Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Valerie & Ian Krueger. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Valerie & Ian thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

Title: “Bridging the Gap: Our Journey to PMU and SMP Curriculum”

In the world of Permanent Makeup (PMU) and Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP), we faced a glaring reality: a lack of standardization and effective regulation. With fragmented rules and limited understanding from local governments, aspiring artists and trainers found themselves in a confusing landscape.

Driven by this concern, we set out to make a difference. Our industry needed a consistent, high-quality fundamental education standard. Thus, the idea of sharing a comprehensive curriculum with other trainers took root.

Our goal was clear: develop a curriculum that exceeded existing standards, drawing from our expertise. We aimed to empower trainers nationwide, ensuring every artist received top-tier fundamental education regardless of location. We are growing and still in need of trainers in many states across the US.

Despite the abundance of specialized advanced courses, we found a significant gap in fundamental programs at this level. This fueled our determination to provide a solid foundation for aspiring artists.

Years of research, consultation, and dedication led to the birth of our curriculum. It wasn’t just a set of courses; it was a pathway to success for trainers and students alike.

Today, our curriculum stands as a testament to our commitment to excellence. Graduates are not just skilled; they’re confident and ready to excel. We continue to advocate for industry recognition and comprehensive regulations, aiming to elevate our field.

Founding our business and creating our curriculum was more than entrepreneurship – it was a passion project to elevate our industry. As long as there are gaps to fill and standards to raise, we’re dedicated to empowering the next wave of talented PMU and SMP professionals.

Valerie & Ian, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

**Background: A Journey through Esthetics to PMU**

My journey into the world of Permanent Makeup (PMU) and Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) began with a strong foundation in esthetics, particularly focusing on the preventive and corrective skincare aspect of the field. Starting as an esthetician in the early 2000s, I delved deep into the world of plastic surgery, working closely with surgeons. This experience provided invaluable insights into a range of procedures, both surgical and non-invasive, healing processes, complications, patient management, and the role of permanent cosmetics within the larger cosmetic surgery arena.

Simultaneously, I ventured into the world of permanent makeup, learning from industry leaders and experts. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with over 20,000 clients, honing my skills and deepening my understanding of this specialized field.

In 2017, my husband joined me in our other business, focusing solely on the service side of cosmetic tattooing. His passion for male enhancement procedures, particularly SMP, stemmed from a desire to offer a beneficial solution to those who had experienced failed hair transplants and scarring. With a background in art and design, coupled with his ownership of a home improvement business, he brought a keen eye for design and detail to our venture.

As dual business owners deeply entrenched in the cosmetic tattoo industry, we saw an opportunity to share our knowledge. The concept of creating a curriculum seemed uncharted yet immensely promising. With our combined experiences and backgrounds, we believed that sharing our expertise could not only benefit aspiring artists but also elevate our entire industry.

Our decision to delve into educational materials for PMU and SMP trainers was driven by a passion for excellence and a commitment to raising the standards of education in our industry. With our solid foundation in esthetics, extensive client experience, and a shared vision for advancement, we embarked on this journey to create a curriculum that would empower trainers and students alike.

Today, as we continue to grow our businesses and advocate for industry recognition and standards, we remain steadfast in our mission to provide top-tier education and promote excellence in the field of PMU and SMP. Through our curriculum, we hope to equip the next generation of artists with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to succeed in this dynamic industry.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

**Lesson Learned: Embracing Imperfection on the Road to Growth**

One profound lesson we had to unlearn on our journey was the relentless pursuit of perfection in growing our business. Early on, we aimed for flawless execution in every aspect, setting impossibly high standards for ourselves.

However, we soon realized that mistakes are not failures; they are valuable lessons in disguise. These experiences, though challenging at times, were the stepping stones to growth and improvement.

One particular challenge stands out. We meticulously planned a new marketing campaign, but the results fell short. Instead of dwelling on what went wrong, we analyzed the situation, adjusted our approach, and tried again with success.

Through these experiences, we learned that growth isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. We now approach our work with a sense of acceptance and resilience, understanding that each setback is an opportunity to refine our strategies.

Where we are now, with our businesses thriving and our curriculum making an impact, is far ahead of the status quo. We’ve learned to celebrate our successes, learn from our mistakes, and keep pushing forward with a spirit of continuous improvement.

Our journey has taught us that it’s not about being flawless; it’s about being willing to learn, adapt, and grow. By embracing imperfection, we’ve unlocked new levels of creativity, innovation, and fulfillment in our entrepreneurial endeavors. It’s a lesson we carry with us every day as we mentor aspiring business owners and shape the future of our industry.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

**Pivoting with Purpose: Adapting to Global Regulations**

When creating our PMU and SMP curriculum, we aimed for a global reach. However, when new REACH regulations became law, we knew a pivot was necessary. These regulations, focused on chemical safety in cosmetic products, demanded our curriculum reflect these changes.

We saw this as an opportunity to not only comply with the law but also ensure our content was relevant worldwide. Ian and I delved into understanding REACH, attending workshops, and consulting experts to update our curriculum.

This pivot reinforced our commitment to a standardized, globally relevant standard. Today, our curriculum stands updated, meeting the highest standards and keeping our students and trainers informed. This experience taught us the importance of adaptability in business, ensuring we stay ahead of industry changes. As we continue to grow, we remain dedicated to providing top-tier education that empowers our industry globally.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mpeducators.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/micropigmentation_edu/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/micropigmentation.edu/
• Other: Sign up for our online courses and view our USA trainers here: https://mpeducatorsacademy.com/

Image Credits
Jodi Robinson