Let’s talk about something that doesn’t get said enough in this industry—not all PMU conferences are created equal.

And if you’re an artist chasing exposure, stage time, or just trying to “be seen,” you need to hear this:

Exposure means nothing if the information being taught lacks integrity.

In this podcast episode of Inspired, Sasha and I break down what’s really going on behind the scenes at permanent makeup conferences—what’s worth your time, what’s not, and why I’ve become extremely selective about where I show up.

We also talk about a big announcement—we’re heading to London for an international PMU conference—and why this one feels different.

Why PMU Conferences Are So Popular Right Now

If you’ve been in the permanent makeup industry for any amount of time, you’ve seen it:

• Conferences popping up every few months

• Artists traveling city to city teaching

• Big lineups, big names, big promises

On the surface, it looks like the place to be.

And don’t get it twisted—there is value in PMU conferences.

You get:

• Networking opportunities

• Exposure to different techniques

• A chance to meet artists from around the world

But here’s where things start to go sideways…

The Problem: Not All Education at PMU Conferences Is Accurate

This is the part most people won’t say out loud.

A lot of information being taught at conferences—especially to newer artists—is either:

• Outdated

• Oversimplified

• Or just flat-out wrong

And that’s dangerous.

What I’m Seeing in the Industry

In the episode, I talk about how I’ve sat through full days at conferences where I’m just thinking:

“Why is this being taught?”

Not because people have different styles—that’s normal.

But because there are core fundamentals in permanent makeup that should not be ignored.

Example: Camo Tattooing Over Bad Work

One of the biggest red flags I see being taught:

Throwing camo pigment over a bad brow without correction work first.

That’s not a difference in technique—that’s a problem.

And when new artists learn things like that without understanding the risks, we end up with:

• Poor healed results

• More corrective work

• Clients losing trust in the industry

Real-Life Impact: How Bad Education Affects the Industry

This isn’t just theory.

We’re seeing the results every day:

• Over-saturated brows

• Uneven healing

• Incorrect color choices

• Skin damage

And a lot of it comes back to where artists are getting their education.

The Truth About Beginner Artists at Conferences

Most people attending conferences are newer artists.

They’re:

• Excited

• Eager to learn

• Trusting the person on stage

So if the information isn’t solid, they don’t know any better.

And that’s how bad habits spread.

Why I Don’t Go to Every PMU Conference

If you’ve followed me for a while, you probably noticed—I’m not on that “conference circuit.”

I’m not:

• Traveling every month

• Teaching at every event

• Saying yes to everything

And that’s intentional.

I Choose Alignment Over Exposure

At this stage in my career, I ask:

• Does this event align with how I actually work?

• Do I respect the level of education being provided?

• Is this adding value—or just visibility?

Because I’m not interested in being on a stage just to say I was there.

The London PMU Conference: Why This One Feels Different

In the episode, we talk about how we just got invited to a PMU conference in London happening in June.

And this one stood out.

Not because it’s international.
Not because it’s a big stage.

But because it aligns.

What I’ll Be Doing There

I turned down the traditional speaking role.

Instead, I chose to do a live demo.

Why?

Because:

• I’d rather show than just talk

• I can focus on the work

• It’s more valuable for artists watching in real time

If you’ve ever seen me work, you know—I’d rather be in the procedure than holding a microphone.

Real-Life Insight: Stage vs. Skill

Here’s something most people don’t think about:

Just because someone can speak well on stage…doesn’t mean they’re the best artist in the room.

And just because someone avoids the spotlight…doesn’t mean they don’t know what they’re doing.

In the episode, I talk about how:

• Talking on stage makes me nervous

• But tattooing in front of a crowd? No problem

That’s because I know my craft.

And that’s what should matter.

Networking vs. Education: What Are You Really There For?

Let’s be honest—a lot of people go to PMU conferences for networking.

And that’s not a bad thing.

You can:

• Meet other artists

• Build connections

• Grow your brand

Sasha’s coming with me to:

• Capture content

• Network

• Build our email list

Because yes—that side matters too.

But if you’re going strictly to learn?
You need to be more selective.

The Bigger Conversation: Integrity in the PMU Industry

This episode isn’t just about conferences.

It’s about something bigger:

Integrity in permanent makeup education.

What That Actually Means

• Being honest about what’s beginner vs advanced

• Teaching risks—not just results

• Not overselling techniques that can cause damage

• Prioritizing client safety over trends

For example, when I teach something like dark lip neutralization, I make it very clear:

This is advanced.
This can go wrong.
You need a strong foundation first.

Because that’s the responsibility that comes with teaching.

Would I Ever Host My Own PMU Conference?

We talk about this in the episode too.

Short answer: Not in the traditional sense.

I’d Do It Differently

If I were to create something, it would be:

• Smaller

• More intimate

• More hands-on

Think:

• 20–30 artists

• Real connection

• Real learning

Not 400 people sitting in a room passively watching.

We even talked about doing something destination-based—like a retreat style experience.

Because at that point, it’s not just about exposure.

It’s about:

• Growth

• Community

• Actual skill-building

Real-Life Perspective: Growth Changes Your Priorities

Earlier in my career, I said yes to everything.

• Events

• Opportunities

• Stages

And that helped me grow.

But now?

I’m more selective.

Because:

• Time matters more

• Alignment matters more

• Integrity matters more

And if you’re serious about your career, you’ll eventually get to that point too.

Final Thoughts: Stop Chasing Stages—Start Chasing Standards

If you take anything from this episode, let it be this:

Not all exposure is good exposure.

And not all education is good education.

So whether you’re:

• Attending a PMU conference

• Speaking at one

• Or deciding where to invest your time and money

Ask yourself:

• Is this actually making me better?

• Is this aligned with how I want to work?

• Is the information being taught solid?

Because at the end of the day, your reputation as an artist is built on your results—not the stages you’ve stood on.

Catch Us in London

We’ll be at the London PMU Conference in June (June 6–7).

• I’ll be doing a live demo

• Sasha will be there capturing content and networking

• We’ll be connecting with artists from all over the world

If you’re going, come find us.

And if you’re not—this episode will give you a real look at what these events are actually like behind the scenes.

Like, comment, share, subscribe—and we’ll see you in the next episode.

For all Inspired Podcast episodes click here.

For the current episode in this blog, watch on YouTube here.