Student Spotlight: An interview with Donna Groom
This month, we're excited to shine a spotlight on one of our exceptional trainees, Donna Groom, who travelled from Portugal to train in Medical Micropigmentation with Finishing Touches. Her passion and dedication have propelled her to new heights in the field. Donna’s inspiring journey is a testament to her commitment and drive for excellence.
Join us as we discuss her experiences, uncover the keys to her success, and explore how her commitment and resilience is making an impact in the field of Medical Micropigmentation.
Can you please introduce yourself and your business?
Hi, my name is Donna Groom and I am a Medical Micropigmentation Practitioner. I am based in the Algarve, Portugal and work on a self-employed basis across the Algarve and Lisbon working in medical centres.
Tell us a little bit about your journey into micropigmentation?
I’ve been a beauty therapist for over 30 years working in London, then in Portugal 23 years ago.
My journey in Micropigmentation began when I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism 8 years ago. The hair from my eyebrows became sparse to non-existent, which can happen with this condition. It was upsetting and living in a hot country, no eyebrow pencil or powder couldn’t stand the heat and sweat so I enrolled myself on a course in microblading so I could find a more permanent solution and be able to offer this procedure to other clients with sparse or little eyebrow.
It was so rewarding helping others. From there I went back to the UK and learnt further cosmetic treatments.
What made you choose to travel to the UK to train with Finishing Touches?
During Covid, I finally had a bit more time to research courses and this is when I came across Finishing Touches.
I wanted to do what I’ve always been interested in which was 3D Areola. They came back to me and answered the billion questions I had. I was concerned because I couldn’t draw and thought I was crazy for trying something like this. On my first training day, I told Kelly I couldn’t draw and she asked me if I could draw a circle and I said yes. She said, "You’ll be fine then"!
Tell me about how your career has progressed since training.
After training in 3D Areola I was hooked and went back to Finishing Touches for the Scar Camouflage course about 8 months later. From there I started networking and getting in touch with surgeons. It was hard going and I wanted to give up as it was hard getting a response from anyone. I was using my Instagram page and showcasing work on there and then I finally got a breakthrough with a well-known surgeon who I’d pestered and probably irritated him into replying back to me! It was a great breakthrough and opened up a door in Lisbon
Which is your most popular treatment?
The most popular treatments I do are the Micropigmentation procedures. Particularly scar camouflage, eyebrows and eyeliner.
What is your favourite treatment and why?
My favourite treatment is scar camouflage. I never know what will walk through my door and I never seem to have a simple case. Ive had a few facelift scars that have opened up post surgery and they are the most interesting because these patients are devastated as it’s so visible and they can’t hide from it so to be able to help them and see an improvement is mind blowing.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in the industry?
The best advice I can offer in this industry is to get know to plastic surgeons. They will be the ones recommending their patients. Don’t give up, they are hard to get to, I think one surgeon I wanted to work with was about 5 months of messaging and calling, emailing, stalking, you name it but my partner always said to me until they say no, don’t stop trying!
Would you do anything differently in your career and if so what?
I wish I’d got into medical Micropigmentation earlier. I get so much enjoyment out of it that it’s my one regret of not training sooner.
Can you tell us what you love about your job?
The main thing I love about my job is simple, it’s helping patients and being part of their journey. Helping to improve their confidence, and self-esteem and just seeing their reaction when you camouflage something that’s affected their life for so long. It is a feeling you just can’t describe.
Wrapping up
We’d like to express our gratitude to Donna for taking the time to share her experience.
If you'd like to follow Donna, you can do so through her Instagram @donna_groom_medical-beauty
Are you leading a clinic that’s making a difference? We’d love to hear from you. Join our Student Spotlight Series, and let’s shine a spotlight on the impactful work you’re doing.
