Life and Work with Ann von Gal

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ann von Gal.

Ann, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have always loved fashion and style. It runs in my family. My great aunt was the editor of Harpers Bazaar and Vogue. My major in college was Fashion Design. However, when I transferred to San Diego State from the east coast a full fashion curriculum was not offered so I became a Graphics Communications major. I fell in love with graphic design. I have enjoyed a very successful graphic design career. Fast forward… I have always embraced reinventing myself. I started my permanent makeup and medical tattooing business as a way to help breast cancer survivors. I had been involved in the Breast Cancer 3 Day Walks. My walking coach was a permanent makeup professional and trainer. Spending time with her, I realized my skills as a graphic designer and artist could be transferred towards permanent makeup – a profession I have come to love! And while my services focus primarily on eyebrows, eyeliner, and lips, I provide areola restoration for breast cancer survivors.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My advice to anyone starting in any profession, whether as part of a corporation or as an entrepreneur is to take business classes. Understand financial terminology. Learn how to read a spreadsheet, balance sheet, net income, and profit and loss reports. This knowledge will be invaluable.

Also, find a mentor. No matter what profession you are in, it always presents challenges and opportunities. Sometimes, it is hard to figure out which one you are facing. You need someone (or more than one) that you respect and trust to bounce ideas and leads, scenarios, the “what ifs”, the wins and the missteps.

Please tell us about Permanent Makeup by Ann.
It may sound strange—only because most people might associate permanent makeup with fashion and glamour—but my greatest joy comes from using my craft to make a real, meaningful and emotional difference in people’s lives.

What happens to a woman who loses her breasts as a result of cancer? How does she cope with her feelings of self-worth? It is difficult to understand unless you have gone through it yourself or have known women who have gone through it. With realistic looking areolas that I can provide, these women can look at themselves in the mirror with a stronger sense of recovery and a more positive approach towards the future.

Should suffering from Parkinson’s or poor eyesight diminish one’s ability to put on makeup and feel better about themselves? Here, too, the services I provide have made a difference. And for those who lead active lifestyles, my services allow them to pursue their yoga, running, fitness classes, even swimming, knowing their makeup is secure.

Beyond helping people, my other passion is learning and self-improvement. I never tire of talking to other professionals in my field to share their experiences and together explore techniques which might improve the craft. If I am not working with a client, I am training and practicing. The best in their fields are constantly looking for ways to maintain and improve—and that is my approach each and every day.

Who else deserves credit – have you had mentors, supporters, cheerleaders, advocates, clients or teammates that have played a big role in your success or the success of the business? If so –who are they and what role did they plan / how did they help.
I am an advocate of belonging to a strong networking group to find a mentor. I have been an active member of a number of networking groups throughout my professional career. Women in Business, San Diego and North Coast Business Group have been outstanding. I encourage everyone to join a networking group. Realize that there is a networking group for everyone but not every group is for everyone. You need to do research, visit their meetings, take a member or two out for coffee to find the group that is the best fit for you. There will be professionals from all business categories with varied years of experience. I am a firm believer (learned from experience) that what you put into any professional organization is what you will get out of it. Go to every meeting, get on the board of directors, meet members one-on-one outside of the meetings. Get to know the members so you can pick the best mentors to help you reach your goals.

Contact Info:

• Address: 136 North Acacia Avenue
  Solana Beach 92075
• Website: permanentmakeupbyann.com
• Phone: 858-699-5958
• Email: ann@permanentmakeupbyann.com
• Instagram: faces by ann
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PermanentMakeupByAnn/

Image Credit:
Ann and Louie photo by Jeanee Lusby, Procedure on client photo by Mary Ritcherson, Client Consultation photo by Sara Lake

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