An interview with Emily Ponte

How did you get started in the PMU industry?

I have been in the beauty industry for over 24 years.. (showing my age). Roughly 11 years ago when I was pregnant with my son I decided I really want to specialize and push my career to the next level. Having children made me more determined to do well in life and my career. I already had a great loyal clientele, with many of them wanting Permanent Makeup so that was a natural progression for me.

How did you get to where you are now in your career?

Through pure dedication, motivation and not giving up. Many times in my early career, it would have been easy to give up but the obstacles made me more determined to succeed. I a lot invested in training with artists I admired at the time and just kept pushing forward and upskilling where I could. It’s hard at the time but investing in myself is the best decision I could have made. I Also moved with the times and developed new techniques along the way. The industry has changed a lot since I first started but it’s important to keep moving with it.

What would be your advice for PMU artists who are just starting out in their career?

Practice any chance you get. From latex to working on models until you build your confidence. Where possible learn from others as much as you can and don’t give up. Don’t be put off by mistakes as this is what we learn from and where are confidence is built from. Networking is great and going to masterclasses when you can is a great way to meet other like minded people within the industry, so you don’t feel alone. 

What product could you simply not live without?

Need you ask?Hahaha! PUSH. There are so many products but push was a total game changer for me and something that is an essential part of every treatment I do. I have tried many products that are similar but there is nothing like the quality you get with push.

What is your favourite treatment to do and why?

Lips. I adore lips, from the vibrant colours to creating definition and fullness. I just love doing them and found my way that creates great healed results every time. But for anyone starting out, lips was my least favourite at the start. It took time and many lips later and one day it clicked (with perseverance). Lips have slowly taken over brows in my clinic now.

Who do you look up to in this industry and how have they inspired you?

There are so many artists and trainers that aspire me. Debbie is one of them. I love her passion and loyalty for the Goldeneye brand. Her knowledge is second to none and I could Listen to her all day. She’s a true Gem within the industry, stays out of drama and very much respected. 

Paula McDonald is also another artist I always admired. She has great knowledge about her craft and I love her honesty. We are also similar when it comes to our approach and morals. For me it’s about surrounding yourself with other artists and trainers that genuinely care and want to make a change. It is because of this we decided to collaborate on our masterclasses.

Can you tell us a bit more about your Blend concept and your recently launched products?

Over the years I developed a way of working which worked for me and ultimately it was about ‘blending’ and making each area I created look as natural as possible. This is where the BrowBlend and LipBlend were formed. I am Proud to have launched several webinars showing my techniques. Moving on from this I wanted to create a brand which complimented these techniques. I spent years trialling different brow mapping pencils and was pleased to launch my own BrowBlend pencils which have been extremely popular within the industry. I decided to develop this further and with my previous makeup background I wanted to launch some products that would work well in conjunction with PMU. 

My lip exfoliating wand and clear gloss are particularly great to use after a healed lipblush treatment to help keep lips hydrated and colour fresh.

If someone wants to train with you, what is the best way to contact you?

I provide 1-1 training, group masterclasses and online webinars. The best way to contact would be to visit my website www.emilyponte.com for details or email info@emilyponte.com 

 

And lastly, who would win in a fist fight… Debbie or Jasper?

Haha sorry Jasper but Debbie gets my vote. And if you’re smart, I would take it on the chin 😉