Permanent make-up artist in a rented suite

Adults who want long-lasting brows, lips or liner, often busy professionals, people with thinning brows and clients who like a low-maintenance routine.

A fixed price per treatment, usually with a booked touch-up session a few weeks later, plus a fee for colour boosts and annual refreshes.

• Steady hands and an eye for shape and symmetry
• Strict hygiene habits
• Clear, honest client consultations
• Building a portfolio and a social media presence

• Rules for tattooing and micropigmentation differ by province and municipality; check your public health unit and provincial regulator about licensing, inspections and bloodborne pathogen training
• Commercial general liability insurance, ideally one that covers cosmetic tattooing specifically
• Check whether the host salon's own permit and insurance cover your work, and get terms in writing
• Client consent forms, allergy and health screening, and secure record keeping
• Avoid medical or guaranteed-result claims in your marketing
• Quebec has its own rules, including French-language requirements for signage and advertising
• Register for GST/HST once you pass the small supplier threshold

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $4,000 to $15,000, depending on your equipment, supplies, insurance and the suite rental terms. Renting a room in a salon or shared studio keeps premises costs lower than leasing your own.

Estimates put monthly revenue at typically around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on how many clients you book and the services you offer. Building a portfolio and an online presence can affect how quickly bookings grow.

Rules differ by province and municipality, so check your public health unit and provincial regulator about licensing, inspections and bloodborne pathogen training. Also check whether the host salon's permit and insurance cover your work, and Quebec's French-language requirements.