learn, grow, and evolve.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Taking the leap and starting on my own from scratch three years ago was one of the most nerve-racking and uncomfortable things I’ve ever done. I had already established myself in the industry while working for someone else, but when I decided to go out on my own, I essentially had to start over because I wasn’t able to bring any of my clients with me.
It was hard to stay above water financially for the first few years. I was convinced I would eventually need to pick up a part-time job while trying to build my small business. However, God provided me with exactly what I needed, when I needed it.
I’m so grateful to be able to say that what started as taking a huge risk and starting over has grown into something I’m incredibly proud of. I’m continuing to grow, push myself, and work toward being at the forefront of the permanent makeup industry in the Philly area.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a cosmetic tattoo artist specializing in nano hairstroke brows, a technique that creates hyperrealistic, natural-looking eyebrows. What I’m most proud of is being able to give confidence back to clients who may have insecurities surrounding their eyebrows—whether they’ve experienced hair loss due to autoimmune conditions, cancer treatments, or other circumstances.
I always start by getting to know the person behind the service. During our consultation, I take the time to learn about who they are, their lifestyle, and what they’re hoping to achieve. From there, I customize the service specifically to them. It’s never a copy-and-paste situation, and I think that personalized approach is what sets me apart from others.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
My advice is to be curious, build genuine relationships, and stay open to learning from people at every stage of their careers. I’ve found that connecting with other artists—whether through local beauty events, industry classes, or simply reaching out to someone whose work you admire—can lead to valuable conversations and lasting support. When looking for a mentor, I’d focus on someone whose work and values you respect, and come prepared with thoughtful questions. For me, networking works best when it’s not just about what you can gain, but about sharing ideas, supporting one another, and growing together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://studionabi.co
- Instagram: nabistudiophilly
