Student stories
This is part four of our story. Read part three: From survival to growth: how the Academy works today.
We can describe our course, but the people who took it say it better. Right after their classes we sat down with students and asked them how they found us, how the training felt and whether it was worth it. Below are five of those short conversations, in their own words, followed by what stood out to us.
Why they chose us
Most of our students find us the same way a client would: online, by comparing. One student looked at different mentors and studios in San Diego and told us we seemed "the most experienced and the most professional, especially the reviews." The five-star reviews, the before and after photos and how inviting the studio looked on Google all played a part. Mona found us on Instagram. Kaylin had been following Anna's work there for more than four years before signing up.
Not everyone comes to us at the start of a career. Virginia has worked as a psychiatric technician for about 30 years and came to the eyebrow class because, in their own words, "I find beauty in a woman exciting." Virginia describes it as a second career. Kaylin has been a makeup artist and a hairdresser for over 20 years, and found that permanent makeup is "a whole new level of understanding, the anatomy of the face."
How the training feels
It is an intensive course, and our students say so honestly. Kaylin called it "a long week" with "a lot of information to learn," and "intense and overwhelming, but it was worth it for sure." Another student called it a tough six days, and said that having the theory books to read before the class really helped.
What they say next is what we care about most. "You guys don't just throw us into the deep end," Kaylin said. "I was nervous, you're putting a needle in someone's face, but the guidance that I had, the supervision that I had, and the support that I got from you guys was bar none." Our instructors are Anna and Anastasia, and the students describe them as patient and knowledgeable. Mona said the team "will be by your side" and will answer whatever you need to know, and that they "helped me a lot."
Was it worth it
Mona had a first model on the day we filmed: "The results were amazing. I loved it." Virginia told Anastasia, "I feel like a 10 and above," and added, "It was a great course and great experience." The student who compared studios told us, "I'm so glad that I made the choice to come here."
These are our students' own opinions, and every student's experience and results are different. If you would like to ask about the course, our team is happy to answer your questions before you decide.
From earlier years
Students have been telling us about their experience since the New PMU days, and those video and Google reviews are below too.
Excellent school, program, teacher's, mentors, and facility. Cannot recommend them enough. The program was comprehensive and educational, staff was knowledgeable and inspirational.
I recently took a brow course with Anna and Anastasia, and I couldn't be more impressed with their expertise and passion. Both are incredibly knowledgeable about all things brows, from shaping and mapping to the latest trends and techniques. They clearly love what they do, and their enthusiasm is contagious. Throughout the course, they were patient, detailed, and always eager to share their insights. I walked away feeling confident and inspired, thanks to their dedication to teaching and their deep understanding of the craft. Highly recommend!
This place is incredible! The vibes are so relaxing and the artists so welcoming, patient, kind, fun, and knowledgeable. Taking classes there was educational, real, and motivating. They were teachers, cheerleaders, and friends. I couldn't have learned from better!!!
- Student stories
- Student reviews
- PMU training
- Basic PMU course
- Academy
Alex Kara is Anna Kara's husband. He ran the renovation of the studio and works on the Academy's website and marketing.
Frequently asked questions
Why do students choose Anna Kara's Permanent Makeup Academy?
The students in our videos mention the Google and Instagram reviews, the before and after photos, the friendly atmosphere and the experience of the team. One student compared studios across San Diego before choosing us.
Is the basic permanent makeup course intensive?
Yes. Students describe it as an intensive week with a lot of information, and say that guidance and supervision from the instructors helped them through it.
Who teaches at the Academy?
Anna Kara and Anastasia are the instructors the students in these videos thank. Anastasia also handles enrollment and student onboarding.
Do students practice on real models?
Yes. Students practice with an instructor guiding every step, and one student in our videos worked with a first model on the day of the class.
Can I take the course if I already work in beauty or am changing careers?
Yes. Our students include a makeup artist and hairdresser with over 20 years of experience and a psychiatric technician of about 30 years who describes the course as a second career.
Does the Academy promise results or income after the course?
No. Every student's experience and results are different, and we do not promise income or job outcomes. Ask our team any questions before you decide.
Keep reading
About the Academy
Anna Kara's Permanent Makeup Academy teaches permanent makeup in San Diego, California, at 1357 Seventh Ave, Ste C, San Diego, CA 92101. It started as New PMU in North Park.
