Absolute Perfection Permanent Make-Up by Mary
Owned and operated by Mary Bing

SBDC of Ohio Assists Unique Service

While working for a manufacturer in Columbus, Ohio, Mary Bing suffered an injury that prohibited her from returning to that type of work. She decided to use this turn of events as an opportunity to start her own business. She had experience as a licensed and certified make-up artist and wanted to expand upon these skills by becoming a micropigmentation technician. After she finished her training and received her certification, Mary established Absolute Perfection Permanent Make-Up by Mary.

Absolute Perfection specializes in micropigmentation, also known as cosmetic tattooing. Permanent make-up is a soft, natural pigment that is applied and permanently implanted into the skin to color, defining, and enhancing eyebrows, the eyelashes line and lips. In addition, they specialize in areola micropigmentation, which enhances the hue and provides a natural appearance for a breast that has undergone reconstruction. Eighteen months after Mary established Absolute Perfection, she needed to increase her business and knew she needed to develop a marketing plan but had no idea where to begin. So she contacted the SBDC at Columbus State Community College for assistance.

Mary began working with Business Advisor Nancy Stoll on a marketing plan. Nancy also connected Mary to two SBDC programs: Professional Resource Opportunity Service (PROS) and Women’s Network for Entrepreneurial Training (WNET). Mary recently participated in the Women’s EXPO and the FiftyPlus EXPO in Columbus. Having never been involved in this type of event, she contacted Nancy to provide her with the guidance and assistance she needed to make her EXPO participation a success. As a direct result of her involvement in the Exposes and follow-up efforts, Mary experienced a 20 percent increase in scheduled appointments.

Since 2001, Mary has seen the sales of Absolute Perfection increase between 40 - 50 percent each year. She attributes some of her success to Nancy and the SBDC.

“Nancy has led me through and helped me determine all the right directions to take for my business to grow and become even more profitable year after year,” Mary said.

Absolute Perfection is a strong company that continues to grow. Mary has used Nancy as a business advisor, mentor, and “first contact” in many business related concerns, and plans to continue.

”NOT using [the SBDC] is NOT an option,” Mary said. “The services provided are too valuable to me and my business.”