Embracing Creativity: The Journey of Pretty Girl Ink

Veronica Picone - Artist and Founder

A Passion for Art from a Young Age

Since I was a little girl, I have always had a passion for all things creative. My earliest memory is doodling drawings of women's faces on post-it notes for my mother before I could even read. In elementary and high school, I was known for my drawing, writing, and painting abilities. I was even voted most artistic and creative for both my 8th and 12th-grade graduating years.

During my teenage years, I fell in love with cosmetics, body art, and beauty. I started expressing myself through various tattoos and piercings at the early age of 16. I spent a lot of time hanging out at my local tattoo shop in Bogota, NJ. My love for art was not just a phase; it was a calling.

Education and Early Career

I graduated from Berkeley College with a degree in Fashion Marketing and Management in 2001. My career began as a makeup artist for Estée Lauder, where I trained at their corporate office in NYC. In 2005, I officially became a Certified Makeup Artist under one of the leading bridal makeup experts, Ms. Irina Feygin of IMpeccable Image, Inc.

For years, I practiced bridal and special event makeup. I also managed retail stores for over 17 years. During that time, I worked reception and assisted in a well-known tattoo shop in Fair Lawn, NJ. This experience gave me valuable knowledge about the business side of the industry.

The Turning Point: Discovering Permanent Makeup

Around 2010, I got my eyebrows done (micropigmentation) before microblading became a popular option. I became obsessed with permanent makeup and my love for tattooing grew. I remember sitting in my car outside the permanent makeup studio, envisioning having my own storefront studio. I wanted to change people's lives, boost their confidence, and encourage creativity. I knew my goal was to have a boutique of my own.

A few years later, I got my eyebrows microbladed and volunteered at Derma Couture in Wayne, NJ, for lips and liner for students in training. Despite dreaming of becoming a permanent makeup and tattoo artist for decades, I couldn't afford the extensive training to become licensed. So, I pursued other avenues in the art world.

Family Life and New Ventures

I got married, started my family, and dedicated myself to my three beautiful daughters. In 2015, I started my face painting business, Creative Faces By V. I acquired my cosmetology license in 2021 during the pandemic. I rented a salon space for a year and obtained multiple certifications, publications, and awards for my accomplishments in the hair, face painting, and makeup world.

I traveled all around NJ, NY, PA, and CT, face painting for parties and major venues for ten years.

The Unwavering Passion for Permanent Makeup

Throughout my extensive career journey, I realized that my passion for permanent makeup and body art never burned out. I carried it with me every day, knowing it was my true calling. I decided to invest everything I am and everything I have into making permanent makeup, ear piercing, and body art my full-time career.

People called me crazy for taking such a leap in my forties. However, when you have a passion, you must follow it, regardless of what anyone thinks. You will face setbacks, judgment, and animosity. Being a female tattoo artist is challenging, especially since I wanted Pretty Girl Ink to set the bar higher in a male-dominated industry.

Redefining the Tattoo Experience

Let’s face it: there’s a stigma surrounding tattoo shops. I wanted to eliminate that. I aimed to bring a level of positivity and comfort to the tattoo experience, which is often frowned upon by traditional shops. Call it boujee, but I wanted the experience to feel as comfortable as you would at a med spa.

Imagine a completely relaxed, appointment-only, anxiety-free environment, like being in the comfort of your own home. That is what makes Pretty Girl Ink stand apart. We specialize in intricate, fine line pieces while providing an incredible experience that sets the bar higher.

A Dream Realized: Pretty Girl Ink

My dream of having a boutique of my own is now a reality! I would not be where I am today without my unwavering dedication, determination, and decades of hard work. Pretty Girl Ink is located at 15 Main Street, Branchville, NJ. I am proud to say we are the first-ever female-owned and operated body art, ear piercing, and permanent cosmetics establishment of its kind in Sussex County.

As we recently celebrated our one-year anniversary since opening our doors on August 1st, 2024, I can't thank all my incredible clients enough. Your amazing reviews and support have helped my business grow. It truly means more than you'll ever know! In just one short year, I have been blessed to service clients from all over New Jersey, New York State, Pennsylvania, and even Florida! I am genuinely grateful for every single person who chose Pretty Girl Ink, and I am excited for what the next year will bring.

