Kelly Hallam, RTNM CPCP
Founder (2014) & CEO
Kelly Hallam
Microblading & permanent makeup, paramedical tattoos
Kelly is one of the Lower Mainland’s only permanent makeup (PMU) and paramedical tattoo artists with an extensive science and healthcare background. Although a large percentage of Kelly’s clients come from Coquitlam, PoCo and Port Moody, many travel from Vancouver, the Fraser Valley and beyond for her services.
Kelly has been a Registered Technologist of Nuclear Medicine for over 20 years. She spent many of those in one of the Lower Mainland’s busiest trauma hospitals before returning to her artistic roots and transitioning into one of Vancouver’s largest dermatology clinics as a cosmetic and medical laser technician and then on to PMU. She founded Halcyon Cosmetic Clinic in 2014.
Kelly offers a variety of micropigmentation (cosmetic and paramedical) procedures, including microblading and powder brows, permanent eyeliner, and permanent lip colour using a variety of hand and machine techniques. As a breast cancer and double mastectomy survivor, Kelly is passionately skilled in areola restoration tattooing, scar reduction and scar camouflage tattooing.
Q & A with Kelly
- How long have you been in permanent makeup?
I left a long-time career in Nuclear Medicine in approximately 2010 to pursue a career change to cosmetic and medical laser technologies and permanent makeup. - Why did you get into this field?
I’ve always been very creative, and my medical career just wasn’t giving me the artistic outlet that I needed. I also craved the autonomy and challenge of self-employment. - What type of license/training do you have you have?
Besides my Diploma in Nuclear Medicine Technology, I also have a Diploma in Cosmetology and in Cosmetic and Medical Laser Technologies. I’ve also received certification from a variety of laser and medical device companies and have my Fundamentals in Permanent Makeup followed by dozens of advanced courses taken all over North America. - Are you “Certified” in Permanent Makeup?
Although there is no regulation or requirement for certification in Canada, I am registered with the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals (SPCP), who require a minimum of 100 hours training. I voluntarily underwent their examination for CPCP Certification – where I achieved the highest score in my year! I am also a registered Trainer Member with the SPCP and have completed their highest level of education to be designated as such. - Does it bother you that so many untrained people offer these services?
Yes, and no. It upsets me that permanent damage can be done on another human being’s face but correcting the work of others is also one of my favourite procedures. - What is your favourite procedure?
It changes and evolves with time, but I LOVE how eyebrows and restorative lip colour can take years off a woman’s age when done well, and I’ve always enjoyed the challenge of correction and removal work. - What procedure do you dislike the most?
I don’t like trends or permanent makeup that looks unnatural and doesn’t enhance natural beauty. These are long-term tattoos, and we must be conscious of that. - What do you think are the biggest factors to consider when applying permanent makeup?
Certainly NOT what it will look like in an Instagram post! Much more important is what will it look like healed, what will it look like as it ages and fades, and will it survive the trends that come and go.
