Meet Michelle O'Byrne
New Zealand's Leading Permanent Makeup Artist
As a young, shy girl from Taranaki, Michelle began her career working office jobs, which just did not cut the mustard in terms of fulfilling her passions of art and beauty therapy.
Michelle knew then that she had to follow her heart and take a leap of faith to build on her permanent makeup journey
Unmatched Commitment to Professional Development
Over 20 years, Michelle has worked hard to build up a loyal client base but at the same time always keeping a focus on professional development to constantly build her skills.
Of particular note was Michelle’s training with Sydney based Val Glover Hovan, world renowned expert in permanent makeup and cosmetic tattooing industry.
Michelle’s training with such an incredible industry leader was the highlight of her career and an event that really sparked her ambition to go full steam ahead.
By prioritising her study throughout her career, Michelle received advanced education from America, Europe, and Australia allowing her to bring back the world’s best techniques to the New Zealand market.
Fast forward to today, with 33 years of experience in the beauty industry, Michelle is now a celebrated permanent makeup artist, trainer, advanced skin therapist.
Michelle has unmatched professional development, and is a leader within her field.
Lifetime Member of the International Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals
Michelle has an absolute passion when it comes to the beauty industry and permanent makeup. It is because of her deep love for what she does and her extensive experience and training that Michelle insists on only the highest standards when performing treatments and procedures in her salon.
This is despite the fact that the permanent makeup industry in New Zealand is largely unregulated.
A huge achievement for Michelle, and a testament to her commitment to the industry, came about when she became a Lifetime Member of the international Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals (SPCP), USA.
Michelle has a very authentic and warm approach which helps to really make her clients feel comfortable while they are having their chosen treatment. She sets out each day to instill confidence in the women who trust her with their procedures and Michelle prides herself on making her clients feel safe and more like family than just another customer.
Overall, Michelle is determined to have people leave her studio with a smile and watching her clients’ mental space positively shift by the time their session has finished is highly rewarding.
Michelle's Training
Year | Conference | Location | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
Michelle's Training and Achievements
Michelle’s life changing training was in 2001 after training with Val Glover- Hovan, Sydney, Australia. Val had been practicing at this stage for 15 years (now 36 years), she was Australia’s first training academy, she is a life time SPCP (Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals) and trainer member and has recently completed her term as the Education Chair Person on the SPCP Board.
Train the Trainer conference in Sydney 2004 hosted by Val (above) with guest trainer Conne Lord, Utah, USA who had been practicing for 12 years at the time, she has since retired but continues to publish cosmetic tattooing educational manuals.
Train the Trainer conference in Sydney 2005 hosted by Val (above) with guest trainer Liza Sims Lawrence, Alaska, USA, practicing for 22 years at the same (now 33 years) was the director of SPCP from 2008-2011, speaker and guest trainer, also lifetime member.
Became a SPCP member 2007.
SPCP Las Vegas, USA Conference 2007 where Michelle sat her CPCP exam, which she passed (grade of at least 81% required).
SPCP Houston, USA Conference and Train the Trainer 2008 hosted by Majorie Grim who has had 18 year in the industry, was the president of the SPCP from 2003-2005, won numerous awards and is the author of industry textbook Permanent Cosmetics- The Foundation of Fundamental Applications, sought after keynote speaker and life time member of SPCP.
Elizabeth Finch Colour Theory Course 2008.
Ultrecht, Netherlands Beauty Expo 2010.
SPCP Memphis, USA 2011 Train the Trainer.
SPCP Atlanta, USA 2014 Train the Trainer.
SPCP Las Vegas, 2016 Conference attendance with prominent guest speakers such as Tina Davies Microstroking expert.
Current Bloodborne pathogens and infection control certificate (renewed every 2 years).
Became a SPCP Lifetime member 2016.
Attended Swiss Colour International Conference, Austria 2017
Advanced one day machine hair stroke and ombre training with Azar in Sydney, 2018
Four day masterclass attendee for Tatiana Polivanova (Swiss Color trainer from Ukraine) covering the techniques of powder/ombre, pixel eyeliner, winged eyeliner and full lip contour, held and organised by Wake Up With Make Up, New Zealand
Granted SPCP Trainer Member status for WUWMU fundamental training program, 2020
"I first met Michelle in 2018 when she was training a lady and I was a model for upper eyeliner. Over the years I have had micro needling, colour correction of my green brows (another artist had done 6 years prior), removed a lip liner that was outside of my lips. Eventually I even had my eyeliner turned into a soft eye shadow.
I love Michelle and love, love her work. As a highly anxious person she puts me at ease and makes me feel safe and comfortable."
Julie Thompson
"Michelle thank you for my fantastic eyebrows. I had struggled for ages with my own eyebrows as they were thin and getting thinner. I had been pencilling them, and tried a henna die and that was a failure as showed how thin my eyebrows were.
I met with Michelle and we had a chat on what I wanted and my expectations. Michelle was awesome and went through the type of procedures she performed. Then upon Michelle’s recommendation I had my eyebrows tattooed. The colour Michelle chose matches perfectly with my skin and colour of my eyes."
Sandra Sutton
Book an appointment with confidence today
Hamilton
@ Sport and Spine
35 Lake Road
Frankton, Hamilton
Auckland
@ Skin and Nail Story
7c Hurstmere Road
Takapuna, Auckland