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 those short conversations, in their own words, followed by what stood out to us.
What these students say, in their words
Marbel
Marbel found the Academy on Google, then read our reviews and looked at our Instagram pages. She asked Anna Kara many questions, then also spoke with Anastasia, the instructor she trained with for most of the course, before enrolling. She says the instructor was patient and kind and that she is growing her skills.
What this student says
- “I feel like connecting with the people you're going to work with is very, very important to me.”
- “I spoke with Anna Kara first and then they were kind enough to also open it up to me speaking with Anastasia, which is the person that I trained with for the majority of the time.”
- “You guys are helping me grow my skills.”
- “If you want to come here, don't hesitate.”
Read the full transcript
All right, Marbel, tell us how you found us. I found you guys through, I think it was Google first. It was Google, and then I read reviews, and then I went on to your Instagram pages and I was like, "Okay." And then I connected with Anna Kara and asked her lots of questions, a lot of questions. But then the minute I spoke to her, I just knew, okay, this is going to be the place for me. I feel like connecting with the people you're going to work with is very, very important to me. Making that connection is important. So I spoke with Anna Kara first and then they were kind enough to also open it up to me speaking with Anastasia, which is the person that I trained with for the majority of the time, and that really meant a lot to me. So that just confirmed it, like, okay, this is it. This is the academy that I'm going to be working with. And yeah, I had an amazing time and the instructor was very patient, very kind, and so I appreciate being here and learning, and you guys are helping me grow my skills. So I appreciate that. So if you want to come here, don't hesitate. Thank you.
Lightly edited for names and filler words.
A student
A permanent makeup artist who has worked in the field since 2017 says they found the Academy through research and by asking ChatGPT who the best trainer in San Diego was. For an artist who has been through many trainings, finding the right trainer mattered more to them than finding just anyone who could train.
What this student says
- “I found you guys by doing research and by asking ChatGPT who the best trainer was in San Diego.”
- “Finding the right trainer was more important to me than just finding anyone who could train.”
Read the full transcript
How did you find us? I found you guys by doing research and by asking ChatGPT who the best trainer was in San Diego. As an artist, somebody who's been through a lot of different trainings, being in permanent makeup since 2017, finding the right trainer was more important to me than just finding anyone who could train.
Lightly edited for names and filler words.
Kaylin
Kaylin has been a makeup artist and hairdresser for over 20 years. She went through the basic program for brows, lips and eyes in one intensive week, which she calls intense and overwhelming but worth it. She says it was a whole new level of understanding, starting with the anatomy of the face before tackling it, and that the guidance, supervision and support she got were bar none. She had followed Anna Kara's work on Instagram for over four years.
What this student says
- “It was a lot of information to learn in one week. It was intense and overwhelming, but it was worth it for sure.”
- “I've been a makeup artist for over 20 years and a hairdresser for the same amount of time, and it's a whole new level of understanding.”
- “The guidance that I had, the supervision that I had, and the support that I got from you guys was bar none.”
Read the full transcript
What's your name? What did you just complete? My name is Kaylin and I just went through Anna Kara's basic program, the introductory program, for three different areas: brows, lips and eyes. How do you feel? I feel great. I'm exhausted. It was a long week. It was a lot of information to learn in one week, and the intensive program was the way to kind of shove it in your face, so it was intense and overwhelming, but it was worth it for sure. Was it hard? Was it challenging, but a good challenge? It was. I've been a makeup artist for over 20 years and a hairdresser for the same amount of time. In the beginning I thought it was just going to be working with a different tool or a different medium, but it's a whole new level of understanding the anatomy of the face and getting all the ins and outs of that before you tackle it. You guys don't just throw us into the deep end. 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. Seriously, I feel very privileged to be here. We're really happy to have you. Can you tell us why you chose us? I found you guys on Instagram over four years ago and I've been following Anna's work for that long, and going through the pandemic, everything kind of shut down and was put on hold.
Lightly edited for names and filler words.
Virginia
Virginia has worked as a psychiatric technician in mental health for about 30 years. She took the eyebrow class, which she describes as her second career, because she finds beauty in a woman exciting. She felt assured it was the right class, says she feels like a 10 and above after the course, and thanks Anastasia.
