A Journey of Passion, Precision, and Purpose
About Artistry by Lena
Elena Shakuto is the heart and hands behind Artistry by Lena, a place where beauty, education, and confidence intersect. Since 2017, she has operated as a certified and licensed Body Art Practitioner in San Diego, specializing in permanent makeup services that elevate her clients’ natural features and self-image.
But her vision doesn’t stop at creating gorgeous brows, lips, or eyeliner, she’s also deeply committed to teaching. In 2019, Elena began training aspiring artists in lip blushing and eyeliner tattooing. Over the years, she’s guided hundreds of students toward mastering their craft and building their own successful PMU businesses.
Dual Focus
Services & Education
At Artistry by Lena, you’ll find two core pillars:
pillar One
PMU Services
Whether you’re dreaming of soft, natural lip color or flawless eyeliner that lasts all day, Elena’s expertise transforms those dreams into reality. From lip blush, lip tinting, to eyeliner PMU, her work combines precision, artistry, and safety to deliver healed results that her clients love.
pillar Two
Training for Artists
Elena doesn’t just offer one-day workshops. Her training programs cover both the artistry and the business of permanent makeup. In her classes, you’ll learn:
Color theory, pigment behavior, and healed results
Mapping, technique, and machine handling
Safety, sanitation, and skin anatomy
Marketing, pricing, and how to grow your PMU business
Every student receives a premium kit and direct mentorship from Elena herself. She maintains small class sizes (max 3 students) so each person gets the guidance they need to succeed.
7+ years of experience in beauty and PMU
Certified across multiple techniques
Proven track record of helping students transition into paid PMU
Personal mentorship & ongoing support
See What My Clients Are Saying!
Testimonials
TIFFANY
I'm obsessed with Lena and her craft! She is definitely San Diego's best lip blush artist and recommend her to everyone and will continue. Went 2 years ago and just did a touch up to freshen up the color today!
MARSI
What a great experience! I'm in love with my new eyeliner and I am blown away what a difference it makes when I'm make-up-free. I wish I would have done this a long-time ago. The office is super chic and in a great location. Lena is professional, efficient, and accommodating. I liked her work so much I scheduled another appointment for lip blush before I left.
CARLY
Her studio was bright & clean, and she was very pleasant & professional (and you can tell that she takes pride in what she does). She worked with me to pick out a shade, and took the time to explain the process and make sure I was comfortable. It was over before I knew it, and she provided clear aftercare instructions. Anddddd - me being me - I'm pretty sure I hit her up with a couple questions even after I left, and again, she was quick to reply. I went in for my touch up at the appropriate time, and once again had a great experience
SHARDE
I got lip blush done (original and follow up) and they have now fully healed so I can write an honest review. She did an excellent job. The color is subtle to outsiders (meaning people don't ask me if I got something done), but very noticeable to me. I've seen lip blush on other people by other artists and think that it looks terrible. But I'd recommend Lena to anyone!
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Frequently Asked
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the training program cost?
Tuition varies depending on which course you choose (brows, lips, eyeliner, or combo). All training includes your professional kit, hands-on instruction, and continued mentorship. We’ll provide a full breakdown of costs and payment plan options when you apply.
What exactly is included in the program?
Each program blends theory and hands-on practice. You’ll learn skin anatomy, color theory, sanitation, proper machine handling, mapping, and artistry techniques. The course is designed to build both technical skill and business confidence, so you leave ready to work with clients.
Do I get a kit with my training?
Yes! Every student receives a fully stocked starter kit that includes professional tools, pigments, needles, and supplies. This ensures you can begin practicing right away — both in class and after graduation.
Will I work on live models?
Absolutely. We believe real-world practice is essential, so each student works on live models under close instructor supervision. This gives you the confidence and experience to start taking clients immediately.
Do I receive certification?
Yes, upon successful completion, you’ll receive a certificate of training that demonstrates your skill and dedication. We also provide ongoing support as you build your career.
Do I need experience to enroll?
Not at all! Our trainings are beginner-friendly and designed to take you from zero experience to client-ready. Many of our most successful graduates started with no beauty background at all.
What if I’m nervous about working on real skin?
That’s completely normal, and we’ve designed the training to ease you into it. You’ll start with practice pads, move to guided demos, and only then work on live models with close supervision. By the time you touch real skin, you’ll feel supported and prepared
about us
At Artistry by Lena, we’re passionate about empowering confidence, whether through flawless permanent makeup services or by training the next generation of PMU artists. With a commitment to safety, artistry, and personalized care, we’ve built a reputation as San Diego’s trusted destination for both beauty and education. Explore our services, discover our training programs, and let us help you take your next step with confidence.