Tatter-a-fact® PMU Podcast
by Teryn Darling
Teryn Darling is a legend in the Permanent Makeup industry. She's dedicated 20+ years to the craft of permanent makeup and in that time she's grown her company, Girlz Ink, into a global brand and industry standard. Teryn's overcome a lot of adversity and has done pretty well for herself in the PMU world! She's developed her skills as a cosmetic tattooer and to do that she had to develop her skills as an entrepreneur and business woman. Expect smart, sharp conversations. Teryn doesn't hold back so these episodes will be interesting, honest and real! She loves talking business and digging deep to get to know people; how, why and why not they do things.
Episodes
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How to Stay Optimistic When Life Feels Heavy
Send us Fan Mail This week, we're revisiting one of our favorite episodes of Tatter-a-fact, a conversation that feels just as relevant today as when it first aired. When life feels overwhelming, it's easy to believe optimism means pretending everything is okay. But real optimism isn't about...
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Chapter 3: The Girl Who Didn't Feel Smart
Send us Fan Mail For years, Teryn Darling believed she wasn't smart enough. Not because anyone ever told her she wasn't—but because she struggled in school and quietly allowed grades to define her worth. In Chapter 3 of Tatter-a-fact: The Story Series, Teryn shares one of the deepest insecurities...
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Chapter 2: The Girl Who Wanted Her Own Money
Send us Fan Mail Long before Girlz Ink. Before PMU. Before pigments, podcasts, stages, mentorship, and entrepreneurship... there was a kid in Maine trying to figure out how to make her own money. In Chapter 2 of Tatter-a-fact: The Story Series, Teryn Darling shares the story of her earliest...
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I Thought I Wasn't Smart: The Childhood Story That Shaped Everything | Chapter 1: The Red Wagon
Send us Fan Mail Chapter 1: The Red Wagon I spent years believing I wasn't smart. I thought smart people got good grades. I thought smart people were in accelerated classes. I thought smart people understood math and science. That wasn't me. Meanwhile, at twelve years old, I was pulling a little...
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What Nobody Tells PMU Artists About Clients
Send us Fan Mail Some conversations age well, and this is one of them. With everything happening in the PMU industry right now, we felt this discussion about clients, professionalism, bad reviews, refunds, boundaries, and business growth was more relevant than ever. In this episode of the...
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PMU Taxes: Our Experience
Send us Fan Mail Taxes… not exactly the most exciting topic, but one of the most important if you’re a PMU artist or business owner. In this throwback episode of the Tatter-a-fact PMU Podcast, Teryn Darling breaks down the fundamentals of taxes, organization, and financial responsibility...
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From Broke to Financial Freedom: Advice Every Beauty Entrepreneur Needs
Send us Fan Mail In this powerful throwback episode of the Tatter-a-fact PMU Podcast, we sit down with tax expert and entrepreneur Marc Rizzo to talk about something most permanent makeup artists avoid, but absolutely need to understand: finances. From taxes and write-offs to investing, debt, and...
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The PMU Education Gap No One Talks About | Why Artists Struggle With Healed Results, TAF #125
Send us Fan Mail Why do so many permanent makeup artists still struggle with inconsistent healed results, even after investing in training? In this episode of the Tatter-a-Fact PMU Podcast, Teryn Darling is joined by special guest Rose Prieto of @beautyandbrowlounge for an honest conversation…
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Microblading, Nano Brows & PMU Misinformation: What Artists Need to Know | TAF #124
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Tatter-a-fact PMU Podcast, Teryn Darling sits down with award-winning PMU artist and educator Brittany Wallins to talk about the controversy surrounding microblading in today’s permanent makeup industry. They discuss how misinformation spreads online, why...
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PMU Reality Check: Pigments, Technique & Truth | TAF #123
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Tatter-a-f6act PMU Podcast, Teryn Darling sits down with Marielle Rebecca of BROWHAUS INK for an honest, no-fluff conversation about the realities of permanent makeup. They break down client expectations vs PMU reality, pigment myths, technique…
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Trends, Truth & Responsibility in PMU | TAF #122
Send us Fan Mail In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Teryn Darling is joined again by Alex Mechenici of Alex PMU Academy to unpack the truths the permanent makeup industry doesn’t always want to hear. From trend-driven techniques and social media misinformation to pigment science, photo...
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PMU Pigments, Laser Removal & Aged Results | TAF #121
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Tatter-a-fact PMU Podcast, Teryn Darling sits down with internationally respected PMU educator Alex Mechenici for a powerful, science-driven conversation every permanent makeup artist needs to hear. This episode goes beyond trends and social media brows and...