Celebrating Achievements and Looking Ahead

Credentials That Speak Volumes

Here’s a glimpse of my journey and the credentials I’ve earned along the way:

• Graduated Berkeley College with an ASD in Applied Science for Fashion Marketing and Management - June 2001

• 4.0 GPA President's List Acknowledgment Award

• Certified Makeup Artist Specializing in "Celebrity and Bridal" Techniques, iMpeccable Image Inc. - 2005

• Published in Brides Guide New Jersey Magazine for "Pro Makeup Tips and Tricks" - 2006

• Registered Creative Faces By V with the state of NJ - 2016

• Fully insured by Beauty and Bodywork Insurance 2016 - 2024

• Published in NY's QMagazine Vol. 4 for Excellence in Face Painting Techniques - 2018

• Mahwah NJ's "Small Business Award" presented to Creative Faces By V for "Best of 2019 Make-up Artists"

• Positive Psychology Art Coaching Certification - September 2020

• Barbicide and Barbicide Covid-19 Certifications - July 2020/December 2022

• Body and Face Painting Infection Control Certificate of Achievement - July 2020

• Face Painting Academy Certification - July 2020

• Graduated Parisian Beauty Academy - October 2021

• Passed NJ State Board Exam for Cosmetology License - October 2021

• Featured in Wet Paint Magazine's Face Art Gallery - Winter 2021 Issue

• AMAZING write-up in the November 2021 Local Showcase of The Bergen County Review

• Be Healthy Initiative - Community Health Ambassador Certification - December 2022

• Licensed Beauty Consultant - February 2023

• Certified Studex Ear Piercing Specialist - NY Certified April 2023, NJ Certified - January 2024

• Pretty Girl Ink LLC registered with the state of NJ - November 2023

• Bloodborne Pathogens for Body and Tattoo Artists Certification - January 2024

• Fully Insured by Alternative Balance for Permanent Makeup and Tattoo Artists - January 2024

• Permanent Cosmetics Training and Certification by Cháris Lenox - Master Trainer at Brows Boutique and Academy, Denville NJ - March 2024

• Fine Line Body Tattoos Training and Certification by Shay Alsaid - Master Trainer at Beauty Inkstitute, Dearborn, MI - February 2024

• Master Brow Mapping Certification by BeautySlesh Professional - February 2024

• Faux Freckles Certification by Shay Danielle Academy - April 2024

• Board Certification in Permanent Makeup by the American Academy of Micropigmentation - April 2024

• Fire and Plumbing Inspection approval - June 2024

• Sussex County Health Department Preoperational Approval - July 2024

• Branchville Borough Operational License Issued - July 2024

• Pretty Girl Ink Grand Opening - August 1st, 2024

• Sussex County Health Department Post Operational Inspection Approval - September 2024

• NJ Body Art Apprentice April 2024-April 2025

• NJ Licensed Body Art Practitioner Licensed - April 2025

  
  

Conclusion: A Journey of Passion and Dedication

The journey to establishing Pretty Girl Ink has been filled with challenges and triumphs. Each step has brought me closer to my dream. I am excited to continue this journey, providing a unique and comfortable experience for everyone who walks through my doors. My goal was to create an atmosphere that wasn't the tattoo industry "norm," and I feel like that goal has been made waves in Sussex County and beyond!

How is Pretty Girl Ink different?

We are appointment only one on one, there are no walk ins - which makes the focus on you, your experience, comfort level and commitment to a positive experience the number one priority. We also charge body tattooing by piece not by hour, because great pieces of art take time and my clients should focus on the art, and relaxing - not clock watching. We service everyone, however our shop has become a safe stress and anxiety free atmosphere for women who might not feel comfortable in make dominated traditional shop environments. If you are looking for a med-spa meets tattoo shop - then we are your vibe.

We provide snacks, coffee, tea, cold drinks, accommodations with session comfort including numbing, and are judgement free. You also take home a tiny aftercare bag to set you up for healing success for your tattoos, permanent makeup or ear piercings.

Thank you for being a part of this adventure.

Let’s continue to embrace creativity and confidence together.