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Life and Work with May Phyu

Today we’d like to introduce you to May Phyu.

May, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I liked all things beauty, especially when it came to makeup. I enjoyed playing around with makeup in my teens and as years past, and also the evolution of my eyebrows, I learned how to master drawing and penciling in my brows as what is now known today as “ombre brows”. I had the regular 9-5 job that I’ve been with for several years and though I loved it, I felt I needed to branch out to something that I truly shared a passion for. I did some research on how to start offering brow tattoo as a side job; I knew then that I found my calling. With the motivation of my son and husband and the support of my friends and family, I decided to break out of my comfort zone and just go for it. I borrowed money from my dad and took my training class in November of 2017. It was the best decision that I have ever made because here I am today, doing what I love while getting paid for it. I was able to get a consistent amount of clients each month and recently started training and teaching my own classes. I took the next leap of faith and quit my regular 9-5 job with full support from the most awesome bosses. Now it is time for me to really focus on being my own boss. Boss mom; being that superwoman and setting a great example for my kid and also to all other artists out there in the industry!

Other facts about me:
I am 3x certified by the top trainers in SoCal.
I officially started taking clients January of 2018 so it been about 1.5 years.
I was always fond and curious about becoming a tattoo artist.
I specialize in ombre powder tattoo (not microblading).
I was working Monday-Sunday when I first started off while being a fulltime mom to a 2-year-old at the time.

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?
Starting your own business is never easy. It takes a lot of patience, dedication, and consistency. At the same time, you need to learn to adapt to the new schedule and lifestyle while you juggle your business and personal day-to-day life. As I was juggling two jobs with no days off, it really took a toll on my physical, mental and emotional well-being. Most importantly, I wasn’t spending enough time with my son, which matters the most. I had to take a step back and accept that it is ok to slow down, breathe, and take a break. After I accepted that it’s ok to work less, I was able to allow at least one day off each week and take more vacation time with my family. Without keeping the foundation of my support system strong, I would not be able to provide and give 100% to my business and my clients. It is essential to provide self-care to yourself, in order to be the best version of yourself around your family, friends, and clients.

Please tell us about BrowsbyMP.
I specialize in Ombre powder eyebrow tattoo, which is categorized under Permanent makeup or cosmetic tattoo. I offer both the “soft natural” look or the full-on “makeup look’ depending on the client’s preference. I’m most proud of coming this far and quickly improving while still being new in this super fast-growing industry. a lot of my clients are shocked when I tell them how long I’ve been doing brows for (~1.5 years).

Often it feels as if the media, by and large, is only focused on the obstacles faced by women, but we feel it’s important to also look for the opportunities. In your view, are there opportunities that you see that women are particularly well-positioned for?
Beauty industry is booming! This is the perfect opportunity for a woman to start her career. Especially for working moms or younger woman that are still going to school, which will allow them to make their own schedule. Whether it is your fulltime job or a side hustle, it is a great industry to be in as Lash and PMU is very popular in this generation and in my opinion, more to come.

Pricing:

  • $450 for new (virgin brows)
  • $500 for cover-up
  • $550 for color correction

Contact Info:

 

Image Credit:
@rchooography

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