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Mindset, Money & the PMU Economy: How Artists Survive (and Thrive) During a Slowdown | TAF #120
Send us Fan Mail In Episode #120 of Tatter-a-Fact, Girlz Ink founder Teryn Darling returns with Part 2 of a powerful, honest conversation on mindset, money, and navigating economic slowdowns in the permanent makeup industry. If you’re a PMU artist feeling slower bookings, financial pressure, or...
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The PMU Slowdown: Staying Strong, Visible & Profitable in a Tough Economy | TAF #119
Send us Fan Mail Is business slow in the permanent makeup industry right now? You’re not imagining it and you’re not alone. In Episode 119 of the Tatter-a-Fact Podcast, Teryn Darling is joined by Sarah from Girlz Ink for an honest, grounded conversation about the current PMU slowdown, the broader...
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Inside Medical Tattooing: Areolas, Camouflage & FTM Work with Candice Falcon | TAF #118
Send us Fan Mail In this powerful episode of Tatter-a-Fact, Teryn sits down with Candice Falcon, an industry leader in medical tattooing, 3D areola restoration, scar camouflage, and FTM gender-affirming tattoo work. Candice shares her artistic philosophy, her high standards, and why medical...
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PMU Unfiltered: Pigments, Needles & Dark Lip Truths with Carla Ricciardone | TAF #117
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Tatter-a-Fact, Teryn Darling sits down with Carla Ricciardone of Sculpted Studios, global PMU educator, color-theory expert, and pioneer of dark lip neutralization for a powerful and unfiltered conversation about what truly matters in Permanent Makeup today....
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The Truth About Oily Skin + Introducing D’Oil™ | TAF #116
Send us Fan Mail In TAF #116, Teryn breaks down one of the BIGGEST struggles in Permanent Makeup: oily skin — and why it affects stretch, grip, pigment implantation, numbing absorption, and ultimately… your healed results. For 25 years, artists have been told to “just blot more,” “stretch…
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The No-B.S. Truth About PMU with Robin Hays Velez (32 Years Behind the Needle) | TAF #115
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Teryn Darling sits down with industry veteran Robin Hays Velez, a PMU artist with over 32 years of experience, to talk about what it really takes to last in permanent makeup. From pigments and needle choices to burnout, ethics, and regulators… nothing is off the...
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PMU Pros South Africa: Building Real Community, Real Education, Real Results | TAF #114
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Teryn Darling sits down with Chantal Chadderton, founder of PMU Pros, a 4-day international PMU expo and conference in Durban, South Africa, bringing together top educators, artists, and brands from around the world. They talk about what really makes a great PMU...
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The Learning Curve Series, Part 3: Understanding Pigments | TAF #113
Send us Fan Mail Think you know your pigments? Think again. In this episode of The Learning Curve Series, Teryn Darling dives deep into the pigment learning curve, breaking down the truth about iron oxides, organics, and hybrids so you can finally understand why your pigments behave the way they...
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The Learning Curve Series, Part 2: Mastering PMU Needles | TAF #112
Send us Fan Mail Think one needle fits all? Think again. In Part 2 of The Learning Curve Series, Teryn breaks down the myths, the learning curve, and the freedom that comes with mastering liners, shaders, and mags. So you can achieve beautiful results on every skin type and every style (powder...
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The Learning Curve Series, Part 1: Machines | TAF #111
Send us Fan Mail Switching to a new PMU machine can feel like starting all over again. Suddenly your healed results look different, your depth feels off, and frustration sets in. But that’s not failure, it’s the learning curve. In this episode, Teryn Darling walks you through what really happens...
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PMU Fundamentals: The Key to Consistent Healed Results | TAF #110
Send us Fan Mail If you want a long, thriving career in PMU, consistent healed results, confident color choices, and the ability to pivot on tough skin, this episode is your blueprint. Teryn breaks down the core fundamentals every permanent makeup artist must master (and keep revisiting): skin...
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Topical Anesthetics in PMU: Safety, Retention & Pupil Dilation Explained | TAF #109
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Tatter-a-Fact PMU Podcast, Teryn dives deep into the truth about topical anesthetics in permanent makeup, what works, what doesn’t, and what every artist needs to know to keep clients safe and results beautiful. From melting and migrating formulas that ruin...
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Nickel Allergies in PMU: Proceed or Pause? | TAF #108
Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode of the Tatter-a-Fact PMU Podcast, we’re diving deep into a question every permanent makeup artist will face at some point: “My client is allergic to nickel… should I still move forward with the procedure?” With 25+ years in the industry and over 20,000…
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The Truth About Tattooed Freckles in PMU - TAF #107
Send us Fan Mail In this powerful episode of the Tatter-a-Fact PMU Podcast, Teryn Darling sits down with Jessica Ashley of Stunna Beauty to talk about one of the most debated procedures in the permanent makeup world: tattooed freckles. From ombre brows and lip blush to the artistry of freckles,...
