January 2017

We thank all of you for your loyalty, patience and continued support. We plan on being actively connected to the industry and our members.  In this newsletter, you will receive updates about our upcoming spring convention, useful and educational articles prepared by our members and board members and new information about the AAM we are eager to share.

Please feel free to share your comments and input about what you would like to see in future AAM Connections Newsletters:

Spring Convention:
Our Spring Convention is May 20-21 at The Gaylord Palms is Kissimmee, Florida.  We have many exciting speakers and workshops planned.  In addition, there will be numerous vendors on hand so you can shop for and try out new products.  Please don’t miss out on this thrilling event! Click here for our registration form.

Here is a speaker lineup – more information to come:

AAM Spring Conference Speakers
"Microblading" Presentation

Kler Rosenberg of PhiBrows

Kler, an expert esthetician has more than two decades servicing clients on a personal and regular basis. Kler studied in Europe and the United States, and has practiced in London, Istanbul, Boston and Boca Raton. Prior to opening the Brow and Beauty Bar, Kler owned her own spa in Boston and was awarded Boston’s Best Esthetician in 2001. Kler specializes in eyebrow shaping and speed waxing with a special technique, keeping it as painless as possible. Her attention to detail and to customer service has earned Kler a loyal following. Some clients have insisted on Kler for more than a decade, following her from location to location. Kler is currently the Master Trainer trainer for PhiBrows and heads their first Academy in the US.  She will be discussing PhiBrow's microblading philosophy and training style and how it makes their work stand apart.

"3-D Areola Tattooing Workshop"

Tamara Sachs

Tamara was always fascinated with art. From paintings to drawings her passion was making the world a prettier place. When she completed her paramedic service she was granted a grant for professional school. She thought that Permanent makeup would give her the opportunity to express what she loves the most and have people as her canvas. Since the industry was very different then, and the options were limited, Tamara decided to experiment and create her own unique and natural technique that imitated her artistic knowledge. She also lived in different places and worked with wide variety of skin types. Throughout the years, she kept on learning and expanding her education and craves to learn new things until this day.

For the past 5 years, she has been teaching all over the world, and decided to share her knowledge and experience to help others enjoy the industry she loves so much.

Workshop Description:

3D or High Definition Areola Tattooing is a procedure that provides the most realistic results for both women and men that have had mastectomies. Plastic and reconstructive surgeons are now demanding High Definition or 3-D Areola Tattooing to complement the reconstruction they skillfully performed on their patient’s breasts. Today, the awareness has reached the general public and breast cancer survivors that have had mastectomies are requesting this most realistic look. Surprisingly, this High Definition effect is extremely easy to create. I can’t wait to share this with you so you too can experience the joy, confidence and gratification these procedures bring to your client.   You will learn how to:

  • Decide whether or not your client is a candidate for this procedure
  • Create a realistic, 3-Dimensional nipple, even without a nipple graft for the “Illusion of Protrusion”
  • Determine the size and placement of the nipple/areola complex
  • Create a soft, diffused edge on the areola that appears more natural and how to create the convincing texture of Montgomery Glands
  • Make color selection easy
  • Select the best needles for the density and affects you wish to achieve
  • Apply quick and easy shortcuts that give better color retention and less trauma
"The Quick Pass Eyeliner" Presentation

Trinkette Parker

Trinkette has been doing permanent makeup for 19 years and has performed more than 8,500 procedures which include areola pigmentation, scar camouflage, eyeliner, lips and brows. She is a certified Master Technician and Instructor for Nouveau Contour and the American Institute of Intradermal Cosmetics in Dallas, TX. She is also recognized by the State of Florida as an expert witness in the area of Micropigmentation. In addition, she has been on the board of Cosmetology at Pensacola Junior College from 1999 through 2016. 

Presentation Description:

Trinkette has perfected what she calls “The Quick Pass Eyeliner” This technique produces a perfect, crisp liner done in only two quick passes. The secret is her unique stretch and her needle choice. If you find that you are spending too much time on eyeliners, you won’t want to miss this class, which will provide you with the simple techniques to save time and money while producing beautiful results!
"Scalp Micropigmentation Workshop

Oscar Gomez

In 2013, Oscar founded OG Tattoos & Gallery, a name associated with such quality, service, and professionalism that his company has earned five-star ratings on a wealth of review websites. In this same year, he met his mentor, Debi Diorio “The Eyebrow Whisperer. His work with Debi led him to the permanent makeup industry, where he has noticed a need for technique updates and accessibility.

