Tanara Burdick x MEI-CHA Interview

We had the incredible opportunity to meet Tanara Burdick, owner of Eau Claire Body Care, at the 2019 Vegas PMU Conference in May. We were inspired by her story and impressed by her work that we just knew we wanted her to be one of the first artists we interviewed for the MEI-CHA blog! 

Tell us about yourself! Your background, history & the nitty gritty of all things you!

I was born and raised in Brazil. I first came to America on a trip when I was sixteen and fell in love. I finished high school in Brazil and came back to America. I was back and forth from Brazil to America for five years, have been here permanently for twelve and have been an American citizen for nine. During this time I have gotten my ESL certificate in Brazil and taught English in both Brazil and China and have opened a business.

I have been with a fantastic guy for seven years who recently asked me to marry him on our way to Ireland. We have a puppy together and live in Wisconsin!

What does the word beauty mean to you?

Beauty is so much more than what is on the outside. The industry has helped me see that beauty comes from within - your personality, how you treat others and just being kind.

What makes you feel the most beautiful?

I feel the most beautiful when I am able to do more for people. The client and student gratitude, being able to really help them and enhancing their confidence ultimately makes me feel beautiful.

How did you first get into the beauty industry?

In the beginning, I was a receptionist at a beauty salon. I was always so intrigued with how people walked in versus how they left as somebody else with confidence. I would see the stylist checking them out and how happy they were. I knew I wanted to be on the side not only getting the service done, but giving that to people. 

I then researched how I could get into the beauty industry. I opened my own business in 2015 and that same year started doing brow designing. In my small town I actually became known as the brow designer girl. I flew back to Brazil to take a second microblading course and the rest is history.

I now have five employees and four providers who work out of Eau Claire Body Care!

You have traveled and trained in some pretty incredible places. What has that been like?

My favorite part! I’ve gotten to combine my two passions and seen places I never thought I would. I love making people feel confident but the best is traveling and making connections around the world. I’ve created friendships that are meaningful. It’s been life-changing.

What do you look for in any training or conference you attend? What is important in a permanent makeup training?

Most important is to come with an open mind and be really involved/listen. 

Next would be to network. This is your place to talk to people that are more experienced and share what you know. You can learn so much more by talking to the person next to you. It’s not just about listening to the speakers.

Finally, try new things! Don’t be scared. Maybe you don't need to go just to learn brand new things, but improve what you currently know. You can adapt or tweak what you are already doing that can be just as impactful.

What made you feel the call to teach? What was that journey like?

Before I taught permanent makeup, I taught English as a second language in Brazil and China. I have always been a huge fan of education.

When I joined the PMU industry, I knew I wanted to join my two passions of making others feel beautiful and teaching. I found two incredible mentors in Soula from Dermacraft and Kristina from Five Star Brows. The way they both transfer their passions to their students and really care inspired me. I became the first official Dermacraft in America in 2018.

You partnered with Soula at Dermacraft and are the first trainer in the USA! Tell us all about it. 

Back in 2016, I flew to London after having a very disappointing training in Brazil. I found Soula online and booked a five day course. It changed my mindset. Soula and James are wonderful. They care for their students and want them to succeed. 

Fast forward a few years, we all met again in Italy for the Biotek conference. After talking about my technique and improvement, they asked if I would be interested in becoming a trainer. I flew to Greece a month later and just knew it was the right fit.

Soula cares so much about everything and the details. Her training is thought out and you can see the heart in it. That’s how I live my life and base my business so it’s the perfect fit. 

How have you grown your permanent makeup training academy? 

It’s been good but challenging in both business and personal. I care too much and when I see students struggle, I take it upon myself. 

I have had to learn how to  to present the facts for beginners but the biggest challenge is as a pmu artist, you have to care. We’re tattooing people faces - if you don't care, you’ll be a bad artist. You have to have a heart and practice and only move forward when you’re ready. But that’s not always something I can teach. 

For my trainings, I love more private, small settings to make sure students are getting everything out of it. My students can come back as many times as they want to shadow. That extra care is really important to me.

It’s been a learning curve but I’ve been enjoying it. 

What would your advice be for anyone who feels the call to teach others, whether it be in permanent makeup or beauty?

Main lesson is to not go in it for the money because it’s so much more work that you imagine. You have to have a passion for it. 

Next would be to become a PMU PRO yourself first. I admit that I made that mistake because I started teaching at the end of my second year and realized I wasn't ready. Start with a one on ones before you can see if you want to grow. Training is a lifelong thing if you want to do. 

How do you structure your days? What is your morning routine?

I have to have an alarm because I’ll sleep in and I start out by drinking a big cup of water. I then check my emails and answer messages. I get up and let my puppy out and feed him. I like a light breakfast and get ready to come to work.

My day at work is 9:30 - 7/7:30 and when I get home, I do a few more hours of social media. I love what I do so to me it’s not work.

What do you do when you’re not working?

I’m always working but I have some great friends! We love parties and celebrations. My husband and I love traveling and are big foodies - he’s a great chef. We have a puppy so we hike as well. My parents live here so we spend a lot of time with them too. I love reading and will do audio books. I do audio books when I am doing lips. 

What’s next in your career?

I just got married and we are taking a bit of a break in January. Then I have a heavy year planned! I plan to be speaking at a lot of conferences, hosting one class monthly, and continuing services at Eau Claire Body Works. I will be partnering with another artist to bring a new technique to USA. 

Want more from Tanara? Follow her on Instagram!