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4 Years, One Vision: The Story Behind The Pendulum | TAF #106
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Tatter-a-Fact PMU Podcast, host Teryn Darling sits down with Katri Pagliaro, a permanent makeup artist and first-time inventor who’s making BIG waves in the industry. After four years of passion, prototypes, and perseverance, Katri launched The Pendulum—a...
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How to Use ChatGPT to Grow Your PMU Business | TAF #105
Send us Fan Mail Are you tired of staring at a blank screen trying to write Instagram captions or brainstorm content ideas for your PMU business? What if AI could help you show up consistently, attract your dream clients, and build your brand—all while saving time and stress? In this episode of…
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Studio Ownership, Burnout & Staying Grounded in PMU with Shay Danielle | TAF #104
Send us Fan Mail In this raw and real episode, Teryn Darling sits down with PMU educator and artist Shay Danielle to talk about what it really takes to build longevity in the permanent makeup industry. They dive into the highs and lows of studio ownership, how burnout impacts even the most...
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Thick Pigments? Poor Retention? Let’s Fix That! | TAF #103
Send us Fan Mail PMU besties, get ready for one of the most educational + honest episodes yet! In this week’s Tatter-a-Fact, Teryn Darling and her wife + business partner Kat are diving deep into one of the most misunderstood topics in the permanent makeup world: pigment viscosity and retention...
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PMU Q&A: Aftercare, Pigments for Fitz 5-6, Eyeliner Removal & More | TAF #102
Send us Fan Mail In Episode #102 of the Tatter-a-fact PMU Podcast, Teryn Darling is back with Kat for a deep dive into your most frequently asked questions in permanent makeup! From aftercare best practices to pigment choices for Fitzpatrick 5 and 6 clients, this episode is jam-packed with real...
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The Truth About Titanium Dioxide: Friend or Foe in PMU? | TAF #101
Send us Fan Mail Welcome to another powerful episode of the Tatter-a-Fact PMU Podcast with Teryn Darling, founder of Girlz Ink and industry-renowned pigment expert. In this episode, we dive deep into one of the most talked-about—and misunderstood—ingredients in permanent makeup pigments: titanium...
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Taxes, Retirement & Wealth-Building Tips for PMU Artists
Send us Fan Mail In this throwback episode of the Tatter-a-Fact PMU Podcast, Teryn Darling sits down with her long-time tax advisor and friend, Mark Rizzo—a tax pro who actually loves taxes (yes, really!). They dive deep into real-world money advice every permanent makeup artist should hear—from...
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It Can't Stay This Shitty Forever | TAF #100
Send us Fan Mail 🎉 We made it! The 100th episode of the Tatter-a-fact PMU Podcast is here, and this one is extra special. Join us as we take a deep dive into the challenges, setbacks, and hard lessons we’ve faced—and how we’ve come out stronger on the other side. If you're feeling stuck in your...
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The Science of Pigment Dilution in PMU: How & Why It Works! | TAF #99
Send us Fan Mail Are you diluting your PMU pigments? If not, you might be missing out on one of the most powerful techniques for achieving soft, powdery, and customized healed results in permanent makeup! In this episode of the Tatter-a-Fact PMU Podcast, Teryn Darling dives deep into the science…
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Struggling with Lip Tattooing? What You Need to Know with Kerry Welstead | TAF #98
Send us Fan Mail 💄 Struggling with lip tattooing? You're not alone! In this episode of Tatter-a-Fact PMU Podcast, I sit down with Kerry Welstead, a true expert in lip tattooing, to share insights on achieving stunning, long-lasting results with less trauma. 🎙️ WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: ✔️ The biggest...
