Today we’d like to introduce you to Suki Garrison.
Hi Suki, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
When I came to America in 2015, I spoke almost no English and was trying to navigate life in a completely unfamiliar country. Everything felt intimidating — the language, the culture, and the uncertainty of starting over. Like many immigrants, I was simply trying to survive while hoping to build a better future for myself.
After getting married in Washington, DC, I moved to Charlotte in May 2016 while pregnant with my daughter. We didn’t know anyone in the city, but I was hopeful and determined to create a stable life for my growing family.
I began working as a dental office manager, thinking I had finally found stability — until the office changed ownership and I was suddenly laid off shortly after giving birth to my daughter in November.
At that moment, I felt overwhelmed. I had a newborn baby and a small child, no family nearby, and no clear idea what my next step would be. But sometimes the hardest moments push us toward our true purpose.
While searching endlessly for ways to rebuild, I came across microblading. At the time, very few people knew about it, but I was instantly fascinated by the artistry and transformation behind it. I decided to take a leap of faith and enrolled with PhiBrows Academy, which was considered one of the best microblading academies in the world.
The course was designed to be completed in six months, but I was determined to change my life as quickly as possible. I practiced relentlessly — over 20 hours a day — while caring for and nursing my newborn daughter. I poured everything I had into mastering the craft and graduated in only five weeks.
Even before graduating, I took another risk and leased a small studio space at Salon Lofts despite having no clients at all. At the time, I knew nothing about business or how to run one. I had no mentor, no connections, and no blueprint to follow. Everything — from marketing and customer service to branding and finances — I had to learn on my own through trial, error, and determination.
Because we were new to Charlotte and knew no one, I drove back to DC with my baby and asked family members to help me find models so I could begin building my portfolio. Back in Charlotte, I would push my daughter in a stroller through shopping centers, introducing myself to strangers and educating people about microblading services. I kept telling myself: one client at a time, one stroke at a time.
Slowly, things began to grow.
What started as survival became a passion, then eventually a career beyond anything I imagined. In 2020, the CEO of Beauty Angels Academy reached out and invited me to become a Master Trainer, teaching microblading, permanent makeup, and removal services to students around the world.
In 2025, I was honored to be invited as Head Judge for the Saico Championship in Egypt — one of the largest PMU competitions in the Middle East. Shortly after, I was invited to Vietnam as a judge for the Worldwide Browista competition.
Looking back, it’s surreal to think that my journey started with almost no English, no clients, no connections, and simply a dream. I refused to give up on. Today, my mission goes beyond beauty. I want to continue learning, growing, elevating the PMU industry, and helping others believe that their circumstances do not define their future.
My story has always been about resilience, faith, and taking chances on yourself — even when no one else, can yet see the vision.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Absolutely not. The journey has been far from smooth, and honestly, that’s what shaped me into who I am today.
Starting my business was another huge challenge because I had absolutely no business background. I didn’t know how to run a business, market myself, manage finances, build a brand, or attract clients. I had to teach myself everything through trial and error while also being a new mom.
One of the hardest parts was starting with zero connections. I didn’t have clients, family support nearby, or social media influence.
There were also many moments of self-doubt, exhaustion, and pressure behind the scenes. I practiced endlessly while taking care of my baby, often sleeping very little because I was determined to create a better future for my family. Being an immigrant entrepreneur can feel very lonely at times because you are constantly trying to prove yourself while figuring everything out as you go.
But every struggle taught me resilience. Looking back now, I’m grateful for those difficult seasons because they forced me to grow not only as an artist and business owner, but also as a person. They taught me to trust myself, stay adaptable, and never give up even when things felt impossible.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Today, I am the owner of a permanent makeup and fine line tattoo studio specializing in brows, lips, eyeliner, scalp micropigmentation, removal services, and fine line tattoos at Suki Beauty Studio in Charlotte North Carolina. Over the years, my work has evolved far beyond beauty services — it has become a combination of artistry, confidence restoration, and education.
I’m especially known for creating soft, natural-looking results that enhance my clients’ features rather than overpower them. My goal has always been to help people feel more confident while still looking like themselves. Whether it’s a subtle brow transformation, lip blush, or delicate fine line tattoo, I believe beauty should feel timeless, elegant, and personalized.
I also became deeply passionate about education. In 2020, I was invited to become a Master Trainer for Beauty Angels Academy, where I began teaching students around the world in permanent makeup and removal services. And now, I also travel the world to judge competitions, helping others new artists to succeed.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up in Vietnam, my childhood was very difficult financially. My dad worked far away, so most of the time it was just my mom and me. We were so poor that we actually lived inside a cow barn with metal walls. Vietnam is hot year-round, and the heat inside was unbearable at times.
During flood season, water would rise into our home regularly. I still remember my mom carrying me on her back all day to keep me safe from the flood water.
Because of our financial circumstances, I didn’t really have friends growing up. I think those experiences shaped me into someone resilient, independent, and hardworking.
Even though I grew up with very little, I always dreamed of building a better life for myself and my family. Looking back now, those struggles are probably the reason I’m not afraid of hard work or starting over from nothing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sukibeautystudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suki.beauty.studio
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beautybysuki/
