Creative Permanent Makeup By Pam Adds Salon Services & Suites!

Pam Edmonson says she loves coming to work every day. With each new customer, she finds the same joy and enthusiasm in perfecting her craft as a permanent makeup artist as, say, a young child grabbing a piece of paper and a fresh box of crayons.

She proudly scrolls through her phone, showing you the best of her previous work, turning barely visible eyebrows into the perfect complements for your eyes.

“I really do love what I do,’’ she says. “I’m passionate about this.”

While Pam’s passion is still eyebrows, she now offers a number of other services at her new location, off S.R. 54 in Suite 101 of the Brookfield Professional Park, west of Eiland Blvd., where Home Depot is located. Her Serenity Salon & Spa Suites also currently has three massage therapists, four hair stylists and two licensed aestheticians, as well as Edmonson’s Creative Permanent Makeup by Pam.

Pam has enough room in her new location to also offer space for rent for others who offer any number of salon services.

In the back corner of the suite, though, is where you’ll find Pam, in a meticulously clean room, ready to hopefully change yet another person’s life.

Raised in Tampa and currently living in Lake Bernadette in Zephyrhills, Pam has been a licensed cosmetologist in Florida since 2009. Formerly in the manufactured home business, she decided to make a career turn and studied to be a hair stylist. But, her eye quickly turned to permanent makeup.

In 2010, she studied permanent makeup at the Boca Ta-2 School for Permanent Makeup in Williston, FL, then began providing permanent makeup services in Zephyrhills in 2011, particularly for eyebrows. “Eyebrows completely frame the face,” Pam says. “They are so important.”

The Art Of Eyebrows

Having a set of eyebrows done by Pam takes about an hour and starts at $350, which includes a free touch-up after the first four weeks, to help deepen the color and make them more permanent. Once completed, clients sometimes don’t need to come back for a year or two, although everyone’s skin is different.


Pam encourages clients to set up an appointment for a free consultation.

And don’t worry, she says, she’ll be straight with you. Pam says she isn’t going to take on a client who wants her to do something she can’t, or something Pam doesn’t think should be done.

But, she says she is all about keeping her clients happy.

Recently, a 90-year-old woman visiting from Tallahassee made an appointment to see Pam. When she was finished, Pam says the woman left looking 20 years younger.

“I’m so passionate about what I do because of how people feel afterwards,’’ Pam says, adding, “I get so excited doing eyebrows, I sometimes forget to get their money when they leave.”

Pam treats clients of all ages, and eyebrows of all sorts, from those that need to be reconstructed to some — on blonde- and red-haired people in particular — that tend to fade from view. Young clients come in for the convenience of not having to draw in their own eyebrows, while older ones come in to fill in plucked-over patches or the highlight brows that have faded with age and exposure to the sun.

In May 2014, she attended a class called “Browmasters,” when a newer process called microblading was just beginning to take off. With microblading, Pam uses a small blade and ink to create each individual hair. Pam’s penchant for detail serves her well, as her steady hands help draw on an eyebrow which she then microblades, with each stroke adding a more natural look to the eyebrow.

“Microblading is a big thing right now,’’ says Pam, who is licensed through the Florida Department of Health for permanent makeup, which is under tattooing.


But, she says not all microbladers are created equal. Pam has run into a number of clients hoping she could repair a previous job done somewhere else that did not turn out well. She adds that sometimes she can’t help them, due to the amount of scar tissue.

Mostly, though, Pam finds a way. Her knowledge of color theory, or the way colors work together, and knowing how to apply the right amount in the right places comes in handy.

“You have to get the ink in that sweet part of the skin or it’s just not going to stay,’’ she says. “It’s just not.”

No set of eyebrows are exactly alike, which is another reason Pam freely admits that they are her favorite — despite the other services she offers — because it allows her the most creativity. “I have to remind myself that (eyebrows) are sisters, not twins,’’ Pam says. “You can’t (always) make two exactly alike, but I try my darndest.”

Pam also says that some people come to her for permanent eyeliner and although she does both, she often advocates for brows instead, because she believes eyebrows will have a greater impact on the way a person looks.

Before the permanent makeup application begins, Pam says she draws the shape with a pencil to be sure that the customer gets the shape they want and the right eyebrow color for their skin. If a customer has enough hair to see a pattern, she tries to follow that pattern so that it looks natural.

High Praise…

Pam is proud that she gets a lot of word-of-mouth referrals from happy customers, such as her recent clients, Lydia and Linda.