Workshop Description: "Intro to Scalp Micropigmentation"

This workshop will cover:  Descriptions of skin surface tension according to the scalp, area designation, various hair line design as well as stippled dotting vs. Hair-strokes, desired penetration of skin, aka: finding the sweet spot, stretching method vs. non stretching method and outcome. Oscar will also provide an understanding of needles: 90 and 45 degree needles and their outcome, a brief description of skin depth and layers, the difference between curved and flat needles and the differences in tapered length and outcome.  Don’t miss out on the informative workshop that will prove to be an invaluable tool for all your procedures.
"Scar Camouflage" Presentation

Ron Henden

Ron Hendon is the owner of Micropigment Implantation Technologies “The Scar Correction Institute” located in the college town of Athens, Georgia. Ron, a graduate of the University of Georgia, opened Athens Georgia’s first tattoo studio in 1989, Midnight Iguana Tattoo. Ron had a different vision for his studio and designed his shop to simulate a medical atmosphere. Ron soon became intrigued by his discovery that certain body-art techniques had corrective effects on skin abnormalities, and he began an intensive course study of the skin and abnormalities, scars and stretch marks burns and more.

In 2001, Ron pioneered “Dermal Capillary Deflation,” an answer for all those plagued by the disfiguring condition of the vascular birth marks called Port Wine stains. In 2002, he developed "123 tattoo free," the best method of our time for simple tattoo removal today. Ron was instrumental in the development of “microneedling” which is used widely to help diminish scars and blemishes of all types.

Ron conducts lectures, and classes on “ Hendon New Cell,“ Scar Repair Stretch Mark correction, Beyond 3D Areola repigmentation, Vitiligo repigmentation, “ Dermal Capillary Deflation for “Port wine Stains, and “123 Tattoo Free “tattoo removal. Ron teaches and lectures worldwide.

Presentation Description:

Hendon New Cell scar correction is a non-medical, highly effective scar correction procedure. Much more than just a way to camouflage scars, Hendon New Cell actually resurfaces the skin, stimulates new cell growth, and regenerates collagen to return skin to a more normal appearance. This process is highly effective for burn scars, surgical scars, acne scars, and other scars that have been labeled as unrepairable by the medical community.
"Ombre' Brows" Wrokshop

Que Alexander

Que Alexander has always possessed an eye for quality and a talent for enhancing beauty. She is both a makeup artist and aesthetician and has had the honor of studying under legendary Anastasia of Beverly Hills. During this time, she learned the importance of the eyebrow, and how brows frame facial structure and how when properly attended to, they can boost confidence, amplifying self-esteem thereby improving one's overall quality of life.  In 2010, Que Alexander ventured to open "Exquisite Brows by Que," an eyebrow restoration center and waxing emporium. Servicing Indiana's elite, Que has become a coveted brow specialist throughout the Midwest region, providing cutting-edge services and quality products to her clients. Que also launched the QAB cosmetic line as she received her certification and training via "Real Brows micro blading and 3D embroidery."  This is a service Que has branded as eyebrow rejuvenation.

Eye brow rejuvenation is an elective semi-permanent cosmetic procedure lasting six months to a year catering to those suffering weakness of the eye brow due to but not limited to; genetics, lupus, various cancers, alopecia or anyone simply desiring to improve their brow structure. Que Alexander professionally provides exclusive, prestigious services to those seeking to heighten their beauty by increasing assurance and enhancing lives one set of brows at a time.  

Workshop Description:

Ombré Brows are the result of combining various techniques with Microblading and a digital machine. I will be using the Microblade to create hair-like strokes followed by using a digital machine to add shading and gradation to a feathery eyebrow. The various techniques applied will incorporate pointillism, hair strokes, shading and a water dropping effect to create this unique Ombre effect. 

This collaboration is dominating the eyebrow trend making this the most desirable procedure in the beauty industry. Upon learning and mastering this new hot trend, you're guaranteed to increase your procedure profits!

This trend opens the door to those women that were put off by tattooed eyebrows. They are flocking to have this soft, natural eyebrow created. Also, your existing clientele can be called back to benefit in this Microstroking effect that breathes new life into their previous tattooed eyebrow. Unlike most beauty trends ombré brows are here to stay!

Get ahead of the curve attend AAM Conference Ombré Eyebrow Demo. There I'll display all of my techniques on how to perform the perfect Ombre Brow. More tips to come at the demo!!! Increase your knowledge...increase your profit...increase your quality of life.

