Today we’d like to introduce you to Marla Nutter.
Hi Marla, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey into permanent cosmetics has been shaped by growth, reinvention, and a commitment to building meaningful, sustainable businesses. I was first introduced to permanent cosmetics in the 1990s while working as a nail technician. At that stage of my life, the profession did not align with my goals, and I followed opportunities that allowed me to develop strong technical and leadership skills. This led me into dental assisting, surgical dental assisting, and eventually dental office management, where I learned the importance of precision, compliance, and patient-centered care.
Entrepreneurship became a defining chapter of my life when I met my husband. Together, we owned and operated two transportation companies serving the oil and gas industry. Those years instilled in me a deep understanding of operations, systems, risk management, and what it truly takes to build and sustain a successful company. When we eventually retired from the transportation industry, I realized that while I was grateful for the opportunity, retirement itself was not fulfilling for me. I felt a strong desire to return to my artistic roots while continuing to work independently and strategically.
In 2017, I pursued my specialty lash extension license as a way to re-enter the beauty industry. While I enjoyed the creative aspect, I found myself craving more depth and long-term impact. When an instructor mentioned permanent cosmetics, it immediately resonated with me in a way it never had before. I approached this next step intentionally—researching the industry, understanding the business potential, and discussing the opportunity with my husband, whose support reinforced my confidence to move forward.
I invested in training with multiple instructors and committed myself to continual education before launching All About the Brow. Today, I offer permanent eyebrows, eyeliner, lip blushing, and cosmetic scar camouflage, with plans to expand into scalp micropigmentation and cosmetic areola restoration. I continue to advance my expertise each year by learning new techniques, methods of implantation, and evolving procedures to ensure the highest standards of safety and artistry.
Beyond my work with clients, I am honored to serve on the Board of Directors for the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals (SPCP). I am also expanding my impact by providing systems coaching to professionals looking to grow and structure their businesses effectively. In the coming year, my husband and I will also be obtaining our insurance licenses to better serve the tattoo, permanent cosmetic, and beauty industries—an extension of our commitment to supporting professionals beyond the treatment room.
This profession has allowed me to merge artistry with business, flexibility with structure, and passion with purpose. I feel incredibly fortunate to work in an industry that continues to challenge me, inspire me, and connect me with lifelong clients and colleagues who have become friends. Permanent cosmetics has not only been a career—it has been an evolution.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My journey in permanent cosmetics hasn’t been a straight line, and it definitely hasn’t always been easy. What I do is considered a luxury service, and the reality is that during uncertain times, it’s often one of the first things people decide not to invest in. That can be challenging as a business owner. There have been slow seasons, moments of doubt, and times when I’ve had to step back, reassess, and get creative about how I move forward. Those moments taught me resilience and reminded me that success in this industry isn’t just about talent—it’s about persistence and adaptability.
While permanent cosmetics absolutely provides financial opportunity, money has never been my sole motivation. The real reward for me comes from the impact I have on people. There is something incredibly fulfilling about helping someone feel more confident, more comfortable, or more like themselves again. Whether it’s restoring brows, softening scars, or enhancing features, the emotional response from clients is what keeps me grounded and passionate about this work. That level of trust is something I value deeply.
Another challenge I’ve faced is navigating an industry that tends to favor a younger generation. As a mature professional, I’ve had to work intentionally to shine alongside younger artists who may be quicker to adapt to trends or social media. Instead of trying to compete in that way, I leaned into my strengths—experience, consistency, professionalism, and a strong business foundation. I’ve learned that clients don’t just choose an artist for technique; they choose someone they trust, someone who listens, and someone who shows up with integrity every single time.
None of these challenges have discouraged me. If anything, they’ve shaped how I operate and who I am as a professional. They’ve pushed me to keep learning, to evolve, and to stay connected to why I started in the first place. I feel incredibly grateful to be in a profession where I can blend artistry with purpose, business with heart, and experience with growth. It hasn’t always been smooth—but it has always been meaningful.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
What I am most proud of in my career is the way I connect with my clients. Permanent cosmetics is often chosen during very personal moments in someone’s life—hair loss, scarring, aging, or a loss of confidence—and I take that responsibility seriously. I specialize in listening. I make it a priority to truly understand my clients’ struggles, their expectations, and why they are choosing permanent cosmetics, not just what service they are booking.
That level of attentiveness is what sets me apart. When clients feel heard and understood, trust naturally follows, and the results are more meaningful and aligned with who they are. One of my greatest accomplishments has been the generous 5-star Google reviews my clients continue to leave. To me, those reviews represent more than satisfaction with a service—they reflect that my clients felt valued, supported, and confident in their decision. That trust and connection is what I find most rewarding about what I do.
What does success mean to you?
Success, to me, is not defined by how quickly I built my business or how many services I offer. It is defined by longevity, trust, and impact. The experiences that led me here taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of building something with intention. Those lessons are reflected in how I run my business today.
I measure success by the relationships I’ve built with my clients, the trust they place in me, and the confidence they leave with after each service. I see it in the consistency of my work, my commitment to continued education, and the reputation I’ve earned through genuine care and listening. The 5-star reviews and repeat clients are not just validation of my skill, but of my approach—showing up, paying attention, and treating each person as an individual.
Ultimately, the success of my story is that I created a career that aligns experience with purpose, artistry with professionalism, and business growth with heart. I didn’t follow the fastest path, but I built a meaningful one—and that is what I am most proud of.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.allaboutthebrow.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutthebrowbeauty/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583223070758
- Other: https://linktr.ee/allaboutthebrowbeauty
