AI Magazine Issue 3 2017

Acquisition International - March 2017 29 Permanent makeup artist, Mel Chappell, tells us more about the industry, her firm and how her sympathetic approach ensures her ongoing success. el Chappell is the founder andmaster artist of Eyebrow Genie Permanent Cosmetics and founder of Tattoo Aesthetics Institute. Starting in 2011 in Sonoma, California, Mel now operates her businesses from both San Francisco and Benicia, California. The firm’s expertise is in the art of micropigmentation, which is basically a fancy title for permanent tattooed makeup, and Mel tells us more about her client base. Most of my clients are women although I do get men from time to time,” she begins. “The women who come in are looking for a way to save time. Usually there is a medical issue involved such as a thyroid problem, alopecia, or possibly hair loss from chemotherapy. Sometimes the issue is simply age, bad eyesight or hair loss. These women are looking for convenience. They want to roll out of bed and save an extra 30 minutes every morning by not having to hassle with eyeliner, eyebrows and lip liner. Some of these women don’t know how to shape their eyebrows and are seeking the help of a makeover. Whatever the reason is, they all want to feel better about themselves and this is an inexpensive, long-term solution to their needs. I also perform areola reconstruction for women who have had mastectomies due to breast cancer. I don’t charge for this if money is an issue for the client.” It’s clear that Mel not only loves her work, but genuinely cares about the women who she provides for, and this is just one of many things that sets Mel and her company apart from the competition. “I have a personal relationship with my clients and my tenacity to want to stay on top of the industry’s latest and greatest techniques. I am also extremely honest with my clients about what will and will not work. I will not do a procedure on a client if it will not work for them. I will refuse to take their money or do a procedure if it will not work. Having integrity in this competitive and cut-throat industry is not the norm, but it feels right to me. My clients respect and appreciate that which builds trust. “I have a long list of client feedback urging others to have their permanent makeup done by me. I don’t really have to pay for advertising because most of my clients come in via referral. That speaks volumes.” Company: Eyebrow Genie Permanent Cosmetics and Tattoo Aesthetics Institute Name: Mel Chappell Web: www.eyebrowgenie.com Eyebrow Genie Kiss andMakeup M 1702AI72 Great staff are everything to me, and this year Mel has started taking on trainees in her salon. The fact that she can pass her knowledge and expertise on to others is a huge sign of success to her. “I work in a busy hair and tattoo salon called Bombshell Hair & Ink. The staff are amazing and highly professional. The atmosphere is a very positive one that caters to the clients’ needs. We all work hard but make sure that our work days are filled with laughter and fun. This way, the clients feel the ease of a tightly running machine and enjoy the upbeat nature of the staff. It’s a place people want to be and look forward to returning to.” Recently, Mel was awarded the prestigious title of Best Permanent Makeup Artist in the Global Excellence Awards 2016. Humbly, she tells us exactly what this award means to her and her company. “I am very grateful to win this award! With all the amazing artists in the United States, I am very honoured to have won Best Permanent Makeup Artist. I can think of many artists who probably deserve the award over me and I am very flattered that I have been to chosen to receive this. “They will be displayed for public view. I will look at it daily to remind myself to keep working hard at being my absolute best in the permanent makeup industry.” The future looks bright for Mel and her hopes for 2017 include more happy clients, satisfying work and good times, however she is wary of new potentially dangerous new procedures emerging. “The industry has become flooded with a lot of new technicians, bringing in a lot of shabby, fly-by- night training firms- not requiring students to have any prerequisites; hence turning out some sub-par work. This surge comes from the popularity of microblading. Eyebrows, like clothing, go through fashion fads. Many technicians are learning the technique of microblading without learning the basic foundations of permanent makeup. This, in my opinion, is a terribly flawed way of going about becoming a permanent makeup tech. I urge anyone looking into getting permanent makeup to do some deep research on their technician and the work they’ve turned out before making a decision. “As a teacher, I will commit to training my students with a solid and knowledgeable foundation and turning out highly qualified technicians into the industry.” For more information go to www.eyebrowgenie.com “With all the amazing artists in the United States, I am very honoured to have won Best Permanent Makeup Artist .” Kiss and Makeup