Karen Cunningham
Scalp Micropigmentation Artist
SMP Artist
Permanent Makeup Artist
About Me
Karen was born and raised in Chicago, IL, and attended Purdue University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Business. After graduating, she began a career as an interior decorator but quickly discovered her true passion — creating drama and beauty through surface design.
Inspired by her love for decorative finishes, she trained with one of the most respected faux-finish artists in the industry. She mastered a wide range of high-end techniques, including Italian plaster, luster stone, metallic textures, and other specialty finishes.
Karen was born and raised in Chicago, IL, and attended Purdue University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Business.
After graduating, she began a career as an interior decorator but quickly discovered her true passion — creating drama and beauty through surface design.
Inspired by her love for decorative finishes, she trained with one of the most respected faux-finish artists in the industry.
She mastered a wide range of high-end techniques, including Italian plaster, luster stone, metallic textures, and other specialty finishes.
Permanent Makeup Training
After receiving permanent makeup herself, Karen quickly fell in love with the field and expanded her artistic skills from walls to faces. She trained at the American Institute of Intradermal Cosmetics (AIIC), earning an advanced certification as a cosmetic technician. AIIC is internationally recognized as one of the leading institutions for permanent makeup training, education, and research.
Karen is also the owner of Permanent Makeup Creations, located in Jacksonville, FL. Her background in design, color theory, and aesthetic artistry naturally led her into Scalp Micropigmentation.
After receiving permanent makeup herself, Karen quickly fell in love with the field and expanded her artistic skills from walls to faces.
She trained at the American Institute of Intradermal Cosmetics (AIIC), earning an advanced certification as a cosmetic technician.
AIIC is internationally recognized as one of the leading institutions for permanent makeup training, education, and research.
Karen is also the owner of Permanent Makeup Creations, located in Jacksonville, FL.
Her background in design, color theory, and aesthetic artistry naturally led her into Scalp Micropigmentation.
SMP Training & Certifications
Karen has trained with 3 of the most elite SMP master artists in the country:
Jonathan Gerow – Gerow Hair Ink (New York)
Gerow Hair Ink is widely regarded as one of the highest-volume SMP clinics in the world and is led by founder and SMP master artist Jonathan Gerow. Karen completed extensive training and certification under him, as well as Erik Roberto.
Jonathan Gerow – Gerow Hair Ink (New York)
Gerow Hair Ink is widely regarded as one of the highest-volume SMP clinics in the world and is led by founder and SMP master artist Jonathan Gerow.
Karen completed extensive training and certification under him, as well as Erik Roberto.
Chris Herrera – The Art of SMP (Washington, DC)
Chris Herrera is internationally recognized as one of the industry’s top SMP master artists. Karen trained under Chris to refine advanced impression placement, density control, and natural hairline design.
Chris Herrera is internationally recognized as one of the industry’s top SMP master artists.
Karen trained under Chris to refine advanced impression placement, density control, and natural hairline design.
Seif Sidky – International Hairlines
Karen continued advancing her skills by training with Seif Sidky, one of the world’s most respected SMP master artists. His program helped refine her mastery of advanced hairline techniques and specialty SMP applications.
Karen continued advancing her skills by training with Seif Sidky, one of the world’s most respected SMP master artists.
His program helped refine her mastery of advanced hairline techniques and specialty SMP applications.
Today
With a unique combination of:
- Decorative arts training
- Permanent makeup experience
- Multiple SMP certifications
- Years of hands-on artistry
RON R. CUNNINGHAM
History
Ron Cunningham was born and raised in Gary, Indiana. At the age of 22, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. After leaving the Marine Corps, he owned an exotic animal business. He quickly became the local rehabilitator for all the wildlife in the area, and he worked hard to rescue cats and dogs that were roaming the streets.
For the last 20 years, he worked for CSX Railroad, as a Train Dispatcher, controlling hundreds of miles of track. A job that required incredible attention to detail, which he now transfers to his Scalp Micropigmentation work.
In 2017, an incredible opportunity came his way and he was offered an apprentice position in the field of Permanent Makeup. He took a bold step and moved to Jacksonville, Florida to start a new career. It was his work in the field of permanent makeup that awoke his passion for helping people.
After reading an article on the internet about how men were getting their heads tattooed for hair loss, Ron knew that was exactly what he wanted to do. He really enjoyed changing people’s lives and restoring their confidence. The transformation that occurs for both men and women in a matter of hours with SMP was inspiring and amazing.
SMP Training and Certification under 3 of the industries leaders
Training and a certification from Jonathan Gerow and Erik Roberto, “Gerow Hair Ink,” both of whom are considered the leading scalp micropigmentation practitioners in the world! Jonathan Gerow is the founder and master technician, of the world’s most successful scalp micropigmentation clinic in New York, who treats more clients than anyone else.
Ron also trained and received a 2nd certification from Chris Herrera, “The Art of SMP,” in Washington, DC. He is considered to be one of the best SMP international artists and trainers in the world.
Ron’s training did not stop there. His desire to find out as much as he could about different SMP techniques, led him to train, and get a 3rd certification with Bryce Cleveland, owner of one of the biggest Scalp Micropigmentation companies in the world, Scalp Aesthetics, aka SCALPA. Bryce has trained artists all over the world.
Jonathan Gerow and Eric Roberto, “Gerow Hair Ink”
Chris Herrera, “The Art of SMP”
Johnathan Gerow and Erik Roberto, "Gerow Hair Ink"
