Today we’d like to introduce you to Lena Shakuto.
Lena, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I has been working as a journalist in Russia for long time, my job was very nervous and even dangerous, because I specialized in the topics of politics and the protection of human rights. And few years ago, one beautiful morning I woke up and said myself: “You have to work in beauty industry”. Originally, I’m from Russia, and there is an opinion that Russian girls are the most beautiful, Well, I agree with that! Because Russian girls are always – always! – take care of their beauty. They cannot afford to go out with messy hair, wearing pajama. They are obsessed with makeup and fitness, they know many tricks how to look like million. And one of these secrets is permanent makeup.
Historically, permanent makeup (cosmetic tattoo) got a pretty bad reputation. The blue eyeliner tattoo phase in the 80’s and the dark lip liner phase of the 90’s is forever etched in our minds like some kind of traumatic memory we just can’t forget. The truth is though, that cosmetic tattoo is actually very popular and most people are unaware of the natural toned cosmetically tattooed beauties walking amongst us. Because it’s so natural, you just can’t tell! I have clients return and say “I got so many compliments but not everyone could put their finger on why I look so much younger. They thought I did something to my hair!”
My husband is a talented tattoo artist, and he inspired me to try this. I signed up for my base training in Saint Petersburg (Russia), My trainer was amazing, she taught me how to create natural and smooth eyebrows, lips and eyeliners. When I came back home I’ve started to work hard. A few months later I realized that I need to take advanced workshop. I got my second certification in one of the best permanent makeup schools in Moscow. 6 months later I moved to California. I was lucky to find a job in a studio in my first month in America. So, I could get my license and insurance, Now I working at high-end beauty salon in Solana Beach.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I set the standard for soft and natural looking permanent cosmetic by utilizing top tier technologies and techniques. I’m happy to offer the best and the most popular permanent makeup services: ombre brows shading, lip blush, eyelash enhancer. My credo is to highlight natural beauty of my clients and make them feel confident every day! Permanent makeup is irreplaceable for those who are tired of drawing their eyebrows, who don’t like to apply makeup every day, who like to live active, workout, swimming, surfing, hiking. Permanent makeup is a big gift for people who has alopecia or who have had cancer. I have got you covered day to night, girls (and boys)!
Artists face many challenges, but what do you feel is the most pressing among them?
In the permanent makeup world, the biggest challenge is bad permanent makeup artists. They have no idea about face anatomy and coloristic, so that’s why I often see bunch of uneven, gray and orange eyebrows on Instagram. And I’m grieved, because their customers have to get laser removal and spend their time and money.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
You can see my work on IG @artistry_by_lena. My website is http://pmusandiego.com/
Contact Info:
- Address: 993 Lomas Santa Fe Dr, Solana Beach 92075
Salon LG - Website: http://pmusandiego.com/
- Phone: 6195149744
- Email: elena.shakuto@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artistry_by_lena/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lena.shakuto
Image Credit:
Lena Shakuto
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