We were lucky to catch up with Kristina Douangpanya recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Kristina thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. undefined
The most innovative thing I’ve done in my career is creating a comprehensive training and apprenticeship program within my studio. I saw that many aspiring permanent makeup artists lacked the hands-on guidance needed to truly master the craft, so I developed a program that not only teaches advanced techniques like microblading and ombré shading but also focuses on client care and business skills. This allows me to mentor new artists and help them build the confidence they need to succeed.
What makes this idea innovative is that it goes beyond traditional workshops or online courses. By offering real-world, in-studio training, I’m giving artists the chance to learn directly from experience, which speeds up their growth and better prepares them for their careers.
Additionally, I’ve embraced the latest technology in permanent makeup, like machine shading and machine nanoblading, which gives my clients safer, more precise options. This constant focus on the newest advancements keeps my studio at the forefront of the industry.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’m a permanent makeup artist and owner of Beauty Ink & Co, where I also offer training and apprenticeship programs. I got into this industry because I’m passionate about beauty and love helping people feel more confident. Permanent makeup allows me to make a lasting impact, whether it’s enhancing natural beauty or helping clients who’ve experienced hair loss.
At my studio, I offer services like microblading, ombré shading, lip blush, and permanent eyeliner. I also use advanced techniques like machine shading, color corrections, and nanoblading. In addition to services, I provide hands-on training for those who want to start a career in permanent makeup, giving them the skills they need to succeed.
What sets me apart is my focus on both innovation and education. I stay up-to-date on the latest techniques to ensure my clients get natural-looking, high-quality results. I’m also proud of the mentorship I offer, helping new artists build their confidence and skills.
Ultimately, my goal is to empower people—whether it’s through making a client feel more beautiful or helping an apprentice start their career. I want potential clients to know that I’m dedicated to quality, safety, and ongoing learning, and that my studio combines artistry with professionalism.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
The best source of new clients for me has been word-of-mouth referrals and social media. My clients are often so happy with their results that they recommend me to their friends and family, which naturally brings in more business. In addition, I use platforms like Instagram to showcase my work, from before-and-after photos to videos of my techniques. This has allowed me to reach a broader audience, and potential clients can see the quality of my work before they even step into the studio. The combination of personal recommendations and a strong social media presence has been key in growing my client base.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
A significant pivot in my life came when I transitioned from owning an ice cream shop in Nashville, called Supreme Kreme, to starting my beauty business. I served fresh made to order lactose free ice cream. It took me months to come up with a recipe that would roll while not hurting anyone’s tummy. My son was my inspiration because he was lactose intolerant. I loved running the ice cream shop, but over time, I realized that my true passion lay in beauty and helping people feel confident in their appearance.
Making the shift wasn’t easy—it meant stepping away from a business I had built and diving into a completely new industry. But I saw a real opportunity to combine my love for creativity with a deeper desire to make a personal impact on people’s lives. I retrained, studied permanent makeup techniques, and eventually opened my own studio. That decision was a turning point in my career and has been incredibly rewarding. It taught me the importance of following your passion, even if it means starting fresh and taking risks.
This pivot allowed me to grow in ways I hadn’t expected, and now, I not only run a successful beauty business but also mentor and train others in the industry. It’s been a journey, but one I’m proud of because it led me to where I truly want to be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.beautyinkandco.com
- Instagram: Beautyinknco
- Facebook: Beautyinknco
Image Credits
Samantha Chindavanh, Vinny Vizion