Florida, January 2024 – Female artists and entrepreneurs in the permanent makeup (PMU) and body art industry nationwide are celebrating the launch of a much-awaited awareness campaign by GRIP Needles. Of late, the premium tattoo needle brand has been on a mission to empower artists with the latest tools and techniques to elevate their craft and increase business returns. The awareness campaign is a testament to GRIP Needles’ unwavering commitment toward PMU and tattoo artists.
The tattoo industry has been traditionally male-dominated. But in the last decade or so, women have made their mark in the said industry, not least in PMU artistry. Current stats indicate that women artists and entrepreneurs are spearheading the permanent makeup revolution. More women are employed in this industry now than ever, and demand for more accessible training and industry knowledge is on the rise.
Honey B of Cypress Ink Studios, Port Charlotte, FL, had this to say when asked why she chose tattoo and body artistry as her profession: "Art has always been my life; from the time I could pick up a crayon, I knew I wanted to be an artist. As I got older, I was fascinated with tattoos; I knew that's what I wanted to do without a doubt. From the time I was in high school till 25, I looked for an apprenticeship; when I finally got the chance, I knew I had to make it work."
Aside from running a profitable business, women entrepreneurs have the added responsibility of taking care of their families, often including kids. But, like in every other field, women have proven their mettle in PMU and tattoo artistry too. "Even though I was a single mom with two boys in daycare, working two jobs to get by, I still went to that shop as much as I could for a year until I was promoted to an artist. I quit my other jobs and never looked back. I've been supporting my family with my art since then, and I couldn't be happier!" Honey B gleams as she talks about her journey to becoming an accomplished tattoo artist despite all the challenges.
Honey B is aware of the current trend in permanent makeup artistry and offers a wide range of services to satisfy her clients. "I do body art as well as permanent cosmetics, focusing on powder and ombré brows. I have been doing body art for five years and permanent cosmetics for the past two years." When asked whether she enjoys her profession, Honey B says, "I like to do full-day sessions working with one client all day. Doing larger scale pieces is what I enjoy; I appreciate the clients who trust my vision and come back session after session to get a cohesive sleeve." And she has her eyes set on her goals! "My goals going forward are to keep my momentum doing large projects and possibly traveling and guest spotting at different shops," says the artist, as she works on an elaborate piece for her client.
But work hasn't kept Honey B from becoming a committed parent and partner. "My family consists of me, my boyfriend, and my two boys. I'm fortunate to be able to work by appointment and keep my hours early, so I'm able to be at home with my boys for dinner every night. My boyfriend is also a tattoo artist at the same shop, so we spend plenty of time together at work and home."
GRIP Needles has been championing artists like Honey B for contributing to the permanent makeup and body art industry. "We want tattoo and PMU artists to know we are with them every step of their journey. We believe in sharing knowledge and mentoring artists and entrepreneurs in more innovative ways of increasing client satisfaction and revenue," said a senior spokesperson from GRIP Needles.
The brand's TriflatTM 3RL/Flat hybrids have proven extremely popular among artists, and Honey B's words prove why: "My biggest appeal in trying the Triflat needles was that they were made with my tattoo style in mind. I always use 3RLs for my shading, and these needles are a perfect addition to my arsenal."
As PMU and tattoo artists celebrate the launch of GRIP Needles' awareness campaign, they hope for their future. Several women earn their livelihood from the body art industry. With brands like GRIP Needles to assist and mentor them, they can certainly hope to take their ventures to new heights.
