The Official PMU Mom Who Does-It-All

We all love family and permanent makeup. Who wouldn’t adore being surrounded by unconditional love from three children and a booming business in the UK? Our Perma Blend Select Artist Kay Mac Dobson can attest to this statement, as she is a leading example of how to truly manage a work-home-life balance. From quick-and-easy beauty routines to insight on how to manage your daily PMU workload, dive into the mind of one of our unique talents around the globe by spending the next 24 hours with PMU Queen, Kay Mac Dobson.

What is the first thing you reach for when you wake up?

Dressing gown and then a cup of tea

What’s your morning beauty routine?

My morning beauty routine consists of the following:

How do you schedule your day?

My daily work schedule tends to start at 10:00am, meaning I arrive to work at approximately 9:15am to set up. Once my first client comes, I tend to be back-to-back with appointments, although I have started making sure I have a half hour dinner break recently.

How do you handle your work-life balance when owning a business (being a mom, etc)?

Do you know what? Coffee. Coffee is the key. That’s how I manage business and work, but I’m trying to cut down on the coffee recently. But honestly, it’s a tricky one. It is especially important to make sure you have a balance, because if you don’t, either your personal or business life will suffer. I have three little girls that are the world to me, with my business being my baby as well, so to keep a balance, I only work a set number of days throughout the week. I make sure to turn work away so that I’m not burning myself out. It's important to remember you’re not a robot and to know your limits. If I wanted to fit in all the clients I have and appointments that are requested, I’d have absolutely no time for my personal life.

Tell us a little about your business and where you are located out of?

I started IBROW JUNKIE ® approximately 9 years ago. It's a lovely salon in a little village called Lanchester in County Durham

How and why did you get started within the PMU world?

I started in the PMU world approximately 8 years ago, however, I have always worked within the beauty industry since I left school and attended college. I started my own business because I am deeply passionate about what I do and love my job. I have made many sacrifices to get where I am today, including going without things I’d like, whilst putting money back in my business.

What are some of your favorite Perma Blend pigments to use and why?

I really, really like the Tones of Perma Blend Set collection. I often use it myself, but also think it's great for new artists because it’s easy to select your colors. It comes with a swatch that you can use to help guide you on which colors are ideal for someone with yellow or pink undertones. I also really adore using the Brow Daddy pigments.

What are some tips and tricks you might have when using our pigments?

So obviously, the colors don’t always need to be adjusted. But sometimes I like to adjust them with Perma Blend’s Burnt Sienna. I don’t ever dilute the pigments, I might in the future. I just work lighter or layer in some areas if I’m wanting a specific amount of depth. My tips? I’d say don’t be afraid to layer any pigments if you’d like to create something a bit darker add an extra boost here and there. So don’t be afraid! Just go for it!

Do you have any special techniques you use when doing brows?

I wouldn’t say that I have any special techniques when doing brows. I’m not one to outline my work. I know a lot of people do the initial outline for the brows, but I prefer to work in small sections as I go. I just make sure that I work to the edge of each brow to adjust to the shape. I tend to work as closely to the natural outline as I can.

Any advice for future PMU artists on how to start your own business?

My advice for people looking to start a business is to follow the organic process and don’t cut corners. Just practice, practice, practice in order to develop your personal skillset. Don’t be afraid to try out new techniques in order to find the technique that works best for you.

What kind of advantages/disadvantages do you have being a PMU artist?

The advantages are being able to witness the clients over-the-moon reactions when they see the transformations that you create. I love seeing how happy the clients are, especially when they cry with happiness or need to give you a hug. Sometimes, they even tell their family about the results, which causes them to book as well. It’s wonderful to see other people admire your work. I love giving people that confidence.

I would say that the disadvantage is that expectations are high when it comes to high-end treatments. Which is fine, because we do achieve those initial expectations, but sometimes people aren’t willing to do the homework afterwards and keep up with the aftercare. This leads to improper healing, which then results in them returning and demanding free service.

What would you like to see more from Perma Blend?

I wouldn’t mind seeing marking-up materials, like brow pencils. Perma Blend excels in everything they do, so it’s difficult for me to say what I’d like to see more of. Perma Blend is just fantastic!

What are some things you’d like to see more from in the PMU industry?

I can’t think of anything I would like to see more from in the PMU industry, apart from more fantastic artists smashing it!

What do you normally like to eat for dinner?

I enjoy most foods, but right now I’m trying to make a conscious effort to eat healthier to help my body be at its best.

Do you have any evening rituals you like to do?

In the evening, I just like to watch Netflix with my husband in bed.

What are the three things you can’t live without?

The three things I can’t live without would have to be my family, my dogs, and of course, Perma Blend! haha

What’s your evening beauty routine?

My evening beauty routine is pretty boring. I just brush my teeth, clean my face, and never forget to moisturize.

Be A Brow Boss Like Kay Mac Dobson

Perma Blend’s UK Select Artist unveils her favorite pigment set to create the perfect structure.

Shop the Tones of Perma Blend Set - Fitz 3-4