Tatter-a-fact® PMU Podcast

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.

  1. 5D AGO

    PMU Taxes Explained: What Every Artist Needs to Know

    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 specifically for permanent makeup artists and small business owners.  From quarterly tax payments to tracking your income and expenses, this episode walks through the habits that can help you avoid stress, stay compliant, and feel more confident running your business. Because the reality is—many artists aren’t taught this side of the industry… and end up learning the hard way. ✨ In this episode, we cover: Why PMU artists should be paying quarterly taxesHow to estimate what you owe using your previous year’s incomeThe risks of waiting until the end of the yearHow to track your money in, money out, and net profitThe importance of hiring a bookkeeper (or getting organized yourself)What counts as a write-off and how to save your receiptsWhy separating business and personal finances mattersHow to build better habits around money as a business ownerThis episode is a reminder that building a successful PMU career isn’t just about your technique… it’s about how you manage your business behind the scenes. Because when you understand your numbers, everything changes. 📲 Follow us on Instagram for more PMU education, business tips, and behind-the-scenes content: @GirlzInkStudio @TerynDarling 🎸 Composition and guitars - Russ Letizia 🥁 Drums and studio engineering - Mike Zerbe 🎼 Recorded at The Compound in Las Vegas, NV

    59 min
  2. APR 17

    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 building long-term wealth, this conversation is packed with real, honest advice that can completely change the trajectory of your career, not just as a PMU artist, but as a business owner. Mark shares how he went from having nothing to building financial freedom, and how the same principles can be applied to anyone willing to stay disciplined, get organized, and think long-term. We also dive into common mistakes artists make—like not claiming income, poor bookkeeping habits, and waiting too long to get financially organized—and how those decisions can impact your future in ways you might not even realize yet. This episode is your reminder that success isn’t just about making money… it’s about keeping it, growing it, and using it to build the life you want. ✨ In this episode, we discuss: Why PMU artists need to understand taxes and financial planningThe truth about cash income and reporting earningsHow to legally reduce your tax liabilityThe importance of organization, receipts, and bookkeepingRoth IRA vs traditional IRA (and why it matters)How to build wealth through real estate and investingThe mindset shift from “broke” to financially freeWhether you’re just starting out or already established in the industry, this episode will challenge how you think about money, and inspire you to take control of your future. Because at the end of the day… financial freedom isn’t luck, it’s strategy. 📲 Follow us on Instagram for more PMU education, business tips, and behind-the-scenes content: @girlzinkstudio and @teryndarling 🎸 Composition and guitars - Russ Letizia 🥁 Drums and studio engineering - Mike Zerbe 🎼 Recorded at The Compound in Las Vegas, NV

    1h 8m
  3. FEB 6

    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 dives into pigment science, saline vs. laser removal, aged results, and critical thinking in PMU education. Together, Teryn and Alex unpack why certain pigments age beautifully, why others create removal nightmares, and why understanding the why behind your work matters more than ever. What You’ll Learn: • Saline removal vs. laser removal in PMU • Iron oxides vs. organic pigments (and common misconceptions) • Carbon black, titanium dioxide & yellow pigments explained • Healed results vs. aged results—the true measure of skill • Why PMU education must evolve with responsibility Guest Spotlight: Alex Mechenici is a globally recognized PMU educator, speaker, and researcher known for her uncompromising, science-first approach to permanent makeup and removal education. She teaches internationally, runs her PMU academy in the UK, and is widely respected for raising industry standards through critical thinking and ethical education. 📲 Follow Alex on Instagram: @alex.pmu.academy This is Part 1 of a two-part series. Part 2 dives deeper into industry correction, marketing myths, and the future of PMU education. 🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe. 🎸 Composition and guitars - Russ Letizia 🥁 Drums and studio engineering - Mike Zerbe 🎼 Recorded at The Compound in Las Vegas, NV

    1h 60m
  4. JAN 23

    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 self-doubt, this episode delivers real-world guidance—not toxic positivity, fear-based narratives, or Instagram fluff. This is a deep dive into how experienced artists think, adapt, and build stability when the economy shifts. In This Episode, We Cover: • Why mindset directly affects your business decisions • The difference between awareness and operating from fear • How negativity spreads in PMU communities—and how to protect your headspace • Why not every PMU artist is slow (and what that means for you) • Manifestation explained realistically—vision + action • What artists should focus on while business is slower • Strengthening systems, policies, communication, and client experience • Why mastering theory, skin, and craft outlasts trends Real Talk on Money & Financial Stability This episode also tackles money conversations most PMU artists avoid, including: • Why money equals freedom, safety, and better decision-making • The importance of separate personal and business emergency funds • How to start building a financial cushion—even from zero • Cutting expenses strategically without deprivation • Why financial literacy is a career-long skill in PMU • How financial stability allows you to say no to red-flag clients This Episode Is For You If: • You’re a PMU artist navigating a slow season • You want long-term sustainability, not quick fixes • You’re building confidence in business and finances • You believe PMU is your calling and you’re committed to growth Core Message Slow seasons are temporary. Mindset, preparation, and financial clarity determine who survives—and who thrives. This episode is about using slower times as leverage, not letting fear define your future. 🎧 Listen now, take notes, and come back to this episode when you need clarity, grounding, and direction. 🎸 Composition and guitars - Russ Letizia 🥁 Drums and studio engineering - Mike Zerbe 🎼 Recorded at The Compound in Las Vegas, NV

    1h 37m
4.9
out of 5
41 Ratings

About

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.

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