Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalia Boleyn.
Natalia, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I have been interested in the beauty industry for my entire life. Several years ago, I finally decided to make it a career. I was scrolling through Instagram and saw several before-and-after images of micro bladed eyebrows. I couldn’t believe how natural the new brows looked, and what a difference the technique made to people’s faces. I was immediately hooked! I did a lot of research and a month later I was trained by one of the most reputable microblading studios in Los Angeles.
In addition to doing microblading and other forms of permanent makeup, I have also done a great deal of microblading and tattoo removal. Microblading has become extremely popular in the past couple of years, and many technicians do not have the proper experience to do the procedure correctly. Plus, even with seasoned technicians, there can be miscommunications that lead people to seek removal. Many clients— often as many as four or five per day— come to my studio to remove their botched microblading. It is currently one of my most requested procedures.
Since I had become so passionate about microblading, I also started to explore other permanent makeup techniques. I began to travel in order to train with some of the best artists in the industry and soon learned that there is a significant difference between European and American permanent makeup techniques. In America, permanent makeup artists are often trained to create the appearance of bold, glamour makeup— an “evening look.” In Europe, however, there is a preference for natural-looking permanent makeup— sometimes described as “makeup without makeup.”
I decided that American women might also like this natural look, and have provided my U.S. clients with more natural permanent makeup options ever since I trained in the European techniques, including powder eyebrows, lip blush, and lash enhancement. The results appear so real that no one could ever guess that the look has been augmented— these procedures simply enhance a client’s natural beauty.
The more I learned about permanent makeup the more I understood how powerful it is. You not only make a woman happy and more confident with eyebrow and lip services, you can also change and improve people’s lives by performing medical tattoos. After studying paramedical tattooing abroad, I now cover burns, skin discolorations, and vitiligo, make surgery scars less noticeable, camouflage woman’s weight loss or postpartum stretch marks, minimize cleft lips, and give breast cancer survivors natural-looking areolas. When I first started on this path, I could have never imagined that my work could have such an important impact on a people’s lives.
Has it been a smooth road?
It hasn’t been smooth at all! Much of the training that I have done was abroad, and it was difficult to balance all of that travel while still maintaining my business in the US. I faced the biggest challenge when I decided to learn permanent makeup and tattoo removal. I took a few masterclasses, but I felt that the training was inadequate. So, I decided to take on clients free of charge for a full year in order to gain crucial experience with the removal technique. It was a hard year, but I am very grateful that I pushed through and took the time to really learn. During this period, I was able to develop my own removal technique and have since helped many, many people.
I faced another challenge when I start working cancer survivors, vitiligo clients, and people with skin damage, scars, and burns. These clients require a sensitive approach in order to make sure that they feel comfortable with the procedure. I took several courses in psychology in order to be prepared to work in these areas.
Overall, I also faced the same difficulties as most other small business owners. I have to be an expert in beauty techniques, of course, but also in marketing, PR, advertising, customer service, etc. It’s beyond a full-time job. But it’s worth it.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Boleyn Studio is best known for microblading removal, natural-looking permanent makeup, and medical tattooing. My special training, as well as the techniques that I have formulated myself, certainly set the studio apart. I have been certified in seven countries, so clients can be sure that they are receiving a qualified care. I also train new students in the techniques that I have learned, which further strengthens my understanding of the procedures. I work in collaboration with plastic surgeons and dermatologists to find the best solution based on all of our experiences. Magic always happens when a team of professionals comes together.
I also think that my bedside manner is a distinctive quality of my studio. I love speaking with my clients and making certain that they are informed and comfortable. Since much of my work is corrective and restorative, at times clients feel upset about the procedural areas. I do my very best to make the experience as pleasant as possible, and to embolden my clients so they feel that they have made the right decision coming to me. I support and encourage them. It’s an essential part of the process.
Boleyn Studio also gives back to and supports the local community. Last month, thirteen people with self-harm marks got help in the studio free of charge. Their scars were camouflaged and they were able to get some sense of relief. Speaking with these clients, I have learned that they feel much more positive about themselves after the procedure, to the extent that they have been prevented from further self-harm. Furthermore, every October, cancer survivors get a complimentary pair of micro bladed eyebrows.
How do you, personally, define success? What’s your criteria, the markers you’re looking out for, etc?
I recently watched a number of TED Talks, and was struck by the way the TED organization defines success: “Feeling that tingle of excitement about what you do, sticking with what matters through hard times, living a life you can feel proud of in retrospect.” For me, success is about always striving for more. I am proud of my work, and I am always learning more so that I can continue to be proud. I learn something new every day and I have no intention of stopping! That is all I can ask for.
Pricing:
- Lip Blush $600
- Ombre Eyebrows $500
- Permanent Eyeliner $300
- Tattoo/Microblading Removal $190-$170
Contact Info:
- Address: 1250 N La Brea Ave #136
West Hollywood, CA 90038 - Website: https://boleynstudio.com
- Phone: (818) 442-5961
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boleynstudio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boleynstudio/
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