Press

Who we are

A family-run studio and school in Downtown San Diego

Anna Kara opened her permanent makeup studio in April 2017. The Academy followed in 2020, and today its lead instructor and curator is Anastasia. 348 public reviews and the stories of our students are why local media keep coming back to our story. More about the Academy

Chapter 1: Media

We opened in 2020, and San Diego noticed

The Academy opened just as COVID restrictions arrived. FOX 5, NBC 7 and KUSI News told the story of a small team opening a school at the hardest possible moment.

You deserve only the best

Read the full story: How we opened a permanent makeup school in the middle of COVID

KUSI News
ABC News
Business Insider
CBS
Disrupt Magazine
Fox News
CEO Medium
NBC News
Yahoo Finance
Fox 5

Chapter 2: Interview

SDVoyager: the story behind the brand

San Diego's local interview series SDVoyager sat down with Anna Kara to talk about her studio, her path into permanent makeup and what drives her work.

Anna Kara and the PMU Academy instructors
  • “Back in 2006, I worked on local TV, I had to look bright and I decided to try a permanent makeup of my lips since then, I was in love with this procedure.”

    Anna Kara to SDVoyager

  • “In April 2017, having learned English, I opened a business here in San Diego.”

    Anna Kara to SDVoyager

  • “Beauty was the one thing I knew I could do well, so I started from zero with permanent makeup, one client at a time.”

    Anna Kara to SDVoyager

Chapter 3: Reviews

Reputation by the numbers

348 public reviews from real clients and students on Google and Yelp, for the studio and the Academy.

Google reviews from our students

4.9
Excellent, based on 82 reviews
Kate Fateeva profile picture

Kate Fateeva

October 23, 2026

I have recently completed my PMU training and had great learning experience under the guidance of Anastasia. She was a great instructor, who was patient, knowledgeable, took time to explain the techniques, and answered a…

Posted on Google

Natalia Montiel profile picture

Natalia Montiel

September 11, 2025

This is the place! If you are looking to start your PMU career, want a welcoming environment, and professional instructors, look no further! Anastasia and Anna are amazing people they were both so kind and are experts i…

Posted on Google

Sara profile picture

Sara

May 29, 2025

Completed my PMU training with Anna Kara Academy ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ very grateful for their educational guidance and support 🙂 thank you 🙏

Posted on Google

Ashley profile picture

Ashley

May 29, 2025

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 f…

Posted on Google

Yia Lao profile picture

Yia Lao

November 11, 2024

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 t…

Posted on Google

Jean Helsel profile picture

Jean Helsel

September 25, 2023

My experience at Ana Kara PMU has been stellar from beginning to end. The business offers many services, the classes are very informative and fun. The marketing class on how to start your own business gives enough inform…

Posted on Google

Isabella Aeschlimann profile picture

Isabella Aeschlimann

June 14, 2022

I took the the full basic course and it such a good experience. All the staff was amazing and great to work with. Karina is very professional and knowledgeable with everything on permanent makeup. She was a great teacher…

Posted on Google

Andrea Alvernaz profile picture

Andrea Alvernaz

January 24, 2022

Excellent school, program, teacher's, mentors, and facility. Cannot recommend them enough. The program was comprehensive and educational, staff was knowledgeable and inspirational.

Posted on Google

Nina Goddard profile picture

Nina Goddard

October 20, 2021

I completed the PMU course for permanent brows, eyeliner and lip enhancement. Upon completion, there was also a Business Marketing class...the classes were extremely detailed and informative! The training truly helped wi…

Posted on Google

Sarah Nicola Resor profile picture

Sarah Nicola Resor

September 5, 2021

This is the 3rd Permanent Makeup Course I’ve taken and New PMU is by far the most thorough class. Their attention to detail and education is unmatched. I’m grateful for their time, expertise, and care.

Posted on Google

Elise Leiker profile picture

Elise Leiker

August 23, 2021

I had been interested in taking a PMU course for a while. I researched and looked into sooo many different courses and trainings. Most seemed like either a scam or not up to date enough with their methods of PMU. Anna Ka…

Posted on Google

Olena Kohanovska profile picture

Olena Kohanovska

August 15, 2021

I I have completed a basic course and a marketing course at this school and what can I say: this is the best permanent makeup academy in my experience. I completed 3 courses (I believed in advertising on Instagram and w…

Posted on Google

Samantha Cox profile picture

Samantha Cox

February 22, 2021

I found New PMU searching for a professional permanent makeup school in San Diego. From the first day of class, I could tell that each individual had a passion for their craft and helping others succeed. I learned all ab…

Posted on Google

Chapter 4: Community

Follow us and meet our students

25K+ followers across our channels. Class days, student stories and behind-the-scenes moments from the studio and the Academy.

What students say about the Academy

Chapter 5: Beyond San Diego

Students travel to learn with us

Our name is no longer known only in San Diego. Students come from other states and other countries, plan their trip and book a hotel in advance to learn the techniques we teach.

Our story in our own words

Planning to visit?

Anastasia, lead instructor and curatorFree, no obligation

Talk to a real person, not a call center

Your free consultation is a call with Anastasia, our lead instructor and curator, at a time booked in advance.

Book a free call with an admissions curator first. We will help you choose a course and plan your trip.