Studio Life, Burnout, and Building Your PMU Business on Your Own Terms

In this heart-to-heart episode of the Tatter-a-Fact PMU Podcast, Teryn Darling sits down with the talented Shay Danielle to talk about something we don't discuss enough in the PMU world: the real life behind the business. From the glamorous rise to burnout, to the pressure of opening your own studio, and redefining what success looks like in permanent makeup, this episode is a must-listen for any artist in the industry.

🎧 [Watch or listen to Episode #104 here]

Is Opening a Studio the Next Step—Or a Setup for Burnout? Shay and Teryn both waited over a decade before opening their studios, and they talk openly about the pros, cons, and full-on chaos that comes with it. Spoiler alert: opening a studio doesn’t guarantee more money or more freedom. It often means more responsibility, more overhead, and more stress, especially if you're not financially or mentally prepared.

Instead of rushing into studio ownership because it "looks" successful, Shay encourages artists to define success on their own terms. Can you pay for the studio yourself, without depending on artist rentals? Is your personal revenue strong enough to float you if artists leave? These are the real questions PMU artists need to ask.

"You don’t need a big space to be a big deal." — Teryn Darling

PMU Burnout: The Truth No One Warned You About Teryn gets vulnerable about her own experience with full-blown burnout, the kind that didn’t go away after a week off. The grind, hustle, and high-performance mindset many artists wear like a badge of honor? It can lead to long-term damage if you’re not careful. Shay shared that she’s been learning to listen to the signs of overstimulation and pressure and how she and her team work around her ADHD to stay functional, creative, and happy.

Success isn’t built in a frenzy. It’s built with sustainability, clear boundaries, and support.

Fundamentals First: Stop Skipping the Basics Both artists discuss how the PMU industry is finally starting to shift back to what matters: education. Shay points out that many new artists were drawn to masterclasses and trendy techniques while skipping the essential foundational training that ensures longevity in this career.

Teryn says it best: "A tattoo is a tattoo is a tattoo."

That means every PMU artist needs to learn about skin, needles, pigment theory, depth, and healing. Not just one needle. Not just one movement. Not just one way. If you’re not getting that in your education, you're building a business on a house of cards.

👉 Take your needle knowledge deeper with our online course: Needle & The Prick: Needle Theory Masterclass

Redefining Role Models in PMU One of the most touching parts of the podcast is when Shay admits she never felt like a role model, even though she clearly is one. Her humility is exactly what makes her such a powerful voice in PMU. Teryn reflects on what it means to lead with integrity, to be honest about the mistakes, and to stay connected to your roots—like setting up your own tray and taking out the trash.

If you've ever felt like you're not good enough, or that you don't have it all figured out—this episode is for you.

Lessons from the Chaos: What PMU Artists Need to Know

• You don’t need to open a studio to prove your success.

• Burnout is real and doesn’t magically disappear. Guard your mental health.

• Stay humble. Answer the DMs. Share your knowledge.

• Know your numbers before you grow.

• Don’t glamorize the hustle. Romanticize your joy instead.

Level Up with the Right Resources Ready to build a PMU business rooted in education, artistry, and smart decisions? Here are some of the resources discussed or related to this episode:

🎓 Needle & The Prick Course 🎓 Beyond the Epidermis: Color Theory 🎓 Machine & Movements Course

FAQ: Studio Ownership, Burnout & PMU Career Tips

Q: How do I know when I'm ready to open a studio?
A: If you can fully pay the lease, utilities, and remodel without relying on artist rentals, you’re closer to being ready. Also assess your time—a studio requires management energy that will take you away from your art.

Q: Can I recover from burnout and still love PMU?
A: Absolutely. But it requires restructuring your workload, protecting rest days, and sometimes saying no to growth in order to protect your health.

Q: Why are the fundamentals so important in PMU?
A: Without them, you're guessing. Understanding pigment, needles, skin, depth, and healing ensures better retention, healed results, and satisfied clients.

Q: Should I still take advanced classes if I'm struggling with the basics?
A: Go back and master the basics first. Advanced techniques only build well on a solid foundation.

Final Thoughts Episode 104 is packed with real talk that every permanent makeup artist should hear. Whether you’re new, scaling, or navigating burnout—Shay and Teryn share the kind of wisdom that comes only from years of hard work and doing it all the hard way.

🎧 Don’t miss it: Watch Episode #104: Studio Life, Burnout, and Building Your PMU Business on Your Own Terms