Meet Andrea Kinkela-cook | Permanent Makeup and Paramedical Tattoo Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Andrea Kinkela-cook and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andrea, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I am from Youngstown, Ohio. I’ll assume not many people have heard of this once thriving city turned ghost town. Its halfway between Cleveland, Ohio and Pittsburgh, PA. The actual town I grew up in was Struthers, Ohio and I still have family there today.

I grew up poor. Both parents had a high school education, but it ended there. We struggled. We were on government programs for a long time. However, when i was young, i didnt realize it. I never felt the stresses of it. I was able to be a kid and have fun with friends.

Then middle school. Yikes. THIS was when i realized the struggle. Other kids having more than I had. Doing more. I wasnt able to be in any sports or activities. I didnt have a huge wardrobe. I listened to kids brag about brands they were wearing that i would never be able to get. This is when my motivation to be better and do better started and really grew from there.

Hard work. Education. Kindness. My parents instilled these daily. If we wanted more, we need to work harder, become educated, but to never act entitled or better thank anyone. To remember where I came from. And truthfully, I cherish my hometown and how i grew up. Yes I was driven to leave and wanted more, but those lessons made me who i am today. And my parents help give me the push to go for my dreams.

Who I am today is someone who is determined to be a good mom, to be a good wife and friend, who wants to work hard and hustle, and who wants to help others. I am someone who loves to travel and explore and learn. I continuously want to grow and work hard on being a better version of myself. And most of all, I am a person who LOVES to give! I want to give more to people who need it, to charities, to animals in need, to my parents, to my sister, and to my own family. I am determined to meet goals and to not ever struggle again as we did growing up.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am fairly new to this career. Ive only been doing this for about a year and a half now, but have taken many trainings and am now four times certified.

I had been exploring this career for years. I started watching videos and reading all about it once i finally decided to invest in my own eyebrows. I was hooked from then on. From there its initial training, apprenticeship, more training and certifications. I enjoy learning and fully immerse myself. I am not the type to things half way, especially when I am passionate about it. Its so interesting and facinating to me, all the ways we can upgrade to a new level of confidence that everyone should be able to feel every single day.

Is it easy? NO. It’s a lot of time, hustle, and learning. My biggest challenge is social media. I am not into whats trending haha I try but i am no good. But im trying. Its a lot of marketing, which i have zero experience at.

Ive come to find word of mouth is crucial, and i also speak to a lot of people about what i do in person. Any time career talk arises, i find a way to enter it. Currently im trying to focus mor eon marketing skills and explanding my business,

When you choose me, your choosing a new friend, a perfectionist, a natural look for everyday wear, a comfortable environment (i use prescription numbing), and good conversation. I also provide paramedical services, which include inkless stretch mark revision, inkless acne scar revision, and inkless light scar revisions.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love this question! I find at my age, i usually want to have a couple late night adventures but mostly want to stay local for a good time (as well as be home for bed!)

A must do would be Broadway! You cant go there and not have a good time. Theres so much to see and do. I love live music also and its just a fun and exciting environment

A tour of downtown Franklin would be next, eating at Red Pony one day and Pucketts the next.

Taking a small hike at Timberland Park is always nice to do. But im always on high alert. I once found myself a little too close to a rattle snake. NO THANKS!

A stop at Harpeth hotel to have dinner at 1799 and some after dinner drinks, then off to Kimbros

Its always so nice and relaxing at Arrington Vineyards. We bring all of our guests there.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are quite a few people who have given me support and mentorship, but I want to acknowledge my husband. Its because of him i was able to switch careers so I could have more time with our family, and to pursue my own business. He believed in me and my determination to start in this field. He is always giving and without him on my side Im not sure I wold have been brave enough to take this leap

Website: https://andreacookpmu.glossgenius.com

Instagram: andrea_cook_pmu

Facebook: Permanent Makeup with Andrea Cook (BeautyHaven)

Other: can also find me on facebook and google

Image Credits
all by me