Lydia is a Pebble Creek resident who saw Pam’s ad in the Neighborhood News and decided to take advantage of the free consultation offer.

“I had been thinking about having my eyebrows done, so when I saw her ad, I called her,” Lydia says. “I am very happy with the results. It was not painful or even uncomfortable, and I am completely satisfied. It looks very natural.”

Linda, also a New Tampa resident, says, “I had wanted to get my eyebrows done for a long time,” but she couldn’t find someone who specialized in it. Then, she says she saw the ad for Pam’s services and went to her website to learn more. “She had a lot of pictures, and I got really excited,” Linda says. “I called her and went in for the free consultation, and she verified that I was a good candidate for the procedure. She answered all of my questions and explained exactly what was going to happen.”

Linda adds, “When it was time for the actual procedure, she took a lot of time leading up to it to prepare, especially in choosing the color. She was in no rush and took a lot of care (with me).”

Linda also says that once Pam started the actual procedure, it actually was very quick and painless. “It felt like she was applying makeup, and I would even say it was relaxing,” Linda explains. “It wasn’t at all like getting a tattoo. I have one of those — and that was painful!”

Linda says that Pam met all of her expectations, and that not only is Pam personable, but she also is extremely detail-oriented, talented and aware of exactly what Linda wanted from the first consultation.

“The before-and-after is a dramatic change,” Linda says. “It’s nice to be able to go outside without a full face of makeup and still feel comfortable. And, the microblade technique really looks like hair and not just a drawn line.”

Other Services

Pam also offers scalp therapy, a treatment for women who have thinning hair. She says that the scalp therapy doesn’t seem to work well on male pattern baldness — it’s more effective on thinning hair — but women tend to respond well to it.

She also offers microneedling, which improves the skin by producing a slight injury to the face with a tiny needle. The body naturally grows new collagen at the “injury” site, which plumps the skin in the treated area and produces cell turnover, reducing scarring, fine lines and wrinkles on the face.

“I love how people feel because of what I do (for them),” says Pam. “I’m excited to hear their stories and hear how happy they are. I’m very passionate about what I do.”

Pam Edmonson is available for free consultations and procedures by appointment. For more info, visit CreativePermanentMakeupByPam.com, or call 997-6302.

Gary’s Favorite Restaurants in New Tampa

Editor Gary Nager has picked his local food favorites in a number of different categories, and now, here are his overall top 25 choices in the New Tampa area. They list is broken up so you can click on each box to enlarge.



You Can Shop At Home For Great Flooring With Ronnie’s Carpets

Wesley Chapel resident Johnny Vandervlis of Ronnie’s Carpets in Lakeland will come to you with tons of samples to help you pick out the perfect flooring for your home.

If it’s time to replace or upgrade the flooring in your home, Johnny Vandervlis wants to come to you to help you with your project.

Johnny is a Wesley Chapel resident who is a sales and design consultant for Ronnie’s Carpets, which is located in Lakeland.

“Ronnie’s Carpets has been around for 45 years, in the same location, with the original owner,” explains Johnny. “There really is a ‘Ronnie’ in Ronnie’s Carpets.”

He says being backed by the largest retail flooring store in Polk County actually gives customers in Wesley Chapel an advantage.

“We are competitive in price, and we give a three-year warranty on installation,” says Johnny. “Most places only give one year. Plus, we’ve been around 45 years, so that warranty actually means something.”

Want an estimate on what new flooring would cost in your home? Johnny says there’s no need to trek out to Ronnie’s or any other flooring store, because he will come to you with lots and lots of samples and give you a free, no-obligation estimate.

“You call me and give me an idea of what you’re looking for,” says Johnny. “I set an appointment and come out to you. I bring samples and take all the measurements, and then give you an all-inclusive, bottom-line installed price.”

He says you won’t have to worry about extra charges for trim or transition pieces for laminate flooring, for example, or carpet padding. Sales tax on materials is included, as is all labor. Even the cost of moving large furniture pieces around is included.

Johnny says he’s been in the business for 25 years. He first heard of Ronnie’s Carpets when he moved to Dade City 13 years ago, before moving to Wesley Chapel four years ago.

“When I moved here and was setting up my house, so many people recommended Ronnie’s to me that when I went to look for a job, I went there,” he says. “I was impressed with the store, got lucky enough to get a job, and have been with Ronnie’s ever since.”