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Overcoming Fear, Neurodiversity & Growth in PMU with Zoe Braun | TAF #97
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Tatter-a-Fact PMU Podcast, Teryn Darling sits down with Zoe Braun, a PMU artist with a background in finance and engineering, to talk about how she overcame introversion, fear, and neurodiversity to build a successful career in permanent makeup. 🎙️✨ 💡…
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The Power of Emotional Intelligence in Business & Life | TAF #96
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Tatter-a-Fact PMU Podcast, Teryn Darling sits down with Olivia to dive deep into a topic that affects every business owner, entrepreneur, and artist—Emotional Intelligence (EQ). 🎙️✨ 💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ What is EQ (Emotional Quotient)…
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Insights from Industry Experts! - Best Of Compilation Part 2 | #95
Send us Fan Mail Back by popular demand! 🌟 Our second "Best Of" compilation episode brings you more standout moments from our incredible guests. Dive deeper into the world of permanent makeup as top PMU artists and industry leaders share their expertise, personal stories, and actionable advice…
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Episode #94: Fan Favorites – The Best of Tatter-a-Fact
Send us Fan Mail 🎉 Welcome to Season 5 of the Tatter-a-Fact PMU Podcast! 🎉 We're kicking off this season with an incredible Best Of episode, featuring some of the most inspiring, thought-provoking, and hilarious moments from the past four seasons. 🖤 Whether you're a new listener or a longtime...
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Mastering Low-Saturation Brows & Advanced Needle Techniques | #93
Send us Fan Mail Join Teryn Darling as she answers a new artist’s burning questions about creating understated, low-saturation brows that last—and explores whether annual touch-ups risk damaging the skin. This in-depth discussion is perfect for PMU artists of all levels who want to refine their...
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Refreshing Your PMU Brand and Industry Insights | TAF #92
Send us Fan Mail Join Teryn Darling and her wife Kat as they dive deep into the evolving world of permanent makeup (PMU) in this engaging episode of the Tatter-a-fact PMU Podcast. Together, they explore: The Importance of Refreshing Your Brand: Learn when and why to update your logo, colors,...
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Carbon vs. Iron Oxide Pigments: Navigating the Debate in PMU | TAF #91
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Tatter-a-Fact, I tackle one of the most heated debates in the PMU industry: carbon black vs. iron oxide pigments. Drawing from over 24 years of experience, I break down the differences between these two pigment types, the misconceptions surrounding them, and…
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Mastering Skin, Pigments, and Persistence in PMU: Lessons from 24 Years | TAF #90
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Tatter-a-Fact, I share invaluable insights from my 24 years in the permanent makeup (PMU) industry. From my recent experiences at international PMU conferences to the importance of understanding skin and pigments, I dive deep into how proper skin assessment,...
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Clearing the Air on Saline Removal & PMU Industry Trends | TAF #89
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Tatter-a-Fact, I will dive deep into the current state of the PMU industry, addressing the slowdown many artists are facing and the misconceptions surrounding bad microblading and saline removal. Inspired by a recent online post, I will share my insights on why...
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The Science of Yellows: Pigments, Variations, and the Art of Formulation | TAF #88
Send us Fan Mail In this insightful episode of the Tatter-a-Fact PMU Podcast, Teryn Darling dives deep into the world of pigments, focusing specifically on the color yellow and its critical role in brow formulation. Teryn discusses the three types of yellow pigments—neutral, warm, and cool—and...
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Unveiling the OMG Brow Pigments | TAF #87
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Tatter-a-Fact PMU Podcast, I’m excited to introduce you to the OMG Brow Pigments, a project that’s been two years in the making. I’ll walk you through the journey of creating these four incredible pigments, designed for quick implantation, optimal…
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Mentorship, Growth, and the PMU Industry with Valerie Weber | TAF #86
Send us Fan Mail 🎙️In this episode of Tatter-a-fact, I sit down with Valerie Weber, a longtime colleague and fellow trainer in the permanent makeup industry. We dive into over 16 years of shared experiences, from early career challenges to becoming respected mentors in the field. Valerie shares...
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Paramedical Tattooing with Sherah Juarez | TAF #85
Send us Fan Mail 🎙️In this episode, I sit down with Sherah Juarez, a talented artist and trainer in the PMU and paramedical tattooing space. Sherah shares her inspiring journey into the world of paramedical tattooing, and we dive deep into when it’s the right time to venture into this rewarding...
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Black Carbon in Pigments | TAF #84
Send us Fan Mail 🎙️In the latest episode of Tatter-a-fact, join me in an in-depth discussion all about pigments! I delve into the world of black carbon in pigments, exploring the key differences between various black carbons and why these distinctions matter. I’ll share insights on the crucial...
About this show
Teryn Darling is a legend in the Permanent Makeup industry. She's dedicated 20+ years to the craft of permanent makeup and in that time she's grown her company, Girlz Ink, into a global brand and industry standard. Teryn's overcome a lot of adversity and has done pretty well for herself in the PMU world! She's developed her skills as a cosmetic tattooer and to do that she had to develop her skills as an entrepreneur and business woman. Expect smart, sharp conversations. Teryn doesn't hold back so these episodes will be interesting, honest and real! She loves talking business and digging deep to get to know people; how, why and why not they do things.
Hosted by
Teryn Darling