What this student says
- “I was driven to take the eyebrow class because I find beauty in a woman exciting.”
- “I felt very assured that this was the right class.”
- “This is my second career, and I love it.”
- “It was a great course and a great experience.”
Read the full transcript
My name is Virginia and I am a psychiatric technician. I work in mental health and I've done this for approximately 30 years. I was driven to take this class, the eyebrow class, because I find beauty in a woman exciting. I felt very assured that this was the right class. I would say, just do it. I'm at this age, just do it. This is my second career. And I love it, and this is very exciting. You're glowing. Yeah, and I want other people to glow, because they can. Women want to look beautiful, and I think that's important. I feel like a 10 and above. Oh, I love that. I'm very proud of you. Thank you very much, Anastasia. It was a great course and a great experience. Thank you.
Lightly edited for names and filler words.
A student
A student says they looked into different mentors and permanent makeup studios in San Diego and chose the Academy because we seemed the most experienced and professional, especially judging by the reviews and before and after pictures. They liked the inviting, comforting environment they saw on Google, and spoke with the team over the phone before deciding.
What this student says
- “Out of all of them that I saw here in San Diego, you guys seemed the most experienced and the most professional, especially the reviews.”
- “All of the before and after pictures are insane.”
- “Everything seems so professional, and very inviting and comforting.”
Read the full transcript
Why did you choose us? Why did you choose Anna Kara's? I looked into different mentors and companies as far as permanent makeup studios and things like that, and out of all of them that I saw here in San Diego, you guys seemed the most experienced and the most professional, especially the reviews. You guys have five-star reviews, and all of the before and after pictures are insane. And I just like the environment. On Google there are pictures of you guys, even of the old studio that you were at, and everything seems so professional and very inviting and comforting. So for me, it just seemed like the best fit. I asked you over the phone. Yeah. I'm so glad that I made the choice to come here. We're very glad you're here. We formed a little bond.
Lightly edited for names and filler words.
A student
A student who has worked in the beauty business since she was 19 and had already done a different type of permanent makeup finished the basic PMU course. She had the theory books before starting, which she says helped. She says it was a tough six days at 71 years old, that age is never an excuse to learn something new, and that the instructors were patient and knowledgeable. She describes the atmosphere as all about women and strength.
What this student says
- “I was fortunate enough to have the theory books before I started, and I think that really helped.”
- “Your age is never an excuse to learn something new.”
- “The instructors here are wonderful, patient, and very knowledgeable.”
- “The atmosphere here is all about women and strength, women making women successful.”
Read the full transcript
The basic PMU course has been successfully completed and we would like to share the feedback from a wonderful student. I am so happy. I feel great. It was an accomplishment, being that I've already done a different type of permanent makeup. I was fortunate enough to have the theory books before I started, and I think that really helped, having the books to read first. It was a tough six days and I'm 71 years old. But it's never an excuse. Your age is never an excuse to learn something new. And the instructors here are wonderful. Patient, oh my gosh, so patient, and very knowledgeable. Come here to do PMU because I personally feel, having been in the beauty business since I was 19, if you're thinking of this as a future job, then I would suggest coming here. Not to mention the atmosphere here is all about women and strength, women making women successful. Absolutely. And very affectionate, and the Academy is all about that.
Lightly edited for names and filler words.
Mona
Mona found the Academy on Instagram. She had planned to take the ombre and powder brows class in December, had to cancel because of her work schedule, and took it later. She worked on her first model the day of the video and says she loved the result. She says Karina and Anna helped her a lot with recommendations, and that the staff are friendly and stay by your side when you have questions.
What this student says
- “I found you guys on Instagram.”
- “I had my first model today, and the results were amazing. I loved it.”
- “Very friendly staff, and they will teach you everything and they will be by your side.”
Read the full transcript
Hi, this is our beautiful Mona. Mona, can you please tell us a little bit about your experience? How did you find us and how was your experience with the course? I found you guys on Instagram. I was supposed to take the ombre and powder class for eyebrows in December, I believe, and because of my work schedule I had to cancel that and come now. I'm very excited that I finally got to take this class. Amazing experience. I had my first model today and the results were amazing. I loved it. Karina and Anna helped me a lot with the recommendations. I would definitely recommend them. They're amazing, very friendly staff, and they will teach you everything and they will be by your side. Whenever you have questions and whatever you need to know, they will tell you.
