Overcoming depressive state in brow business

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1. Backgrond

  This article is based on interviews with 78 successful Permanent Makeup (PMU) artists who ascended to top-earner status in their respective regions within 18 to 24 months of their training. These artists represent a rare subset, comprising just about 3.5% of all students who enter the field and begin learning Powder Brows, Hairstrokes or microblading techniques. Additionally, we interviewed over 140 artists who either reduced the number of procedures they were performing or exited the industry altogether. As we'll explore, the challenges faced by both groups were strikingly similar.

Focus and Goal of the Article

This article will concentrate on actionable advice that top-performing artists have used to climb "out of the hole." The early stages of a brow business career are often fraught with setbacks and challenges, especially during the first year. This could be considered an inherent aspect of entering the brow industry. It's worth noting that over 81% of students who began learning Powder Brows or microblading abandoned their career ambitions within the first 16 months post-training.

The challenges faced were not unique to those who quit; even successful artists had to navigate similar obstacles. What set them apart was their approach to these challenges. In this article, we will share practical recommendations derived from interviews with these successful artists, the so-called "winners" in the industry.

2. Anticipate Hardships

Accept that business is hard and do your homework

At first glance, advising someone to anticipate hardships might appear pessimistic. However, it's quite the opposite in reality. One common issue among artists who quit wasn't their lack of optimism; instead, it was their overly optimistic expectations, often based on intuition or hearsay rather than solid market research.

Optimism vs. Unrealistic Expectations

This issue frequently manifested itself in artists' assumptions about potential earnings. Many expected to make substantial profits in the first few months based on their acquired skills. While optimism and positive expectations can be beneficial, they can also lead to immense stress and even depression if based on flawed premises. For example, many who eventually quit had not thoroughly researched their region's market prices or job availability. Instead, their expectations were influenced by social media posts and hearsay, often overestimating the rates top artists were charging for procedures. In some instances, they assumed they would make an exorbitant amount of money, as one artist who quit said, "mad money." Do not set yourself up for the inevitable loss of motivation.

The Neuroscience of This Situation

When you set high, optimistic expectations for yourself, your brain's predictive reward system tends to release more dopamine. This neurotransmitter boosts your mood and amplifies feelings of excitement and motivation. However, when these lofty expectations aren't met, there may be a resultant dopamine "deficiency" in your neural pathways. Essentially, the anticipated dopamine release doesn't happen, creating an imbalance in this neurotransmitter's system. This deficiency can lead to feelings of disappointment, sadness, and, in more severe instances, even depression.

But it's not just about dopamine. Other biochemical players, such as cortisol - the stress hormone - are also at work. When you realize your expectations are unmet, cortisol levels can surge, resulting in increased stress and anxiety, and possibly triggering fight-or-flight responses. Prolonged elevation of cortisol levels can result in various adverse outcomes, such as sleep disturbances, heightened blood pressure, and a detrimental effect on mood.

3. The Issue of Limited Control

While humans are capable of remarkable achievements, it's vital to recognize that in a capitalistic market environment, a single artist doesn't have the leverage to significantly alter the average market price in their area. This factor is simply beyond their control. An artist can't compel customers to choose their services if similar quality is available at a more competitive price.

This lack of control intensifies emotional and biochemical reactions. A sense of control enables actionable steps, triggering a dopamine release as a reward. Conversely, a lack of control can magnify feelings of helplessness, contributing to an extended period of emotional and biochemical imbalance.

Therefore, having unrealistic positive expectations can initiate a complex chain of biochemical and neural reactions. While generally adaptive, these reactions can be detrimental under certain conditions, potentially leading to long-lasting changes in mood, stress responses, and even personality traits.

The Remedy: Research

Understanding that better preparation might have been beneficial doesn't alleviate stress. Instead, eradicate unrealistic future expectations based on false information and recalibrate your outlook entirely. Acquire up-to-date and precise market information, discover top artists' pricing strategies, and formulate fresh and realistic plans for your business.

Having high expectations is good, but they should align with reality. Research and evaluation of competitors should be ongoing. Many successful artists who initially avoided checking competitors' progress for fear of feeling inferior changed their attitude, asking themselves: "What ideas can I steal from them?" This proactive approach is more beneficial and empowering.

Entering the Market with the Right Attitude

Many top earners have been in similar situations. Instead of succumbing to despair, they adapted their mindset, viewing themselves as underdogs competing against established artists. This perspective kept them motivated and proved to be far more effective than falling into a spiral of depression over unrealized financial expectations.

This attitude is healthy and effective. It doesn't mean one should lack self-confidence—quite the opposite. Gaining self-confidence through success and acknowledging victories against seasoned competitors can be incredibly uplifting. Celebrate each customer acquisition not only as a personal win but as a double victory: you won the customer, and your seasoned competitor lost the opportunity.

4. Focusing on manageable activities

When revenue isn't flowing as expected, shifting your focus from income to specific activities that contribute to long-term success is wise. However, the advice to 'focus on activities' can be vague without further clarification. The level of emotional distress you're experiencing should inform the size and complexity of the task you tackle. When feeling low, starting with small, manageable tasks is crucial, as attempting overly ambitious activities can set you up for failure and deepen your despair.

Choosing the Correct Tasks

Choose tasks you can accomplish despite feeling down. For instance, if you're overwhelmed by your content calendar, don't force yourself to create an elaborate post. Instead, consider posting something simpler but engaging, like a humorous brow artist joke. The significance isn't in the activity itself but in completing it. Sometimes, accomplishing even a small task can pave the way for tackling more meaningful challenges later.

