Today we’d like to introduce you to Alicia Carrier.
Hi Alicia, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I have been an artist since I was old enough to pick up a pencil. I began to take paid custom orders for canvas paintings during my college years to make a little extra money. After graduating with a bachelors degree in Criminal Justice, I picked up a new hobby becoming a custom shoe artist and it took off faster than I ever imagined. I eventually started filling orders, for even a few celebrities.
However, life took a positive turn when I met my husband. Instead of pursuing a career in Criminal Justice, I became a stay-at-home mom. Continuing my custom shoe business was just too time consuming. I of course still craved to use my talent in some way, and wanted to be my own boss so that I had the freedom to still be a hands on mom. That is when I discovered Permanent Makeup. I traveled to California to get certified under one of the top Nano Brow artists/instructors, Sammi Touw. I have not only found my creative touch again, but I also get the satisfaction of helping woman find their confidence again. It’s a win, win for me!
I started my business in the Permanent Makeup world because I knew there was a demand for it near our small town and wanted to help make woman feel beautiful. Being one of the only permanent makeup artists that specializes in a hyper-realistic brow design, has opened so many doors. I have helped woman and men of all ages find their confidence back, including those who battles cancer and live with alopecia. The best part is that some of my clients have now become close friends.
A little history on myself: I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. I moved all over California during and after my college years, however, I always wanted out of California and live more of a country life. To my surprise, my prayers were answered when I met my husband in 2016. He was originally from Harveyville, Kansas (a small-town of 200) but was currently working in California. Thankfully, he had every intention of moving back to Kansas because of his daughter. It only took two years for us to make the move to Harveyville, Kansas (40 mins outside of Topeka).
A month after our move, we got married, 4 months after that, we got pregnant, and now we have become a fun family of 6 and nothing makes me happier than seeing our three girls, and son blossom and grow. I can’t wait to show them what they can accomplish, if they work hard for it.
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?
As a natural born artist, the craft of permanent makeup itself, is not a struggle, however, it’s more the business side of things. I have never owned a business before, and so the pressure of keeping up on all the logistics and building my name/brand has been a little bit of a struggle. My business is surviving off referrals because I am terrible at marketing. I’m pretty sure I do things the hard way too. Asking for help is for sure my weakness. BUT, for not doing much to brand myself, I am constantly staying busy with new clients, so that is extremely humbling knowing it’s all based off of referrals. I must be doing something right.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a permanent makeup artist that specializes in Nano Brows and Eyeliner. Most people hear about Microblading for the more natural looking brows, however Nano Brows is so much better and this is why….
Microblading is a process done by a hand tool where several blades drag and cut pigment into the skin; whereas, Nano Brows is a process done by a small permanent makeup machine (dainty tattoo gun). A single needle moves up and down, vibrating pigment into the skin like a traditional tattoo. Because of this, the Nano process is a lot less damaging to the skin, making it a “safer” option, because it doesn’t create the scar tissue build up that you see with Microblading. Also, unlike Microblading, Nano Brows can be done on all types of skin: oily, dry, problematic, light, or dark. If done correctly, the detailed strokes and/or shading will still be defined and no discoloration will occur. Another benefit is that Nano Brows last longer. Can’t beat that!
I would say that the thing that sets me apart compared to most permanent makeup artists, other than the overall technique I use, is that I genuinely care. I don’t do it for the money. I do it to give clients their confidence back. I also don’t push clients to come in yearly like most do. To me, that is ethically wrong. Less is more with permanent makeup. I am very detail oriented and a perfectionist, so I truly listen to what my clients want and follow through. If I feel like we aren’t a good fit, I will be honest. I am constantly educating myself as well to be up to date on techniques for better healed results.
Most my clients that walk in the door are a nervous wreck, and they have every right to be. However, I am proud that at the end of their appointment they say that I provided them with relaxing and calming experience. I just feel honored that they chose me to give them their dream brows or eyeliner. I don’t take it lightly.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love how Topeka is a big city, but has a small town feel. Everyone seems to know everyone, and so it feels like family. I just wish there was more diversity. Growing up in California, I grew up loving all cultures. I wish there was more of that because that would mean there would be more variety of food too. Haha
Pricing:
- $650 Nano Brows (realistic hair strokes)
- $700 Combo Brow (shaded brow with hair strokes)
- $650 Powder Brow (just shading)
- $450 Eyeliner
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.finelinebeautystudio.com
- Instagram: finelinebeautystudio
- Facebook: Fine Line Beauty Studio
