Today we’d like to introduce you to Campbell Murdock.
Campbell, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
While working toward my bachelor’s degree at the University of Iowa, I was inspired by the Entrepreneurship courses that seemed to emphasize:
“If you don’t build your dreams someone will hire you to help build theirs”
– Tony A. Gaskins Jr.
After graduating from the University of Iowa, I moved to Chicago and found myself working jobs that lacked both creative and personal fulfillment. Meanwhile, I had been spending countless hours filling in my brows for YEARS – the consequence for having tweezers in the 8th grade. I tried every pencil, powder, pigment, gel, and stencil, and was STILL missing half my brow by the end of the day. I started looking for a smudge-proof solution, which is when I discovered Microblading. Unlike traditional tattooing, which uses a machine, microblading artists manually apply each hair stroke into the superficial layers of the skin using a sterile and disposable handheld tool composed of 6-14 ultra-fine needles. The technique uses color pigment formulated to match your original eyebrow shade and blends perfectly into your natural eyebrows once healed. The results are a realistic, natural, and fuller looking eyebrows.
Not only was I interested in the treatment for myself, it seemed to just CLICK in terms of finding a creative and feasible business idea about which I was passionate. With a background in fine art and detailed drawing, the permanent makeup industry combined my entrepreneurial mindset and inner artist with a unique profession. I am now using my expertise as a skilled Microblading technician to help restore the self-esteem and confidence in those individuals undergoing chemotherapy, suffering from alopecia, trichotillomania, or any other conditions that create hair loss. In addition, Microblading gives a viable option to anyone who is simply dissatisfied with their natural eyebrows.
“Defined eyebrows instantly make you look more polished”
– Bobbi Brown
It was thrilling to embark on a career path where I was given an unlimited opportunity to succeed. I spent 6 months drawing eyebrows on models and celebrities in the Cosmopolitan, doing industry related research, reading books about how to start a business, building a website, bartending the weekends, working a salaried job from 9-5, and stalking the Microblading School that I wanted to attend. Eventually, I took a hands-on Microblading course through the Advanced Permanent Cosmetics Academy in Naperville, IL. It was exciting for me to learn everything I could to develop my skills. I studied the work of other permanent makeup artists whom I admired and was blessed to learn directly from them.
Since completing my Microblading Certification, licensing, and permits, I continue to improve my technique. Once my location was ready I was 100% confident about my craft. I ran a one-time only special across Google and social media platforms that was successful and led to a domino-effect of referrals.
Prior to quitting my “9-5” job for a microblading business venture, I constantly read and listened to anything motivational. Ambitious quotes were my mantra. While I am blessed to have an incredibly support team of family (especially my dad, Lance Murdock) and friends who believed in me, believing in myself was what made my dream my reality. I surrounded myself with inspiring quotes and wise, positive people as persistent reminders to ALWAYS KEEP GOING – FAILURE ONLY HAPPENS WHEN YOU QUIT! I acknowledge that there will always be someone doing “it” better, but instead focus on what I can learn from them rather than become discouraged. I truly believed that I was able to make my venture come to life and knew I would have to take risks, become uncomfortable with the unknown, and trust that I would discover ways to make it work – NO MATTER WHAT!
“No one is you and that is your power.”
– Dave Grohl
Has it been a smooth road?
Overall, pursing my passion has been a surprisingly smooth road, but also time-consuming! As a perfectionist by nature, I found the decision-making process for my brand to be somewhat challenging. I spent endless hours teetering between different themes, fonts, colors, etc. till I was reminded that I just need to pick a theme and stick with it. In addition, l learned the importance of setting deadlines as a business owner. Doing the research to figure out the proper industry and legal requirements was probably the most intimidating aspect of my journey. However, it made me more informed and prepared for future endeavors.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Campbell Nicole Microblading – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Campbell Nicole Microblading is known for its professional eyebrow artistry and has been successfully operating out of Barrington, IL for a year now. We specialize in Microblading and Ombré eyebrows. Our customer service, safety standards, and custom artistry is what sets us apart from others.
Campbell Nicole Microblading provides each client with quality customer service throughout the entire process. All appointments are spaced out so that neither the client nor I feel rushed at any point during the process. We shape your brows to fit your style. As a client, you are part of the entire treatment process and we do not move forward with the microblading procedure until you LOVE the drawing of your new brow shape! I have been the Microblading patient and understand that having a permanent makeup procedure done can be intimidating. I make sure that my client’s feel comfortable and confident through every step of the process.
Additionally, I’m proud to say that we operate only at the highest standards in cleanliness, health, and best practices. Campbell Nicole Microblading meets all state and industry requirements. You can be certain that you are getting the highest quality care from a certified professional. Campbell Nicole Microblading has been approved for safe operation by the Illinois Department for Public Health, completed proper training in blood-borne pathogens, holds permanent cosmetic insurance, is in compliance with all zoning regulations and health ordinances. Our studio only uses high-quality, 100% disposable and hypoallergenic tools and materials to ensure client safety.
As a natural born artist, there’s a certain joy and satisfaction that comes from being able to translate a vision into reality. After being introduced to the Microblading technique, I was instantly reassured that I found not only my career, but a creative artistic outlet. I effortlessly fell “into my artist zone,” accompanied by confidence and excitement about what I was creating. Everything seemed automatic and I felt like an EYEBROW DESIGN GENIUS! I am passionate about my craft, take pride in my work and time to understand each one of my client’s expectations for their eyebrows before designing the perfect shape. I truly believe that eyebrows are one of the most important features of your face and I LOVE what I do.
“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it.”
– Steve Jobs
Pricing:
- Microblading: $475 (pricing includes initial appointment + 1 touch-up)
- Microblading + Shading: $500 (pricing includes initial appointment + 1 touch-up)
- Ombré Brows: $550 (pricing includes initial appointment + 1 touch-up)
- Combo Brows: $575 (pricing includes initial appointment + 1 touch-up)
Contact Info:
- Address: Located within the Sanctuary Salon & Spa (Ice House Mall)
200 Applebee Street
Barrington, IL 60010 - Website: https://www.campbellnicolemicroblading.com/
- Phone: 2246333763
- Email: contact@campbellnicolemicroblading.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/campbellnicolemicroblading/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/campbellnicolemicroblading/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/campbell-nicole-microblading-barrington

Image Credit:
Personal Photos: Andi Argianas
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
