The PMU Standard

MIchelle Rukny
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THE PMU STANDARD by AAM is a leadership podcast for permanent makeup professionals navigating a changing industry. Hosted by Michelle Rukny, President of the American Academy of Micropigmentation @aampmuboard, the show explores industry standards, permanent makeup business realities, professionalism, and long-term sustainability without hype, fear, or shortcuts. This is not a technique podcast. It’s a reality-based conversation about building careers that last.

  1. 1d ago

    Episode 16: Botox & Brow PMU | Why Timing Changes Everything

    Episode 16: Botox & Brow PMU | Why Timing Changes Everything Botox and brow PMU are two of the most popular aesthetic treatments, but timing them incorrectly can affect brow symmetry, mapping accuracy, and long-term permanent makeup results. In this episode of The PMU Standard, Michelle Rukny, President and Director of Operations of the American Academy of Micropigmentation, explains the science behind botulinum toxin, brow positioning, muscle movement, and why proper sequencing is essential for successful brow PMU. You'll learn how Botox changes the position of the brows during the weeks following treatment, why brow mapping should never be performed on a brow that is still settling, and when clients should schedule powder brows, microblading, or combination brows in relation to their Botox appointments. Michelle also discusses consultation questions every PMU artist should ask, how to identify the ideal treatment window, and why understanding facial anatomy leads to better healed results. Whether you're a PMU artist, permanent makeup professional, cosmetic tattoo artist, injector, esthetician, or client planning Botox and brow PMU, this episode provides evidence-based education to help improve treatment planning, consultations, and long-term outcomes. Topics include: Botox and brow PMUPermanent makeup and botulinum toxinPowder brows and microbladingBrow mappingFacial anatomyPMU consultationsBotox timing before permanent makeupBrow symmetryCosmetic tattoo healingPMU best practicesClient safety and education🎁 Download our complimentary Consultation Script & Checklist here:Consultation Script & Checklist For more PMU education, blogs, industry news, and upcoming events, visit AAM PMU Board and join our email list to stay up to date. Follow the AAM on Instagram at @aampmuboard

  2. 3d ago

    Episode 15: Lip Filler & Lip Blush PMU | Why the Order and Timing Matter

    Episode 15: Lip Filler & Lip Blush PMU | Why the Order and Timing Matter Lip filler and lip blush PMU are two of the most popular aesthetic treatments, but the order you receive them and the time between procedures can have a significant impact on healing, symmetry, pigment retention, and your final results. In this episode of The PMU Standard, Michelle Rukny, President and Director of Operations of the American Academy of Micropigmentation, explains the science behind hyaluronic acid lip filler, tissue healing, and why these procedures should never be scheduled back-to-back. You'll learn why lip filler should always be performed before lip blush PMU, why waiting 4 to 6 weeks allows the filler to fully settle, how inflammation and tissue remodeling influence cosmetic tattoo results, and why proper consultations and intake forms are essential for both artists and clients. Michelle also discusses what happens when these procedures are performed too close together, how filler affects the lip tissue during healing, and why timing is one of the most overlooked factors in achieving beautiful, predictable results. Whether you're a PMU artist, permanent makeup professional, cosmetic tattoo artist, injector, esthetician, or client considering lip blush and lip filler, this episode offers evidence-based education to help you make informed decisions and improve treatment outcomes. Topics include: Lip filler and lip blush PMUPermanent makeup and dermal fillersHyaluronic acid filler healingLip blush consultationsPMU intake formsPigment retentionCosmetic tattoo healingLip blush aftercarePMU best practicesClient safety and educationFor more PMU education, blogs, industry news, and upcoming events, visit AAM PMU Board and join our email list to stay up to date. Follow the AAM on Instagram at @aampmuboard.

  3. Jul 13

    Episode 14: Summer PMU | What Every Client Should Know Before Booking

    Episode 14: Summer PMU | What Every Client Should Know Before Booking Summer is one of the busiest seasons for permanent makeup, but it's also one of the most important times to plan your appointment carefully. In this episode of The PMU Standard, Michelle Rukny, President and Director of Operations of the American Academy of Micropigmentation, discusses how sun exposure, swimming, sweating, travel, exercise, and outdoor activities can affect PMU healing, pigment retention, and long-term results. Whether you're considering powder brows, microblading, lip blush, permanent eyeliner, scalp micropigmentation (SMP), or other cosmetic tattoo procedures, this episode explains how proper consultation, realistic expectations, and timing can make the difference between a smooth healing experience and unnecessary complications. You'll learn: How summer affects permanent makeup healingWhen it's best to schedule your PMU appointmentSummer PMU aftercare tipsHow UV exposure impacts pigment retention and colorQuestions every PMU artist should ask before bookingWhen rescheduling is the best decision for both artist and clientIf you're a PMU artist, tattoo professional, trainer, or client planning a cosmetic tattoo this summer, this episode will help you make informed decisions that protect your results. For more PMU education, blogs, industry news, and upcoming events, visit AAM PMU Board and join our email list to stay up to date. Follow the AAM on Instagram at @aampmuboard.