"The Secrets of Lips" Presentation

Shaleen Rose

Medical Esthetician and Board Certified Permanent Makeup artist for the past 22 years. While she loves eyeliner and eyebrows, lips are her specialty.  She will share her tips, tricks and techniques for amazing lips.  For many, lips are the most difficult procedure or least favorite, Shaleen will turn that round for you!

Workshop Description:

LIPS AREN'T SKIN?
LIPS...... are the most peculiar of ALL PMU procedures, in that, Lips don't act like (skin). I swear they are ALIEN.........For one; they will always have a "blue base" no matter whom you work on!! ALL lips are very vascular (blood at surface of lip)   So, COLOR CHOICE is VITAL to prevent color from changing to the opposite of what you'd envisioned...... and, they are somewhat, "temperamental" about taking color. WE are to do everything in our power to not end up with a PURPLED OR WOODSY end result   

STRETCH - TECHNIQUE - NEEDLES
Basically, everything is different, such as, your stretching. It is to be optimal, (STRETCHHHHING), in order to get a clean/finished result

NEEDLE CHOICES
We must understand the smaller the needle configuration, the more we can leave DOTTING, HOLIDAYS, SKIPS ETC...KNOW your needles  

TECHNIQUES
STAY CONSISTENT WITH YOUR PRESSURE, STRETCH and TECHNIQUE so there will be NO "SLINKIES" As Rose refers to this, or SKIPS/HOLIDAYS on your canvas .
Distinguish Your Brand Using Social Media

Lisa Bien

Lisa Bien is a seasoned entrepreneur with more than 25 years of communications and marketing expertise. She is also a motivational speaker, TV host and author. Lisa holds a Master’s degree in Education and has been an adjunct professor at Temple University in Philadelphia for more than 10 years.

Lisa channels her trademark energy and passion for storytelling to create a more personal feel when she serves as a keynote speaker, holds personal development workshops, and coaches business professionals one-on-one. One of Lisa’s strongest assets is her ability to combine humor and raw honesty to connect with her audience. In both of her books, Life Happens: Bounce Back! and Divorce Happens: Bounce Back!, she shares numerous autobiographical accounts of key events in her life that led to the creation of her Bouncing Back strategy. Her straightforward writing style and exuberance read like a conversation with “Big Red” herself. She is excited to share her social media and entrepreneurial expertise that helped her launch Bouncing Back.

Presentation Description:

It’s Time to Get Social! Distinguish Your Brand Using Social Media - It doesn’t matter if you are Oprah Winfrey, Coke, or The Average Joe. You have a brand that is discussed, judged, tested and measured every day. The bottom line is you must pay attention to your brand’s online presence existence and cultivate it every day. Social media tech and trends evolve constantly. Without the right approach and knowledge, it is easy to get frustrated and overwhelmed. This workshop will cover how to be true to your brand, tips on managing your social media sites and ways to generate buzz.     

AAM Connection Articles
Our Industry's Short History: Then & Now
By: Paula Pilmanis

Well, where shall we start? Neanderthals, possibly, however, they were too busy running after their dinner or running because they were the dinner! Cave painting was their evening treat . . . Stone age? 

For sure they marked their skin. A few years ago, National Geographic did a piece on a Stone age man found in ice in the Arctic above Russia. On inspection, they discovered an arrowhead in his back as well as several old breaks in his arms and legs along with tattoos on his wrists and ankles. . . needless to say, no electoral outlets so we must accept the fact that they did their body marking with sharp objects. My research covering tattooing history included photos of all unearthed royal Egyptians who were tattooed as well as their pets and concubines. Again, no electrical cords anywhere!

The electric tattooing machine was officially patented on Dec. 8th 1891 by a New York tattoo artist named Samuel O'Reilly. But even O'Reilly would be the first to admit that his invention was really an adaptation of a machine invented by Thomas Edison-the Autographic Printing Pen. O'Reilly witnessed a demonstration of the electric pen, a sort of writing drill that Edison had built to allow documents to be etched into stencils and then copied. The electric pen was a failure. The tattooing machine was an unqualified, worldwide smash.

O'Reilly's tattoo machine worked by using a hollow needle filled with permanent ink. An electric motor powered the needle in and out of the skin at a rate of up to 50 punctures per second (now we're up to 3,000 rpm+). The tattoo needle inserted a small drop of ink below the surface of the skin each time. The original machine patent allowed for different sized needles deliver varying amounts of ink, a very design-focused consideration.

Machines we use today are so much safer, quiet and easy to work with offering many interesting needle options . . . we're very fortunate.

