Today we’d like to introduce you to Antonio And Julie Mayo.
Hi Antonio and Julie , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My story started in Mexico, where I was born and later adopted as a baby. Looking back now, I truly believe that was part of God’s plan for my life and the beginning of a journey that would eventually bring me to where I am today.
Before entering the beauty industry, I worked in healthcare as a phlebotomist and medical assistant. One thing I learned very quickly was that I genuinely loved people. I always found it easy to connect with those around me, listen to their stories, and make them feel comfortable. To this day, that’s still one of my favorite parts of what I do.
At the time, I was a single mother raising four daughters and looking for ways to create a better future for my family. My introduction to the beauty industry came from something as simple as getting my lashes done. I became fascinated with the industry and thought it might be a great way to earn some extra income on the side. What started as a practical decision quickly became a passion.
In 2015, I took my first permanent makeup training with Branko Babic, the innovator, founder, and CEO of PhiAcademy, one of the most recognized permanent makeup academies in Europe and around the world. I fell in love with the artistry, the confidence it gave women, and the impact it could have on someone’s life.
One of the most rewarding parts of my journey has been building this dream alongside my husband, Antonio. In 2017, he became my very first student. We spent years learning, growing, and climbing the ranks together. Antonio went on to become one of the first male Royal Artists recognized by PhiAcademy in Texas, helping pave the way for other men in the industry.
As opportunities grew, so did our reach. We traveled throughout the United States and internationally teaching, demonstrating techniques, mentoring students, and representing our industry on larger stages. One of the highlights of my career came in 2023 when I competed at the WULOP World Championship in Antalya, Turkey. Competing against artists from more than 40 countries, my hairstroke technique placed 7th in the world. At the time, I became only the second artist from Texas to achieve that level of recognition and helped place both Texas and the United States on the map in one of the industry’s most prestigious global competitions.
Over the years, our business continued to evolve. While permanent makeup remains the heart of Modish Artistry, Antonio expanded into fine line tattooing and launched our Modish Ink Pop-Up Studio, which has traveled throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area bringing tattoo experiences to festivals, community events, and pop-ups.
Today, our partnership is what makes everything work. Antonio focuses on the artistry and client experience while I oversee the business, education, branding, and operations. We each have our own strengths, and together we’ve built something we’re incredibly proud of.
If there’s one thing I’d tell other women, it’s don’t give up on your dreams. Being a mother is beautiful. Being a wife is beautiful. But I also believe it’s important to continue growing, learning, and pursuing the things God places on your heart. One of the greatest blessings in my life is having a husband who has never clipped my wings, but instead encouraged me to keep flying.
Most importantly, we are a Christian-based business. Our faith is at the center of everything we do. When I look back on the journey—from a single mother of four looking for a side hustle, to traveling the world teaching and building businesses alongside my husband—I can honestly say all the glory belongs to God. Every opportunity, every challenge, every lesson, and every open door has played a part in shaping the life we’re living today, and we’re excited to see what comes next.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Absolutely not. Like most entrepreneurs, there have been plenty of challenges along the way.
When I started this journey, I was a single mother raising four daughters while working in healthcare full-time. Building a business wasn’t something I could devote all my time to from the start. Many nights were spent studying, practicing, taking clients after work, and figuring things out as I went. There were definitely moments where I questioned whether I could do it all, but giving up was never really an option because my daughters were always my motivation.
As the business grew, so did the responsibilities. One of the biggest challenges was learning that being good at your craft doesn’t automatically mean you’re good at running a business. I had to learn marketing, leadership, finances, systems, team building, and how to navigate an industry that was constantly evolving.
Like many business owners, we also experienced seasons of incredible growth and seasons where we had to pivot. The beauty industry changes quickly, trends change, economies change, and sometimes you have to be willing to reinvent yourself without losing sight of who you are. My husband and I have built multiple chapters of our business together, and each chapter required faith, adaptability, and a willingness to start over when necessary.
Personally, some of my greatest challenges became some of my greatest lessons. Balancing motherhood, marriage, entrepreneurship, and personal growth isn’t always easy. There were sacrifices, disappointments, and moments where things didn’t go according to plan. But looking back, I can honestly say every obstacle helped shape the person and business owner I am today.