  4. Jul 7

    Episode 13: The Best PMU Artists Never Stop Learning

    Episode: The Best PMU Artists Never Stop Learning The most successful PMU artists have one thing in common: they never stop investing in themselves. In this episode of The PMU Standard, Michelle Rukny explores why continuing education is one of the greatest predictors of long-term success in permanent makeup. From advanced training and board certification to networking, mentorship, conferences, and industry events, you'll discover how the relationships you build and the knowledge you gain outside the treatment room can transform your career. Whether you're a new artist or a seasoned professional, this episode will challenge you to stay curious, stay connected, and continue growing alongside an ever-evolving industry. For more industry education, blogs, upcoming events, and the latest PMU news, visit AAM PMU Board and join the AAM email list. Follow the AAM on Instagram at @aampmuboard

  5. Jun 19

    Episode 12: You Do Not Need a PMU Studio Yet

    Episode 12: You Do Not Need a PMU Studio Yet Opening a studio too early is one of the fastest ways new PMU artists create unnecessary financial pressure for themselves. In this episode of The PMU Standard, Michelle Rukny discusses the growing pressure within the beauty industry to “look established” before building a stable clientele and business foundation. From booth rentals and shared suites to working under experienced artists, this episode breaks down smarter, more sustainable ways to grow without rushing into expensive overhead too soon. A grounded conversation around business longevity, financial wisdom, and building a career with strategy instead of comparison. For more industry education, business resources, blogs, and updates, visit AAM PMU Board and join the AAM email list. Follow the AAM on Instagram at @aampmuboard

  6. Jun 15

    Episode 11: What Can the PMU Industry Learn from Oregon's Recent Numbing Ban

    Episode 11: What Can the PMU Industry Learn from Oregon's Recent Numbing Ban Oregon’s 2026 anesthetic clarification sparked major concern across the PMU industry, but the conversation goes far beyond one state. In this episode of The PMU Standard, Michelle Rukny breaks down what happened in Oregon, why it matters nationally, and the larger conversation around regulation, anesthetic safety, and professionalism within permanent makeup. This episode explores the risks of broad tattoo regulations being applied to PMU artists, the importance of education around topical anesthetics, and why advocacy and accountability must exist together if the industry wants long-term credibility and recognition. For more industry education, blogs, and updates, visit AAM PMU Board and sign up for the AAM email list. Follow the AAM on Instagram at @aampmuboard

  7. Jun 12

    Episode 10: Eco-Friendly PMU and Tattooing

    Episode 10: Eco-Friendly PMU and Tattooing | Realistic Swaps That Don’t Compromise Safety Can permanent makeup and tattoo studios become more eco-conscious without sacrificing sanitation and client safety? In this episode of The PMU Standard, Michelle Rukny discusses the real environmental impact of PMU and tattooing, where studio waste actually comes from, and the realistic changes artists can make without compromising infection control protocols. From biodegradable supplies and smarter ordering habits to the dangers of “greenwashing” and unsafe shortcuts, this episode focuses on practical sustainability, not performative marketing. A grounded conversation for artists who want to become more intentional while still prioritizing professional safety standards. For artists committed to professionalism, safety, and advancing standards within the beauty industry, visit www.micropigmentation.org to learn more about board certification and membership through the American Academy of Micropigmentation. Stay connected with the AAM on Instagram: www.instagram.com/aampmuboard

  8. Jun 8

    Episode 9: How to Choose a PMU Trainer

    Episode 8: Five Red Flags When Choosing a PMU Trainer Choosing the right PMU trainer can shape the entire trajectory of an artist’s career. In this episode of The PMU Standard, Michelle Rukny discusses five major red flags students should watch for before investing in any permanent makeup training program. From fully online courses and lack of hands-on supervision to unrealistic income marketing and poor post-training support, this episode breaks down the questions every future artist should be asking before enrolling. A direct conversation about education quality, industry standards, and building strong foundations from the very beginning. For more industry education, blogs, and updates, visit AAM PMU Board and join the AAM email list. Follow the AAM on Instagram at @aampmuboard

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About

THE PMU STANDARD by AAM is a leadership podcast for permanent makeup professionals navigating a changing industry. Hosted by Michelle Rukny, President of the American Academy of Micropigmentation @aampmuboard, the show explores industry standards, permanent makeup business realities, professionalism, and long-term sustainability without hype, fear, or shortcuts. This is not a technique podcast. It’s a reality-based conversation about building careers that last.

Information

  • Creator
    MIchelle Rukny
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © MIchelle Rukny
  • Show Website
    The PMU Standard