Finding a passion is a truly remarkable thing in life. Whether it be a particular talent, subject, or skill, embracing your passion can open so many doors and lead to a world of self-discovery. Additionally, there comes a time when one feels compelled to share that passion with others, educating and inspiring them. That’s precisely the position Shelly Nguyen finds herself in when it comes to her passion for crafting beautiful eyebrows. 

Shelly Nguyen is the founder of Brows By Shelly, a permanent makeup studio in Long Beach, California. Despite the studio’s success, Shelly didn’t always know this was where her career path would lead; she had initially planned to go to school for dentistry. But in 2018, her curiosity for brows turned into a full-time passion. 

“One day, I took a pad and a machine and practiced shading eyebrows at my bathroom counter. I kept practicing until they looked perfect,” Shelly explains. “After that, I looked up all the requirements needed to become a body art practitioner in California.”

Shelly obtained all the necessary licensing and fulfilled requirements, which included a six-month apprenticeship where she gained hands-on experience working with bloodborne pathogens, handling bodily fluids, and learning proper sanitation practices. While this education certainly helped her get to where she is today, the actual technique that she employs at her studio is essentially self-taught. 

“To give the illusion of makeup on the skin, I use a machine to apply thin layers of pigment, called ombre powder, to the top layer of the skin. This creates a semi-permanent tattoo of flawless brows,” Shelly explains. “Technique-wise, it's something that you learn and then practice on your own.” 

Shelly’s approach is not one-size-fits-all; in addition to her precise tattooing technique, she also considers each client’s unique skin tone, hair color, and facial structure. 

"We go the extra mile by custom mixing colors to ensure they perfectly match both the client's skin tone and undertones,” Shelly says. “Additionally, I consider their bone structure, nose shape, eye placement, and temple area. This helps me create a shape that harmonizes with their face and hair flow.”

After years of perfecting her brow technique and upholding the highest safety and satisfaction standards for her clients, Shelly has decided to pass on her wisdom to other aspiring artists in the industry. She has created an intensive, hands-on training program designed to provide education in the art of semi-permanent makeup.

During her training course, Shelly covers various topics, including color theory, facial anatomy, skin types, sanitation, and safety protocols. She demonstrates her technique for creating beautiful and natural-looking ombre powder brows and provides hands-on practice for the students to perfect their skills.

“My training sessions are limited to a small group setting, which allows for a collaborative and supportive learning environment. Students can learn from each other's experiences, and I can give them feedback,” she says. “The training is ideal for beginner artists who want to expand their skill set and learn the latest techniques in the industry.”

Additionally, Shelly offers an advanced, one-on-one course for experienced artists who want to refine their skills and learn the latest techniques in the industry. During the training, Shelly will work closely with the trainee to identify areas for improvement and provide targeted instruction and guidance.

Shelly Nguyen's passion for crafting flawless eyebrows has not only transformed her career but also inspired her to become an educator. Through her training programs, she’s passing on her wisdom, ensuring that aspiring and experienced artists alike can continue to elevate their skills and contribute to the world of semi-permanent makeup.

“I find it incredibly fulfilling when clients sit up, look at themselves in the mirror, and love what they see,” Shelly says. “I love doing brows, and I want to share my passion and knowledge with others.”

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