One thing my faith has taught me is that challenges aren’t always roadblocks; sometimes they’re redirections. Some of the doors that closed ended up leading to opportunities I never could have planned for myself. What felt like setbacks at the time often became the foundation for the next season of growth.
Today, I have a much deeper appreciation for the journey. The awards, recognition, and accomplishments are wonderful, but I’m most proud of the resilience we built along the way. Every challenge strengthened our faith, our marriage, our business, and our ability to serve others.
If I’ve learned anything, it’s that success isn’t about avoiding obstacles—it’s about continuing to move forward through them.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m the founder of Modish Artistry, where I specialize in permanent makeup, education, and helping clients feel confident through natural-looking results. Over the last decade, I’ve become best known for my hairstroke work and Nano Brows, focusing on creating customized results that complement each client’s unique features rather than following trends.
What I love most about this industry is that it combines two things I’m passionate about: artistry and people. Every face is different, every story is different, and I believe permanent makeup should enhance someone’s natural beauty rather than change who they are. My goal has always been to create results that are timeless, soft, and wearable.
Education has also played a huge role in my career. Throughout the years, I’ve had the opportunity to train artists, demonstrate techniques, speak at conferences, judge competitions, and represent the United States on an international stage. One of my proudest accomplishments was placing 7th in the world at the WULOP Championship in Antalya, Turkey, competing against artists from more than 40 countries. That recognition not only validated years of dedication to my craft but also helped showcase the level of talent coming out of Texas and the United States.
My husband Antonio and I have built our careers side by side. While I focus on permanent makeup, education, business development, and brand growth, Antonio has become known for his fine line tattoo work and his ability to create meaningful, clean, and timeless pieces. Together we operate Modish Artistry and Modish Ink, including our Modish Ink Pop-Up Studio, which has brought tattoo experiences to communities and events throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
What sets us apart is that we genuinely care about people. Skills can be taught, but creating an experience where clients feel heard, comfortable, and cared for is something that has always come naturally to us. Many of our clients become long-term friends, and many of our students continue to stay connected long after training.
More than any award or recognition, I’m most proud of the lives we’ve impacted along the way. Whether it’s helping a client regain confidence, mentoring an artist who goes on to build a successful career, or creating opportunities for our family through entrepreneurship, that’s the legacy we’re most proud to leave behind.
At the end of the day, our work is about more than brows or tattoos. It’s about serving people, using the gifts God gave us, and leaving every person we meet feeling better than when they walked through the door.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
There are so many people who deserve credit for helping me get where I am today.
First and foremost, all glory goes to God. Looking back over my life, there have been too many moments, opportunities, and open doors that I know I could not have orchestrated on my own. My faith has been the foundation that carried me through every season, both personally and professionally.
My husband, Antonio, deserves tremendous credit as well. We’ve built this dream side by side for many years. He started as my first student, became an incredible artist in his own right, and has been one of my biggest supporters every step of the way. Entrepreneurship isn’t easy, and having a partner who believes in you, challenges you, and shares the same vision is a blessing I never take for granted.
I also have to credit my late mother. She adopted me as a baby and gave me opportunities, values, and a foundation that shaped the person I am today. Her love, sacrifices, and belief in me continue to impact my life even after her passing.
Professionally, I’m grateful to Branko Babic and the PhiAcademy organization for introducing me to the world of permanent makeup and creating opportunities that allowed me to grow, learn, teach, and connect with artists from around the world. The mentors, educators, and colleagues I’ve met throughout my journey have all contributed in different ways.
Most importantly, I owe a tremendous amount of gratitude to my clients and students. Many of them have been with me for years, referring friends and family, trusting me with their faces, supporting my business through different chapters, and believing in my vision. Without them, none of this would be possible.
I truly believe success is never achieved alone. It takes faith, family, mentors, loyal clients, supportive friends, and people who believe in you long before you fully believe in yourself. I am grateful for every person who has played a role in this journey.
Pricing:
- Must consult first
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/modishartistry.dallas
- Instagram: https//Instagram.com/modish_jm
