EVERYTHING BEAUTY with Permanent Makeup Artist / Entrepreneur: Mandy Miso!
What makes you, you? Who makes you, you? What is your favourite coming of age memory, who does it involve? Is it a family member, friends, a fur baby? How does this memory live on within you? Do you think of it often?
Today’s blog features a remarkable woman and trailblazing beauty professional. She goes by many names, but to me — she is my cousin. A family member that I have an unparalleled bond with; our mothers were pregnant with us at the same time. Amanda, or Mandy Miso as she is commonly known, was born in August and I came later, in December. We were immensely close as we grew from infants to toddlers, until familial forces separated us. We would not reunite until much later; when we were around the age of twelve. So many of my crucial developing moments revolve around Mandy Miso. I would not be me without her, and many people wouldn’t be the same without her either. She is an absolute treasure of a woman who has the rarest quality of all; to make you feel as if you are the only person that matters. That this huge earth revolves around you. This trait is so evident with her family, and the gifted work that she does. She exudes a mystical energy that she gifts to every single one of her clients. I hope that today’s blog excites you about the world of beauty, and of course, permanent makeup. I also hope that it inspires you to pick up the phone, write a note, text, or FaceTime with someone who makes you, you. All we have is now, and I encourage you to seize every moment as if it’s the only one that matters.
Without further ado, it is my absolute pleasure to introduce to you, Amanda -- MISS. MANDY MISO!
Take it away, my love…
@mandymiso
Follow Amanda (MANDY) on IG!
Tell us about yourself and your permanent makeup business!
“Hey, my name is @MandyMiso and I became a permanent makeup artist right after high school.”
@MandyMiso: “I originally attended hairdressing school, it was fun but I quickly realized that it wasn’t my passion. I then started to work for The Body Shop, and had a great mentor/manager who provided the chance to learn a lot about skincare and makeup. That is when I realized that my true passion is makeup. I then got a job at Sephora, what a way to really get your foot into the door of the beauty world! It was at Sephora that I decided to pursue makeup on an even higher level!”
@MandyMiso throwing it back to her early days at Sephora! Talk about a Sephora Squad success story!
@MandyMiso: “I went to makeup school and graduated as a certified makeup artist. I ran around the GTA (Greater Toronto Area), doing freelance makeup from college program photography, editorial photo shoots, to bridal parties, and even Miss.Canada pageant shows!”
One of @MandyMiso’s ICONIC editorial beauty looks. Makeup by @MandyMiso!
@MandyMiso: “Running around Toronto doing weddings and other freelance work was very difficult for me as I was a mother of two at the time. Balancing my business and my family was daunting during this period of my life. After having my second son, I really wanted to stay in my field without having to travel to multiple locations in a single day. It was terribly difficult to find time for my domestic life. As I was scrolling on Facebook ‘micro blading’ started to pop up on my radar, and that’s when permanent makeup caught my attention, so I started to do research. I found a program that taught said technique and got certified in 2016. Following my initial certification in micro blading, eyeliner, lips, and faux freckles were added onto my list, as well as other services that I provide for my clients.”
Beauty industry PROFESSIONALS!
What is your design ethos when creating permanent makeup looks?
@MandyMiso: “My design philosophy is simple. It’s that ‘You look fresh, but I just can’t put my finger on it - what did you do?’ My goal is to keep any permanent makeup look as natural as possible😉!”
@MandyMiso in her natural habitat! Visit her TODAY!
Do you have a favourite service that you provide?
@MandyMiso: “I love brows, lips and freckles. Lip blush is my most favourite because you can really enhance lips without having any injections done. It’s more of a challenge too because you really have to understand undertones/colours and the skin anatomy. However, once you have that pat down the lips results are stunning, and it really does makes a huge difference.”
As always, the proof is in the work. INCREDI-BROWS!
What advice would you have for someone interested in pursuing a career in permanent makeup artistry?
@MandyMiso: “Start with the basics! Self taught or taking a certification class on makeup, do some research and really understand what colour complimentary means and what the Fitzpatrick Scale is.”
Lip blush by @MANDYMISO
What should someone look for in their own permanent makeup artist?
@MandyMiso: “During a consultation it’s very important to have your artist speak the same language as you. They should understand what you are asking for, all while considering your lifestyle, and go-to makeup look — whether that’s natural or bold! It’s a huge step in elevating your look, it’s best to make sure that you’re comfortable laying with someone for the next two hours, and of course, in trusting the artist has your best interest in enhancing your beauty at heart!”
IT’S BROW-MAZING!
How do you manage your schedule as a working mother of three?
