From survival to growth: how the Academy works today

Our story

Published October 21, 2026Updated October 21, 20262 min read

This is part three of our story. Read part two: 2022 to 2024: how we nearly lost everything and rebuilt the school.

After the move in February 2024, we finally had a space built on everything we had learned. This time the renovation was done properly, with permits and licenses in order. In December 2024 we put our logo, list of services and contact details on the storefront windows.

Installers working on the storefront windows of the downtown studio, with the first window graphics laid out on the sidewalk — Storefront before the window graphics, December 2024

After: our logo, services and contact details on the windows. Alex and Anna.

Today the Academy runs regular groups. Students practice on live models, with an instructor guiding every step. We hold the permit for the premises to perform permanent makeup procedures, and we are fully insured, including students who practice on models. Anna herself sometimes serves as the model for the color theory part of the course. She has also worked in paramedical tattooing for many years.

Anna and three graduates holding certificates of completion at the reception desk under copper pendant lamps — Group graduation, January 2025

A student with a pencil marks brow guidelines on a live model while a second student watches, both in blue gloves — Students practice on a live model, with consent from the model.

A student in a black beanie bends over a desk under a lamp, practicing with a pigment machine on a latex practice skin — A student practicing on latex.

Anna Kara in a studio T-shirt, looking at the camera in the downtown studio — Anna as the model for the color theory part of the course.

Anna Kara smiling in the treatment chair next to a student in black gloves — Anna in the chair with a student during practice.

Anna in a black T-shirt in the foreground while a student works on a practice skin pad under ring lights during a paramedical class — Paramedical class: practicing 3D areola on a practice skin

A wall of framed training certificates, including 2018 Las Vegas PMU Conference certificates of attendance for Anna Kara — Training certificates on our wall. Anna also completed laser tattoo removal training in 2018, but the studio does not offer laser treatments.

Our business now has three directions: AK.LUX.NAILS, our nail studio, which operates under its own DBA; permanent makeup services; and the Academy. Alex, Anna's husband, oversees the nail studio together with Anna. Alex has worked in IT and entrepreneurship for years, including at Google, Verizon, Edward Jones and CoreLogic, and today he applies modern technologies to marketing and to developing the business.

Reception lobby with a white ribbed desk, an AK.LUX.NAILS sign on the wall, a mirror and two white armchairs by the window — Our reception area

Hands with red gel nails holding a glittery orange decorative pumpkin — Nails by AK.LUX.NAILS

Our team has grown a lot, and so has our family: Anna and Alex now have two children. We keep improving our content and keep it up to date.

Anna taking a mirror selfie in the studio next to a baby car seat — Anna back at the studio with our second baby

A group of six women holding course certificates in the downtown studio under copper pendant lamps — A group with their certificates in the downtown studio.

Our classes are growing, and the studio is starting to feel small for everything we want to do. We are looking for a larger space so we can expand, and other parties have shown interest in the business. Next, we plan to create our own pigments and build a store with products for nails and permanent makeup.

One person deserves a special thank you. Mila, our administrator, is a very close friend of Anna's family. She has been part of our team for years, and she has given a huge contribution and support through the hardest periods of the salon, and through our personal ups and downs too. Thank you, Mila.

Mila, the administrator, at the white ribbed reception desk of Anna Kara's Beauty PMU Studio, with Anna and a team member in the waiting area — Mila, our administrator

Three years ago we did not know if we would keep going. Today we are planning the next chapter, and we are grateful to every student, client and team member who stayed with us.

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Our story
New PMU
Academy history
AK.LUX.NAILS
growth

Alex Kara

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

How are the Academy's classes organized?

The Academy runs regular groups. Students practice on live models, with an instructor guiding every step.

Is the Academy insured?

Yes. The Academy holds the permit for the premises to perform permanent makeup procedures and is fully insured, including students who practice on models.

What are the three directions of the business?

AK.LUX.NAILS, a nail studio that operates under its own DBA; permanent makeup services; and the Academy.

Where is the Academy located?

Anna Kara's Permanent Makeup Academy is at 1357 Seventh Ave, Ste C, San Diego, CA 92101. Classes are growing, so the team is looking for a larger space.

What are the Academy's plans?

The team plans to expand into a larger space, create its own pigments and open a store with products for nails and permanent makeup.

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.