Ending the 'Low Week' Rationalization

Avoid rationalizing periods of inactivity as 'low times for everyone.' This mindset can turn a 'low week' into a 'low month' or 'low year.' Instead, start doing something, anything manageable, and then immediately move on to the next task. Often, even a small booking fee from a reminder message to clients can reignite momentum.

Scientific Basis for the Power of "Micro-Activities"

The science behind this approach is rooted in your brain's biochemistry. Completing any task, regardless of its size, triggers a dopamine release, associated with pleasure and reward. Your brain 'flags' the experience as positive, incentivizing you to repeat it or tackle a slightly more complex task next. This neurochemical reward system is why setting and achieving small goals can be so gratifying.

5. Disruption of the Harmful Cycle

This process helps disrupt the cycle of harmful brain chemistry often triggered by depressive thoughts or setting yourself up for failure. By completing small tasks and receiving that dopamine 'boost,' you're likelier to break free from this unproductive cycle, enabling you to engage in activities that significantly contribute to your overall well-being.

Therefore, there's no shame in making incremental progress. As you accumulate these minor victories, they can lead to achieving more significant, more challenging goals, which can be incredibly empowering, particularly for those battling feelings of depression.

 

Example from Life - Getting Up

A top-earning artist who frequently had to pull herself "out of the hole" using these "baby steps" shared her experience: "Whenever I hit rock bottom, which happened more often than I'd like to admit, I'd pick the easiest possible task. It was often so trivial that I couldn't help but laugh at how far I'd come in becoming an artist. Yet, after completing even that simple task, like responding with a single sentence to an unhappy client, I felt a small surge of energy.”

The takeaway is clear: fighting your biochemistry is a losing battle. It's far more effective to understand and harness it. When you align your actions with how your brain is wired to respond, you're more likely to experience the small wins that ultimately lead to significant victories. Never forget that human beings have incredible power to rationalize everything. You could probably find dozens of reasonable-sounding excuses to wait and do nothing or to dismiss the effectiveness of small actions. Don't fall for that. Acknowledge your ability to manipulate and calm down your mind. Create the urgency needed to do something right now and try as many different small things as needed to get the dopamine of success.

6. Power of Routine: Steady Progress

 
One common thread among artists who've risen to the top of their game is their unwavering focus on maintaining a routine. This not only aligns with previous points but also introduces a unique dimension to the discussion

The Long View vs. Short-Term Fluctuations

Top artists share a mindset centered on long-term perspectives, focusing on minor, consistent improvements each day. In contrast, those who tend to give up often pursue aggressive, short-term strategies, taking significant risks in a brief period. Successful artists consistently warn against replacing steady, incremental growth with bold, sporadic efforts.

For example, artists who eventually left the field might engage in intense, short-lived social media campaigns, quickly posting a flurry of content, then withdrawing entirely from marketing activities. This inconsistent approach is detrimental to the long-term success of building a Powder Brows business.

Incremental Growth and Time Management

Successful artists excel in allocating time for sustainable tasks over an extended period. Consider the "unicorn hunting" task—forming partnerships with non-competing artists. Successful artists don't aim to "capture a unicorn" overnight. Instead, they dedicate a realistic 20 minutes daily to identify or message potential partners. This disciplined routine extends to other business aspects, including brand development, financial analysis, continuous learning, and skills practice.

One thriving artist put it succinctly: "I undertook tasks so small daily that I was absolutely certain I could complete them. Those minor daily tasks over a year have shaped me into the artist I am today.”

Scientific Backing for Steady Progress

Stability, not sporadic bursts of extreme effort, is the key to long-term success. Engaging in small, attainable tasks daily fosters a routine and consistency, safeguarding against potential burnout and emotional lows. Repetitive actions fortify neural pathways, making continued actions easier. The basal ganglia, crucial for habit formation, plays a significant role in this mechanism.

Fixed Daily Tasks and Gradual Improvement

A shift to moderate, manageable "eustress," a form of stress that enhances performance and motivation, is beneficial. Setting small, incremental challenges invites eustress, promoting better focus and engagement, while taking on large, overwhelming tasks often results in distress and burnout.

Set yourself up for daily tasks you can accomplish no matter what, and then keep adding to that list. Never settle or compromise on core activities. It won't take long to see the results—it's inevitable!

7. Conclusions

Navigating the complexities of the Powder Brows and microblading business, successful artists distinguish themselves through distinct strategies compared to those who leave the field. Here are three key differentiators.

Pragmatic Optimism Over Naive Optimism

Successful artists ground their optimism in well-researched facts, not naive hopes. They set realistic expectations based on market research and are quick to recalibrate their plans if they find their assumptions were off-mark. This well-informed approach helps them avoid the emotional burnout and cortisol traps that stem from unwarranted optimism and self-blame. Knowledge, in this context, acts as a shield against the pitfalls of unfounded expectations.

Actionable Activities Aligned with Current State of Mind

They focus on completing tasks that are realistically achievable, given their current emotional and mental state. Attempting overly ambitious tasks can lead to failure and demoralization. Conversely, completing even the simplest task triggers a dopamine release, fostering a positive mood and encouraging the undertaking of increasingly complex tasks. This step-by-step approach helps build confidence and momentum.

Routine Incorporation for Steady Progress

These artists break down their goals into manageable tasks and focus on achieving them with consistency. They prioritize steady, incremental progress over unpredictable bursts of effort followed by burnout. This disciplined approach ensures sustained progress and helps in building a robust and resilient business foundation. By embracing these three principles—pragmatic optimism, focusing on achievable activities, and establishing a routine of manageable tasks—you can more effectively navigate the challenging landscape of the Powder Brows and microblading business, setting yourself up for long-term success and satisfaction.