We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Teresa. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Teresa below.

Alright, Teresa thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

The biggest risk I ever took was starting over and stepping into a completely new career.

At the time, I was a stay-at-home mom to our four children while my husband worked to provide for our family. I loved raising my family so much, but as my kids got older and more independent, I started thinking about what my life would look like beyond that season.

When I found permanent makeup, something about it just stuck with me. I didn’t know exactly where it would lead; I just knew I wanted to try. But trying meant starting from the very beginning
investing time, money, and energy into something I had no experience in and no guarantee of success.

I remember sitting in training thinking, this is either going to change everything for me, or I’m going to have to figure it out as I go. But I kept going. I showed up, I practiced, I learned, and I stayed committed to building something I believed in.

What started as permanent makeup turned into correction and removal work, and eventually led me to becoming one of only nine Botched Ink® removal specialists and trainers in the United States. From there, I expanded into paramedical tattooing, including areola restoration for breast cancer survivors.

Looking back, I didn’t have a perfect plan. I just had a decision to start. And that one decision led to a career I’m incredibly proud of, not just because of what I’ve built, but because of the lives I get to impact through it every day.

Teresa, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Teresa Gauna, and I’m the owner of Arched Ink Beauty Bar. I’m a wife, a mom, an artist, educator, and entrepreneur who has built a career around helping people feel more confident in their own skin.

When I first entered the permanent makeup industry, I was drawn to the artistry of it, but what kept me here was the impact it has on people’s lives. Over the years, I’ve realized that this work goes far beyond beauty. It’s about confidence, healing, self-esteem, and helping people see themselves the way the world already sees them.

I specialize in permanent makeup services such as Ombré Powder Brows, lip blush, eyeliner, correction work, and tattoo removal. I also provide paramedical tattooing, including areola restoration for breast cancer survivors. In addition to working with clients, I train other artists as a Botched Ink® removal specialist and trainer.

What makes this career so rewarding is that every client has a story. Some come to me because they’re tired of spending time on their makeup every day. Others are seeking correction, enhancement, or a fresh start with their permanent makeup journey. Some are breast cancer survivors looking to restore a part of themselves after treatment. No matter what brings them into my studio, my goal is always to help them leave feeling more confident than when they arrived.

What sets me apart is that I truly care about the people who sit in my chair. I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Every client is different, and I take the time to understand their goals, concerns, and story before creating a treatment plan that’s right for them. My focus has always been on creating natural-looking results that complement a person’s unique features rather than overpower them.

One of the things I’m most proud of is becoming a trainer and being able to help elevate the standards of our industry by educating other artists. But if I’m being completely honest, the moments I’m most proud of aren’t awards or titles. They’re the moments when a client looks in the mirror and smiles, sometimes with tears in their eyes, because they finally feel like themselves again.

I’m especially passionate about restorative tattooing for breast cancer survivors. Being able to help someone regain confidence after such a life-changing journey is something I never take for granted. Those experiences have shown me that this work is about so much more than appearance—it’s about helping people feel whole again.

If there’s one thing I’d want people to know about me and my brand, it’s that everything I do comes from a genuine desire to help others. I care deeply about my clients, my students, and the work I create. I believe confidence can change the way people move through the world, and it’s an honor to be a small part of that journey.

As a business owner, wife, and mom, I’ve learned that success isn’t just about building a business—it’s about building a life that allows you to make a difference. That’s what I’m most proud of, and that’s what continues to inspire me every day.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

Beyond training and technical knowledge, I believe one of the biggest keys to success is genuinely caring about the people you serve. Building trust, listening to clients, and understanding their goals is just as important as the skill itself.

I also believe you should never stop learning. No matter how much experience you have, there’s always something new to study, improve, and grow from. I continue investing in education and advanced training because our industry is constantly evolving.

Success doesn’t happen overnight. It takes consistency, patience, integrity, and a commitment to always improving your craft. If you’re passionate about what you do and willing to keep learning, you’ll continue to grow both personally and professionally.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

Absolutely. If I could go back, I would choose this profession all over again.

What I love most about this career is the people. Every person who sits in my chair has a unique story, and it’s an incredible feeling to be trusted with something that can help improve their confidence and how they feel about themselves.

Of course, building a business and pursuing your passion comes with challenges, but the rewards far outweigh them. Being able to combine creativity, education, and helping others has made this career incredibly fulfilling.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that when you find something you’re passionate about and it allows you to make a positive impact on others, you’ve found something truly special. For me, that’s exactly what this profession has been, and I would choose it again every single time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://WWW.Archedinkbeautybar.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arched_ink_beauty_bar?igsh=MWN2dHF5cDlsdHEz&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: Arched ink beauty bar

Image Credits

Headshot -Jules Brown photography