Today we’d like to introduce you to Marissa Daniels.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I graduated from Massachusetts College of Art and Design in 2014 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Printmaking. Some time in my junior year, I struggled a lot with creative passion; I felt uninspired and lost. I didn’t know what kind of career I could make out of being a fine artist. I began working in retail cosmetics part-time and felt my passion reignite. It’s funny how something as soul-sucking as retail could reestablish my passion for creating visual art. To me, that’s all makeup: is a form of visual art. The most important thing I learned as a makeup artist is that the power of makeup doesn’t lie within its ability to conceal and hide, the power lies in its ability to enhance the natural beauty of the wearer. The ability to change the way someone sees themselves in the mirror is a feeling that is unmatched. Giving a client a brow pencil and teaching her how to draw on a brow post-chemo is life-changing, I promise you that.
After 6.5 years, I was burnt out from the retail aspect of my job and left in pursuit of something greater. I learned about permanent makeup years ago, but it wasn’t until I saw the art of microblading that it really clicked in my brain; this was something I wanted to do and knew I could excel at. It was less like a “click” and more like a bolt of lightning hit me. I felt like “this might be what I was born to do.” Before I even completed my training, I put a deposit down on my studio space, I knew I had to get to work. I completed my training in the art of microblading last September and opened my microblading services to the public on November 1st, 2017. Since then, I’ve expanded my studio space, my team, and services.
Has it been a smooth road?
It was definitely a struggle to get to where I am. I never thought I would ever be a business owner. The thought actually never crossed my mind until about a year ago. I struggled a lot in my earlier 20’s just trying to figure out what the heck I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I think that’s a common theme for everyone that age. My late 20s struggles have mostly been financial. I joke all the time that I had no business starting my own business a year ago… I was beyond broke. I’ve been so lucky to have the support of my family and partner. I’ve also been lucky enough to meet a ton of successful small business owners since starting my journey a year ago and their support, knowledge, and kind words are priceless.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Pretty Things Permanent Make Up + Lash Studio story. Tell us more about it.
I’m a licensed tattoo artist specializing in the art of permanent makeup. My most requested service is microblading. Microblading describes the technique in which we “tattoo” the skin to replicate brow hairs. I use a small manual hand tool to make tiny cuts in the skin while implanting pigment. When it heals, it looks just like natural hairs. I would say I have a pretty distinct style, which sets me apart from another artist in the area. I love doing big fluffy brows, but I customize each brow to fit the needs of each client. In addition to microblading, I offering other permanent makeup services such as ombré powder brows, lip blush, and freckles. Most recently, I added Microneedling skin treatments to my service list.
Additionally, I have two other artists that work in my studio offering permanent makeup, lash, and skin services. I’m most proud of the work we produce as artists in the studio. I love my team. I love that we are always looking for ways to better ourselves as artists in an industry that seems so money-driven at times. I’m also extremely proud of the space I’ve created because it’s an exact personification of my style. It was very important for me to create a space and atmosphere I was proud to welcome clients into, while still being true to my tattoo-covered, sneaker-wearing, extremely-casual self. It’s eclectic like a tattoo shop, clean like a spa, there are lots of David Bowie posters… it’s rad.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I think the industry has already begun this amazing shift to a more natural look. Instagram and the social media landscape that we are currently in kind of skewed the beauty industry for a bit. Makeup bloggers took over and gave us this very bold and defined makeup trend. I’m not here to say that that is wrong, but it’s just not my style. I love makeup and permanent makeup and it’s the ability to transform… I just want to look like me, to be honest.
Contact Info:
- Address: 226 Broadway
Providence, RI 02903 - Website: Www.prettythingspvd.com
- Phone: 508-450-7710
- Email: marissa@prettythingspvd.com
- Instagram: @prettythingspvd
Image Credit:
Heather Costigan
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