Today we’d like to introduce you to Mirka Duckett.
Hi Mirka, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Hello, and thank you for this opportunity to share my story. I grew up in Slovakia, former Czechoslovakia, when it was still a communist country. I was in high school when the Velvet Revolution changed the regime, opened the borders and people were able to travel again. I always wanted to see the world and was drawn to America.
I came to the United States in 2000 and was an au pair, which is an international nanny, for a wonderful family in Memphis. It was a life changing experience. My host family became my second family here and we are still in close touch. When the year was over, I decided to go back to school to study clinical laboratory science. Meanwhile, I got married and started my family. I have been working in the clinical laboratory for about 17 years. Although I love my work in the medical field, I felt like I wanted to use my talents and do something creative. I’ve got an artistic streak and always loved drawing, especially portraits.
Besides drawing, I’ve always enjoyed doing makeup for my friends and family and had also done a few wedding makeup sessions. When I came across a video about microblading, I knew this was exactly what I was looking for. It was the perfect combination for me where l could use my artistic talent and a knack for precision. I began researching ways to get into the business over 4 years ago. I began my apprenticeship and took the leap of faith to begin in a brand new career field. I have now spent the last two years doing permanent makeup and love my job more than ever!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not always been a smooth road. Since the beginning of my work life, I have always been an employee. I had no idea how to start or run a business and be my own boss. I had to do extensive research and spend lots of time trying to figure out what is important and what is not.
I had to learn about the Tennessee laws that regulate micropigmentation and require a tattoo license in order to provide the services. To get a license, I had to be an apprentice for a year. A few years ago, it was hard to find an instructor in Memphis who would teach and keep an apprentice. Finally, I was able to find one and fulfill all the necessary requirements. The decision to start a new career was also a scary one. I hesitated to follow my dreams because I have a family that depends on me.
Another challenge for me was learning about marketing, creating my website, finances, etc. I’m still learning as I go, but it is very exciting since this career switch brought me an immense joy and pride.
We’ve been impressed with Brow Beauty, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Brow Beauty is a permanent makeup salon. I offer cosmetic tattooing (micropigmentation) that is semi-permanent and lasts about 2-4 years. Cosmetic tattooing uses a digital micropigmentation device with different needle formations to achieve the desired look – natural or more dramatic, based on customer preferences. During the procedure, pigments are deposited into the dermal layer of the skin. It is a great way to enhance the shape of the eyebrows, hairline, lips, eyes, and more. Brow Beauty offers several services for eyebrows: powder brows, ombre brows, hairstrokes by nano needle and combination brows. More information can be found on my website: BrowBeautyMemphis.com
In the near future, I would like to expand my services and add scalp micropigmentation. The procedure is a hair tattoo that gives the illusion of a close buzz cut. It can be used to conceal scars from hair transplantation, making thinning hair less visible and restore receiving hairlines.
I am proud to provide quality work, using some of the best pigments and instruments for all of my customers. I give every customer extreme attention to detail to provide them with beautiful results and have each person leaving more confident. When I am not in my studio, I constantly strive to improve my knowledge and skills. I study the latest trends and techniques in permanent cosmetics to provide the best services to my customers.
How do you think about luck?
Luck has definitely played a big role in my life. I feel like many times it was divine intervention that changed the course of my life. Without luck I would not be in America.
Without luck I would not be matched with such a wonderful family in Memphis. Without luck, I would not be able to start my business. My faith is very important to me and I believe that someone up there was helping me along the way to get me where I needed to be.
With luck, I had the resources I needed to explore my creativity and passion. I had to have faith and rely on luck to invest in myself and my business. My luck helped me branch out and finally make the leap of faith to found Brow Beauty.
Contact Info:
- Email: browbeautymemphis@gmail.com
- Website: www.BrowBeautyMemphis.com
- Instagram: @browbeautymemphis
- Facebook: @browbeautymemphis
Image Credits
Brow Beauty
