Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelly Kaplan.
Hi Shelly, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
In 2017, I was living in Los Angeles working as a bartender- as I had for the previous 14 years all over the country. I came across a listing on Craigslist looking for eyebrow models for Microblading. I had never even heard of this before and my curiosity was peaked! I did a little research on it and decided to give it a shot. I was a model for a class and came out with the most fabulous looking brows. Obsessed would be an understatement. I felt like a new person. After speaking to the instructor, she convinced me to take her class that would lead to the best career change of my life. Having a Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Design, I knew that I had the eye and skills to be a great brow artist. As fun as bartending sounds, it takes a toll on you and I had way more to offer than serve beer and chicken wings. I took off running with excitement and made it my mission to be successful with my choice.
I continued to take courses on new techniques and became a sponge for everything related to permanent makeup.
Originally from Chicago, I moved back there in 2019 where I worked at a tattoo shop and eventually opened up my own business focusing on cosmetic eyebrow tattooing, as well as permanent makeup removals.
Recently I relocated to Florida to start fresh and I am beyond thrilled to share my skills here. My job allows me to help people with their confidence and make them feel beautiful!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Being a one woman show has definitely had its challenges. Start a business they said… it will be fun they said. The part that no one tells you is you do everything. On top of being a skilled artist- the fun part, there are so many roles involved that I was not aware of when I began this journey. These include: marketing director, receptionist, banker, purchasing clerk, customer service representative, website designer, social media director, etc. Also, don’t forget to stay up to date on: licensing, insurance, payments, continuing education, and client communication.
There is always something new to learn and I am here for it! I am proud of myself for constantly growing within this field.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in machine work for eyebrows. What’s that, you ask? There are a few terms floating around out there that mean the same thing: micropigmentation, microshading, permanent makeup, powder brows, nano brows and a few others. Essentially they all mean: eyebrow tattoo. I prefer a machine as my modality, while some prefer a handheld manual tool. I absolutely love giving my clients natural-looking brows. Every single person gets their own shape and custom color unique to them.
Another thing I specialize in is saline ink permanent makeup removal. I am one of a handful of chosen official Li-FT instructors to teach this removal method. I have seen some terribly botched brows come through my doors and my empathetic heart has lead me to want to help these people! It’s been extremely rewarding. This method can lighten tattooed brows, eyeliner, lip tattoos and small body tattoos without lasers.
I pride myself on my thirst for continuing education ensuring that I am up to date on the latest techniques in the industry.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Playing in our backyard with my sister and my cousins in the summertime on the slip and slide aka the ‘slip and die’. Hahaha, hours of fun and injuries!
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.shellykaplan.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/shellyk_permanentcosmetics
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShellyKaplanPermanentCosmetics/
- Other: https://poplme.co/shellyk
Image Credits:
Shelly Kaplan
