The rise of SPMU

This month, Kayla Green features as our Rising Star. After realising she lacked drive in her role as an Estate Agent, she found a passion for semi-permanent makeup that worked in line with the huge industry demand for the treatment. Kayla is now the proud owner of Arch Envy and reveals her journey to success in this exclusive interview.

What first ignited your passion for semi- permanent makeup?

I knew I had a desire to grow something for myself, on my own terms, but just hadn’t found my niche yet. I came across a semi-permanent makeup artist from Australia on Instagram called ‘Illusion Luxe’ and I fell in love with her work, but still didn’t quite realise this may be something I could be interested in.

One day, Paulina, the owner of Illusion Luxe, posted that she was coming to London to host her own masterclass and I knew I had to be there. I was one of the lucky 14 to secure a space at the exclusive event and that was the day my journey began.

I was lucky to pick up the skill pretty quickly (if I do say so myself) and from then on, I started to grow my business in 2022.

What were the initial key steps to build your client base?

As I’m still newer than a lot of the other artists in the industry, I knew that growing my client base would be tricky. However, I also know what I have to offer is unique and showing I trust my skills is a huge factor in clients choosing me to tattoo their face. Portraying this when marketing my services is what has helped me gain clients that are confident in coming to me rather than another SPMU Artist, even if they have been practicing for longer than me.

Social

media is a key tool for people starting out in the beauty industry. Have you gained clients through your social media page and what tips would you give to a social media beginner in the hair and beauty industry?

With the modern world checking social media every two seconds, I think it’s inevitable that the most efficient way to gain enquiries is through the likes of Instagram and Facebook. Social media platforms have been my main source of client building, and I knew I would have to be extremely active on my social media pages in order to get my name out there.

In an ever-growing field, how do you make sure your treatments stand out from competitors?

I made a plan to use my Instagram for business purposes as well as to show myself personally, but also to show myself personally. I felt I needed to put a face to the name and show everyone that this is genuinely my whole life and not just a job, allowing me to stand out from the never-ending scroll of the same treatments over and over.

What’s your goals for the future?

Overall, I think success goes as far as you imagine it and trusting your gut will always lead you down the right path. Luckily, I listened to mine and I’m now able to do what I love every day.

In terms of goals for the future, it’s always to be the absolute best and continue growing. I don’t say that with ignorance, I know it will take hard work and blood, sweat and tears; but then again I’m willing to do that in order to become the best in the game.

I would love to be recognised as the UK leading SPMU Artist and one day go on to create my own tools for other artists to thrive within the industry.

@archenvyspmu