@MandyMiso: “Being a working mom is a challenge for sure! Funnily enough — your multi-tasking survivor skill of mother bear kicks in, and some way some how it always works out!”
@MandyMiso’s precious family!
What are your future goals, professionally and personally?
@MandyMiso: “My youngest third child just turned 2 and she’s starting to find her own independence, that gives me room to start looking into my own shop. I really would just like to continue to grow and elevate my skills and techniques as trends evolve. Personally — I really want to really focus on my health. Transitioning to more of a plant based diet and working out to sustain energy level. I would like to add meditation into my morning routine as well… AND some TLC for myself because I deserve it!”
What does representation mean to you as an Asian woman?
@MandyMiso: “I feel like I have a lot to live up to being an Asian woman — especially in the permanent makeup world. There are so many strong, dominate, passionate artists out there like Tina Davis or Trudy Trinh, and my favourite Mini Na. They set the standards and you would think that I would be in a state of being competitive, but they are the reason why my goals are even achievable. I am proud to know these ladies — my people are holding it down for us!”
An interesting aspect about you is that you are spiritual! How does your spirituality inspire your everyday life?
@MandyMiso: “Energy! Energy and the Feng Shui move my day, and the environment that I am in. The presence of my clients too. I want my clients to feel comfortable, and almost soothed. The word around town is that I have healing hands, and I like to think that I transfer good, positive energy into my work as my needles run through the clients 😄!”
@MANDYMISO
Your hair is always so vivid and ever-changing, what has been your favourite colour that you have had so far?
@MandyMiso: “Me and my whimsical hair lol! I am a Leo and a Leo loves its mane! It is so hard to choose. Pastel pink is my signature, but I absolutely loved my teal as well. Right now I’m more on the pinky-lilac side, so best of both worlds of cool tones and warm tones lol.”
@MANDYMISO
Do you have an everyday makeup look?
@MandyMiso: “My makeup look has definitely changed a lot along the years. I used to go full face glam everyday, but now minimal is my best friend. Since I have permanent makeup done, my routine is a lot quicker. Tinted brow gel, mascara, face tinted moisturizer — NARS specifically has been my all time favourite for forever! My tinted moisture is a sheer coverage, I naturally have rosy cheeks so no need for blush for me! A good cream highlighter on the cheek bones, down the nose, inner corner of the eye and a bit on the Cupid bow. Ooh and a good gloss!
** But if I’m feeling a little extra, I’ll throw on a bold wing liner;)!”
Who are your beauty / style icons?
@MandyMiso: “Celeb wise — lately I’m really feeling DaniLeigh’s fits. Always RIRI of course. I actually follow Sherlina on Instagram, we have similar styles and I really enjoy seeing her posts. I’m feeling the UK street fashion, and sometimes I’ll add my KPop street style in the mix. I love the boyfriend look, most of the time I’m sifting through my man’s closet. Maybe I’ll take a tee, maybe I’ll take his jackets to throw on top, whatever it is — I gotta make sure I have a pair of fly sneakers!”
The definition of #HYPEBAE style.
How has the pandemic impacted your life? What is something that you have learned?
@MandyMiso: “It’s scary of course having little ones in a time like this, but I’ve always complained that we never have enough time with family and now my wish has been granted! My little family has no choice but to stay indoors with me 24/7, and they love it! I am so thankful to live in Canada — Canadian benefits have been provided and helped to sustain basic living, it really taught me how to budget and understand what was essential in life. There’s a lot of things we think we “need,” but it’s really just something that was marketed to us to think that we need it.”
What are your views on the world?
@MandyMiso: “What goes around comes around.
Karma is real.
Black lives matter, all lives matter.
We are all soul brothers and sisters, and we are all a piece of God. We forget that we are in control of our lives, the key is to understand the system and not get stuck in it.
Knowledge is key. If you don’t understand something, then figure it out. Do some research, the internet is an open source to everything!
Do what you are passionate about in order to find your most authentic self.“
Anything else that you would like to add?
@MandyMiso: “If something isn’t working out, take that as a sign and move on to the next. If it’s meant to be, it should always work out smoothly. What’s meant to be yours will always find its way to you!”
So what permanent makeup looks are you now considering thanks to Mandy Miso? (I’m honestly feeling some microblading and lip blush, to be completely honest!)
How about beauty?
Did you enjoy this interview? Have any further questions? Please feel free to connect with either of us, through this blog, Instagram, or even Youtube!
Normally, I would have a parting message but I think Mandy Miso has said it all. Be true to your most authentic self! XOXO
Works Cited
Hoang, Amanda. Personal Interview. August 28, 2020.