Lightly edited for names and filler words.
A student
A student who came from food and beverage, with no background in beauty, says she felt confident and also nervous about entering a new field. She found the Academy on Google, compared a few other options for price range and what the training involved, and chose us for the pricing, coverage and availability, and because of the comments from people who came as clients. She says she had no drawing skills and found out she could draw a straight line.
What this student says
- “I got online and I was like, "Well, I'm new to this area. Let's start with a Google."”
- “This one had the best pricing, the best coverage, and the best availability for what I was wanting to do.”
- “I have no drawing skills and I found out I can do a straight line.”
- “If I have any questions or if I need any help, I can reach back out to my teachers and they've got my back.”
Read the full transcript
...confident. Also nervous, just because it's the first time going into a new field. I haven't been outside of the food and beverage area, so going into the beauty is going to be a completely different avenue, and I am ecstatic about it. I feel confident going forward. If I have any questions or if I need any help, I can reach back out to my teachers and they've got my back. Yes, we're always here for you. Tell us how and why you chose us. To be honest, it's something that I've been wanting to do for a really long time. I originally had help from a friend before COVID and it just didn't feel right at that time. Once I moved here to San Diego, I decided it's time to do something different, my horoscope was telling me it's time to do something different, so I was like, I'm going to pull the plug and let's do the PMU. I got online and I was like, "Well, I'm new to this area. Let's start with a Google." The first popup was Anna Kara's. I looked at it, I read it, and I continued to go through a couple of other places just to see what the price range was, what the options were, what was going to be involved in the training in general. And this one had the best pricing, the best coverage, and the best availability for what I was wanting to do. I was very impressed by all of the comments, people saying how incredible it was just to come here as a customer. So I knew being a student was going to be perfect here. Last thing: what would you wish yourself in your future career as a permanent makeup artist, and what would you wish our future students? I wish everybody success and happiness, and the comfort of knowing that what you are about to step into is going to change your life, and everything that you put into it, you're going to get back from it. There's always going to be room for growth and happiness and acceptance in a whole other community, in a beautiful way, with beauty working together. Coming in here, I was nervous. I didn't think that I could do it. I have no drawing skills and I found out I can do a straight line. So it was a lot of confidence that allowed me to walk out of here knowing what I'm doing.
Lightly edited for names and filler words.
Jackie
Jackie found the Academy on Instagram while looking for someone to do lip blush, and liked how the team did it. She did her first model in the lips course and says it was not as hard as she thought, because the team helped her a lot. She recommends the Academy to anyone who wants to learn lip blush.
What this student says
- “I found you guys on Instagram. I was looking for someone for lip blush.”
- “It wasn't as bad as I thought because you guys helped me a lot.”
- “If you want to do lip blush, definitely come here. They teach you all their tips and tricks.”
Read the full transcript
Hello Jackie, how are you? Good. Can you please tell us a little bit about your course? How did you find us and how was your experience? I found you guys on Instagram. I was looking for someone for lip blush, and then I was scrolling down and I saw how you guys did lip blush and I liked that one. So then I came here and then I became a professional. So you performed your first model, right? Yes. And how was it for you? It wasn't as bad as I thought because you guys helped me a lot. That's great. Do you have any recommendation to the future students? Yes. If you want to do lip blush, definitely come here. They teach you all their tips and tricks. Thank you. Have fun. Bye-bye.
Lightly edited for names and filler words.
Jill
Jill finished the full courses for lips, eyebrows and eyelashes and decided to start working at our studio. She chose the night school program because it fit around her morning job. She says she chose the Academy because she felt she could find out something about herself, not only about permanent makeup, and find ways to develop in the beauty industry.
What this student says
- “I chose the night school program because it was very comfortable with my work, because I'm working in the morning.”
- “I felt that I can find out something not only about the permanent makeup, and something about myself.”
- “Never doubt in yourself and be extremely stronger on this way.”