Design Help, Too

Johnny says most often, he works with homeowners who have been in their homes for several years, “when the carpet is starting to look nasty,” he says. “I like helping people work everything through, from ‘kind of’ having an idea of what they want to do to sharpening that idea and then making it a reality.”

While the idea of replacing the flooring in your home can be a bit daunting, Johnny is there to help his customers throughout the process.

“I have the knowledge of the products to walk you through what you need for your situation,” Johnny explains. “You might not have to spend as much money as you think, because there might be another option available that might save you money and be a better solution.”

He adds, “There are a lot of options on flooring that people might not know about. The flooring industry just blew up in terms of available options.”

For example, he says floating luxury vinyl is an option many people might be just hearing about for the first time.

“Vinyl is put together like laminate, but it’s waterproof,” he says. “It can look like wood or tile. Right now, there are a lot more wood choices, but vinyl is the fastest-growing segment in the industry, so every month we’re getting new product.”

Johnny says his many years of experience allow him to bring a seasoned and knowledgeable perspective to your project.

“I’m not a decorator, but I’ve been in this industry a long time,” he says. “I have an eye for color and nuance to help you figure out what will look best in your home.”

Johnny’s customers seem to like the fact that he’s willing to share his experience and opinion. “I’ll tell you if I think you’re going to do something you won’t be happy with,” he says, “I don’t want to see people spend good money on a mistake.”

Janet Epperson, a Realtor with Elite Brokers in Dade City, says that not only has she recommended Johnny to clients, but she also worked with him when her mother’s home needed new flooring.

It was easy, she says. “You can call him and he comes to your home,” explains Janet. “He has everything together, so you don’t have to go to the store. He’s a great listener and his customer service is excellent.”

She adds, “I think anyone who would work with him would be extremely happy.”

That’s what Johnny wants most. “I really like the idea of helping people make a change that’s going to make them happy,” he says.

While Ronnie’s Carpets is competitive on price, Johnny warns against shopping on price only.

“With the big box stores, for example, you buy the material, then who knows who they’ll send to do the work? You might get a good [installer], but you might not. If you’re shopping on price alone, unfortunately, you’ll probably get what you pay for. We handle everything from A to Z.”

While Ronnie’s Carpets is located in Polk County, the company routinely does jobs in Hillsborough, Pasco and Polk counties, including Wesley Chapel and New Tampa. Because of the company’s free shop-at-home service, there’s no need for customers to visit the store. If you do decide to visit, “It’s a bit of a ride,” says Johnny, “but it’s worth it.”

Ronnie’s Carpets is located at 12348 US Hwy 98 N. in Lakeland. To schedule your free in-home consultation, call Johnny at 312-6853. See the ad for Ronnie’s Carpets on page 24.

New Tampa Democrats Club Gets Started

Laura Blank

Laura Blank says that she thinks this is an exciting time for Democrats, and her desire to help get them get elected has led to starting the New Tampa Democrats Club, which meets on the fourth Monday of every month at different sites until it finds a permanent home.

The club held its first meeting Jan. 9 at the Brentwood Clubhouse in New Tampa and chose its seven board of directors (Blank was chosen as the group’s president).

On Feb. 16, the club members met to finalize by-laws and learn about precinct captains at the New Tampa Regional Library.

Blank describes her group as a grassroots movement. She said that despite the recent losses by Democrats in the General Election in November  — including Donald Trump’s presidential victory — she thinks the “Blue” party has been re-energized.

“A lot of us have become activists,’’ she says. “I never thought I’d become an activist at my age, but I guess that’s what I’ve become.”

Blank worked locally on both of Hillary Clinton’s presidential  campaigns. Because Clinton won all 15 precincts in New Tampa, The Hammocks resident felt that this area was fertile ground for a Democratic club.

“I realized we desperately needed a club in New Tampa, so we’ve worked really hard to get it started,’’ said Blank, who also said that between 20-30 people have attended each of the first three meetings.

The next meeting is scheduled for March 27 at the Brentwood Clubhouse at 8504 Sandpiper Ridge Rd.

For more information about the New Tampa Democrats Club, visit NewTampa Democrats.org, or email NewTampaDemocraticClub@gmail.com.

Gary’s Favorite Restaurants in Wesley Chapel

Editor Gary Nager has picked his local food favorites in a number of different categories, and now, here are his overall top 25 choices in the Wesley Chapel area. They list is broken up so you can click on each box to enlarge.