Before O'Reilly's innovation, tattoos-the word comes from the Tahitian word "tatu" which means "to mark something"-which were much harder to make.

Well, here we are in 2017 and we're excited about the beautiful artwork being created with manual tools once again! The circle is complete! Stop by my booth and play with the original Bamboo tool!

These photos show my personal evolution in designing the original Dermagraphics Pen and other manual tools . . . 1986 to 2015

Paula Pilmanis: dermagraphicsinc.com * 877-547-5463 
permanentmakeupcenter.com * stampmefabulous.com


Caution with our Boomers
By Rose Marie Beauchemin

" Falling short of perfection is a process that just never stops."

The longer I’m in practice, the more I learn about taking great caution with our Baby Boomer clients. Modern medicine and science have people living active lives well into their 80’s and 90’—my dad included, at a young 97. However, modern, life-extending devices wave large red flags, and practitioners must take notice.

Pre-screening is more critical than ever: even women in their 40’s and 50’s are having joint replacements. Why set up a disappointing day for both you and your clients simply because this client was never asked if they:

  • had a joint replacement (requires medical clearance and or per-medication but some surgeons do not pre-med after 2 years. They decide.)
  • have stents (requires per-medication)
  • have a pacemaker (medical clearance and may require a magnetic donut)
  • have a valve replacement (requires per-medication)
  • had a recent shingles vaccine (requires a waiting period)
  • have insulin dependent diabetes (requires medical clearance)
  • had recent cataract surgery (waiting period is necessary)
  • have glaucoma (requires medical clearance)

All of these require either pre-medication and or medical clearance, and the pacemaker may require the magnetic doughnut to be placed over the pacemaker to avoid possible interference from our machines. It is a new world that we live in today, filled with incredible life-changing and life-saving procedures, parts and devices. We would never want to be the cause of any of these failing.


When someone has a joint replacement, any infection in the body can stop right at the artificial joint since it has no T-Cells, as bone does, to ward off infection. I have seen it happen to a close family member in his 80’s that had a problem tooth. When his tooth acted up, his artificial knee swelled and pained him. Finally, after complaining over a long distance phone call, I figured it out. I said, “Dad, get rid of that tooth.” Now, 97, that knee is working perfectly and has never swelled again. 


The point is that artificial things placed in our bodies are susceptible to infections. Other things, like glaucoma, are medical conditions that require medical clearance, since we have no idea of the degree of this disease. The eye doctor may want to know what we are using to pre-numb the area as well as our post-care.  If the doctor feels their patient is too fragile, we may be refused medical clearance in order to avoid any possible problems for that client. Think of it as having any burden or responsibility lifted. We would never want to be accused of making a medical decision when we are not qualified to make.


This may sound like a lot of work, but truly, it is not. All we ask for is the client get one sentence from their doctor, stating: this patient is able to have permanent makeup or permanent eyebrows or permanent eyeliner or areola tattooing. Doctors are happy to give us this, and it speaks volumes of our professionalism. We often have the surgeons ask to speak with us to be assured in what we are using and how we proceed.


I urge you, as fellow professionals, to do your due diligence and pre-screen your clients. It takes not more than a few minutes to run down these questions, and you can even have them on your website for your prospective client to read over prior to scheduling their appointment.

Rose Marie Beauchemin *The Beau Institute 888-763-2328 * www.beauinstitute.com 
Face Inks Pigments *  www.faceinkspigments.com

New Guidelines for the AAM Exam
We are waiving the one year waiting period for practitioners who want to take the exam. The reason for this decision is we believe that the AAM Exam is loaded with pertinent information and that practitioners who take and pass this 3 part extensive exam make better more informed permanent makeup professionals. We want practitioners to have every tool available to them to succeed.


                         Calling All Vendors!!
There are still booths remaining!! Don’t miss out on this opportunity to showcase your products to the best permanent makeup practitioners in the field.
                 
                Articles Wanted!
Are you interested in submitting an article to be published in the newsletter?  We are looking for informative and interesting news to share with our members.  If you have a topic you would like to scare please submit to info@imicropigmentation.org.  Please keep it to 500 words.  If selected your article will be published in the newsletter and our website

We are proud and excited to announce additions to AAM Board


Rhonda Vacanti, Communication Chair

 


Shaleen Rose, West Coast Ethics Chair


In addition, Maria DeSantis will be our East Coast Chair as well as the AAM secretary.

Thank you to all our board members for volunteering your time and knowledge and expertise.  We are honored to have you part of the AAM Board.