Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Liberatore.
Katie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I became aware of eyebrow microblading when a make-up artist mentioned it would be great for me because I always fill in my brows. From then on I became fascinated with it as a service. I’m all about efficiency and being able to look done up with little to no maintenance. In today’s world women have better things to do with their time than reapply the same make up day after day. Eyebrow microblading creates a realistic brow by placing pigment in the superficial layer of the skin in the shape of individual hairs. It generally lasts 6 months to 2 years and requires touch-ups to keep the look fresh about once a year. Clients can do anything from work out to swim without the fear of losing their brows in the process. And it doesn’t just benefit women who are looking to save time in their daily routine. It can help anyone who wants to enhance their brows due to them being over plucked, thin, misshapen or scarred. It can help women and men with alopecia, people about to undergo chemotherapy or who have already lost their brow hair from treatments, and clients with unsteady hands or poor eyesight who struggle putting on make-up.
I started creating the business, Midwest Microblading three weeks after I first found out microblading existed. I researched, asked questions and taught myself how to do as much as I could on my own. I decided the company name, designed the logo, built a website, developed a business plan, found an attorney, and was viewing spaces with a realtor before I even knew how to actually microblade. Looking back it seems risky but my vision was vivid from the start so I had a clear goal to work towards.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
All things considered, I believe it has been a relatively smooth road. Determining the vision of the business early and having good key people to turn to for advice has helped tremendously. I strive to keep a mindset that nothing ever goes as planned so I’m not impacted heavily by the bumps in the road. But believe me, I get stressed. I feel that’s just part of what I signed up for. At this point it’s a lot of decision making. When you’re running the show you have to use your own judgement on how to handle everything from little decisions to big ones and it can become overwhelming. I try to take it one day at a time with the businesses mission in the forefront of my mind.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Midwest Microblading – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I own and operate a studio that specializes in professional and personalized microblading. I wanted to create a business exclusive to the service and technique. One with an inviting spa atmosphere, without losing the safety and health standards the process should abide by. Midwest Microblading as a facility is properly approved for safe operation by the Illinois Department for Public Health and the local Oak Park Health Department as a Body Art Establishment. I operate a 100% disposable facility, meaning each microblade is fully disposed of in a safe sharps container after every single client as opposed to resterilizing part of the tool for use again on someone else. With each client I show them the packaged and sterile tool prior to the procedure so they feel content.
Microblading is a marriage between a medical and a beauty service. I wanted to clients to feel that, and experience those key aspects from the first encounter and beyond. It’s important for my clients to be informed and know they can count on a knowledgeable and caring artist to turn to. I have training from the Advanced Permanent Cosmetics Academy in Naperville, Illinois approved to operate by the Private Business and Vocational Schools Division of the Illinois Board of Higher Education. I have successfully passed the Certified Permanent Cosmetics Professional Exam. An elective exam covering infections control, diseases and disorders, anatomy and physiology, pigmentology, technical applications, client management and documentation. I am a member of good standing with the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals who upholds the code of ethics, standards and ideals in this industry. I’m also a registered dental hygienist and have crossed over knowledge from the dental field regarding infection control, anesthetics, sterile practices as well as chairside manner and management of anxious clients.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
My main goal this year is to spread the word about microblading and make sure the public understands what questions to ask when seeking a reputable artist. As far as the business I want to see consistency over the next year regarding scheduling and client satisfaction. In the summer I will be offering lash liner and eyeliner! Many clients who appreciate the benefits of eyebrow microblading are excited to complete the low maintenance and polished look with smudge proof liner!
Pricing:
- Eyebrow Microblading $425 (Includes the first appointment with consultation and microblading, and one touch-up appointment 8 weeks later)
Contact Info:
- Address: 1006 North Boulevard
Oak Park, Illinois 60301 - Website: Midwestmicroblading.com
- Phone: 815-791-0032
- Email: Contact@MidwestMicroblading.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/MidwestMicroblading
- Facebook: Facebook.com/MidwestMicroblading
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/midwest-microblading-oak-park
Image Credit:
Rose Photo
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