Read the full transcript
Hi, introduce yourself. Hi, my name is Jill and I'm happy to say that I'm a permanent makeup artist at Anna Kara's studio and academy. We're so excited for you. Did you finish the basic course, the intensive or the night school? I finished the full courses of the lips, of the eyebrows and eyelashes, and I decided to start work here and develop myself as a permanent makeup artist, for the next techniques and new opportunities in this area, and I'm very excited about this experience. Tell us a little bit why you chose the night school program. I chose the night school program because it was very comfortable with my work, because I'm working in the morning, and the night school just saved my time and gave me the opportunity to study something new alongside my hard work. So I'm very glad that I found out about you guys and got this great chance for my future. We're so happy to hear it. Can you tell us why you chose us? I chose you because I felt that I can find out something not only about the permanent makeup, and something about myself. How can I create a new version of myself and find ways to develop myself in the beauty industry? Perfect. What would you wish yourself in the future as a permanent makeup artist, as well as our future students? I can wish: just go ahead, never doubt in yourself and be extremely stronger on this way, because sometimes you can feel like, "Oh, I cannot do this. I'm not sure that that's my way. I'm not sure that I can get it." No, you can. You just need to go on and be stronger on this way. Hard work beats talent, right? Yeah. We're so proud of you and we're really excited for your journey.
Lightly edited for names and filler words.
Want to ask the same questions they did? Book a free consultation or look at the Academy courses.
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, and so did another student, while one more found us on Google. Kaylin had been following Anna's work there for more than four years before signing up. Marbel started with Google, then read our reviews and looked at our Instagram pages before she reached out to Anna Kara with a lot of questions. She also spoke with Anastasia, the instructor she trained with for most of the course, before enrolling, and said that connecting with the people you will work with was very important to her. Another student, who has worked in permanent makeup since 2017, did research and asked ChatGPT who the best trainer in San Diego was. For an artist who has been through many trainings, they said, finding the right trainer mattered more than finding just anyone who could train.
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. Others had no background in beauty at all: one student came from food and beverage with no drawing skills, and one went through our lips, eyebrows and eyelashes program and now works at our studio. 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." Students describe our instructors 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." Marbel said she had an amazing time and that the Academy is helping her grow her skills: "If you want to come here, don't hesitate."
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?
Anastasia is the lead instructor and curator of the courses, and the students in these videos thank the whole team. Anastasia also handles enrollment and student onboarding.
How do students find the Academy?
In the videos, students say they found us through Google, reading our reviews and looking at our Instagram pages. One student, who has worked in permanent makeup since 2017, says they did research and asked ChatGPT who the best trainer in San Diego was. Marbel also spoke with Anna Kara and Anastasia before enrolling.
Why do students choose a trainer in San Diego with care?
Students in our videos say the connection with the people they will work with mattered, and an experienced artist said finding the right trainer was more important to them than finding just anyone who could train. These are the students' own words, and experience differs for every student.
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.
Is there an evening or night school option at the Academy?
Yes. One student, Jill, took the night school program because it fit around her morning job, and says it let her study something new alongside her work. Ask our team which program fits your schedule.
Can I learn permanent makeup with no beauty experience or drawing skills?
Some of our students came from other fields. One came from food and beverage, said she had no drawing skills, and found out she could draw a straight line. Another had never worked in beauty before choosing the course. These are the students' own words, and experience differs for every student.
Is it too late to start permanent makeup at an older age?
One student in our videos, who has worked in beauty since she was 19, finished the basic course at 71 and says age is never an excuse to learn something new. Another student, a psychiatric technician of about 30 years, describes the eyebrow class as her second career.
What is the first live model like for a student?
Students in our videos describe working on their first model with the team's help. Jackie says it was not as hard as she thought because the team helped her a lot, and Mona says she loved the result of her first model.
Can students ask the instructors questions after the course?
One student in our videos says that if she has questions or needs help, she can reach back out to her teachers. Another says the staff stay by your side and answer your questions. Ask our team what support applies to your course.
Can I call or message the Academy before I enroll?
Yes. One student in our videos says she asked us questions over the phone before choosing the Academy, and another spoke with Anna Kara and Anastasia before enrolling. You can send a request on our contact page.
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.
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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.