Kim Asbas, Permanent Makeup Artist & Aesthetician

After years of working in the corporate world, I wanted a change, something rewarding, less stressful. But what? I honestly didn't know where to start. 

So, I asked myself what was it that I enjoyed most about my current job? The answer was simple, the customer service aspect, I loved helping people. Next, what was important to me, what was I passionate about? As a single mother of two boys, I knew that “me time” was a rarity for most mothers. And, that women in general tend to put themselves at the bottom of the priority list. I decided that being an aesthetician would put me in a position to offer that “me time” to women.

In 2006 my journey to a new career in aesthetics began. After graduating from the Spa Tech Institute in 2007, passing the state boards and converting a room in my home to a mini spa (which was no small feat), I was on my way. However, it wasn't long before I came to realize that building a new business while working full-time, just wasn’t going to happen. I had responsibilities, a mortgage to pay, kids to raise and so being an aesthetician became a hobby and my new career was put on hold. 

Fast forward to 2016, the kids are grown and I’m now married to an amazing man. After 22 plus years at the same company, with the full support and encouragement of my husband, it was time to make my dream a reality. And so, I began taking steps towards becoming a full-time aesthetician, it was during that process that I first heard about Microblading. I was intrigued, after watching a few YouTube videos, I had to learn how to do it. However, after many hours of research, I knew that even with my background in skin care, a three-day course in microblading was NOT enough training to tattoo women’s faces!

In April 2017, I completed the 100-hour Permanent Makeup Primary Training program at the Beau Institute of Permanent & Corrective Cosmetics. Beau is an AAM (American Academy of Micropigmentation) certified training center. I trained under award winning artists and successful business owners. Not only were these women talented, they were committed to working with new technicians to be the best they could be as well as helping breast cancer survivors. They had my immediate respect and admiration.

Permanent makeup training opened my eyes to the world of micropigmentation, and the opportunities to help people were vast. Micropigmentation was not only about eyeliner and brows and shortening morning routines, it was an opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives, for those who lost their hair due to chemotherapy, radiation or alopecia. Breast cancer survivors who’ve had reconstructive surgery and need areola tattooing. Scalp micropigmentation for men and women with thinning hair. Scar camouflage for stretch marks or due to injury, and removal for those who had work done years ago, before all the advancements in permanent cosmetics. If I wanted a new career helping people, I had just hit the jackpot.

The Beau Institute provides ongoing support to all their graduates; they allow and encourage their alumni to return and observe any training they’ve taken, for life. I took advantage of this benefit in May 2018, essentially repeating my entire training. I believe the brain can only absorb so much, also different artists have different techniques, new students bring new perspectives, ask different questions, techniques evolve, so I will likely repeat the course again, and again.

In August 2018 I successfully completed the three-part (oral, written & practical) AAM Board Certification exam with an overall score of 98%, and became a Board-Certified Permanent Makeup technician and an AAM Diplomat. 

I believe ongoing education is vital to be able to not only grow as an artist but provide my clients with the best options available.

In early September 2018, I completed an intensive, two-day, one-on-one advanced training session with Will Anthony, one of the top permanent makeup artists in the country, for Smoky Lash Enhancement (eyeliner).

October 2018, I attended the Queen City Tattoo & Arts Festival and attended several seminars including Angela Gates’ “Soft Natural Lips” and "Blade and Shade" with Tina Davies, one of the best microbladers in the world.

In March 2019, I traveled to Ireland and trained with Monika Ivani to learn her machine hair strokes and shading techniques. Rather than a class of 10-16 students, this was a two to one student teacher ratio. Monika is an international trainer and conference speaker, a successful business owner, as well as an elite permanent makeup artist with over 20 years in the beauty industry.

I feel so fortunate to have had such a passionate and experienced instructor at Spa Tech. She taught so much more than techniques and protocols. She instilled in me, in us, that being an aesthetician wasn’t just a way to earn a living, it could also be an opportunity to potentially change people’s lives, whether it’s treating skin conditions that hurt their self-esteem and confidence or by simply providing the opportunity for them to be pampered, relax and rejuvenate.

Instead of hitting the snooze button, I wake up excited and think “I get to go to work today”. For me, it doesn’t get any better than that.

Kymberlee's Permanent Makeup & Aesthetics is fully licensed and insured.

Licensing and Certifications

• Board Certified Diamond Trainer: American Academy of Micropigmentation

• Board Certified Permanent Makeup Artist: American Academy of Micropigmentation

• Micropigmentation Practitioner: State of Maine, Department of Health

• Board Certified Aesthetician: State of Maine, Barbering and Cosmetology

• Establishment License: State of Maine, Barbering and Cosmetology

• Blood-borne Pathogens for Body and Tattoo Artists: ProTrainings

• Business License: City of Saco

• Diamond Certified Member of American Academy of Micropigmentation

Certifications, licenses and proof of insurance available upon request.