From tattoo artists to physicians and aestheticians to entrepreneurs, New Look Laser College has certified numerous students from various backgrounds in laser tattoo removal. As the leading tattoo removal training program, New Look Laser College, Astanza’s training department, helps individuals gain a new skill, start their own businesses, and start a completely new career through its award-winning training and course material.
As exciting as starting your own business is, taking that first step is always harder than it seems. We spoke to Cassie Farkas, owner of Ink Eraser, about her New Look Laser College experience, how she overcame her fears of getting trained, and the tremendous success she’s achieved since. Keep reading to learn more about how New Look Laser College helped Farkas start her own laser business.
How did you find New Look Laser College, and why did you decide to get trained?
“I started to Google laser tattoo removal training, and New Look Laser College was one of the places that came up. After investing more time, I found that some other tattoo removal companies in the area had also gone there. So in searching, I decided that you guys were a really good place to go to. Good reviews and good experiences from other people – that’s why I chose New Look Laser College. Prior to that, I had a lot of time to think. There were moments when I was second-guessing myself and trying to talk myself out of it, you know, ‘Here’s every reason I shouldn’t do it,’ and just stay in my safe space. But then, with all the [COVID-19] shutdowns, I had a lot of time to think. The rep that I was connected with at the time was a really big support to me in this journey. He was never pushy with me and that really stood out. He was just supportive and would check in and see how I was doing. So I took a lot of time to think during the closures and decided to [get trained] on November 6, 2020.”
New Look Laser College is the first training program in the world devoted exclusively to laser tattoo removal. For over 15 years, we’ve helped countless students switch career paths, gain a new skill, and build successful businesses that help others. We’ve built a reputation for being the most practical and comprehensive course to help our students set up a new business or expand their existing practice with laser tattoo removal.
What were you doing before? Tell us about your background.
“I’ve had Ink Eraser open for a little over seven months now. My background is actually in cosmetology, but I got into doing and loving tattoo removal. I love tattoos. I would consider myself a tattoo enthusiast. I’ve been getting tattooed now for about 20 years, I would say. Whenever I was younger, I was just getting tattooed to get tattooed. So a lot of the tattoos I have now don’t necessarily suit me like they did 20 years ago. Whenever I first found out that tattoo removal was a thing, I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, that’s really cool. I need to get some of these tattoos removed’. But then I also thought from a business aspect; there’s got to be other people out there like me who have similar issues and want to get their tattoos removed. So that’s how I started to think about getting into [laser tattoo removal].”
New Look Laser College prepares individuals from all backgrounds, not just medical. In fact, our largest demographic of students are entrepreneurs looking to start a career. From cosmetologists, permanent makeup artists, laser techs, aestheticians, tattoo artists, nurse practitioners, and more, New Look Laser College has helped many enter the laser tattoo removal industry. The tattoo removal industry has a continuous demand as the ever-growing popularity of tattoos continues to rise, and with it, tattoo regret.
How was your experience at New Look Laser College?
“There was so much information. There’s so much that you think you know about laser tattoo removal that you really don’t know. The instructors were so smart and knowledgeable; really geniuses. The things that the instructor said during the training made me think, ‘Wow, he just knows so much.’ The technical educators were very patient. I am generally nervous in group settings outside of my comfort zone, but Jordan was so nice and helpful and patient. It’s scary to do something you’ve never done before, but I had the best experience and learned so much. The binder that we got during our training, I still refer to it to this day. There’s so much helpful info in it. Of course, you learn every day as you’re doing different tattoos and skin tones, but I took home so much knowledge from that course and really do still refer to my binder.”
New Look Laser College courses are held over two days and include course material that focuses on the safe, practical application of laser tattoo removal, in addition to hours of hands-on practice. For 15 years, our training clients have helped us create a 200+ slide presentation with in-depth information to set our students up for success. Our course material covers essential topics like laser physics, laser safety, patient intake, clinic operations, a complete overview of the procedure and industry, state regulations, marketing and business operations, and much more.
What was the journey after New Look Laser College and starting Ink Eraser?
“Even after the training, I was still like, ‘I don’t think I should do this. I should stay in my safe space’. But my husband really supported me to just go ahead and take the leap, [which led me] down the journey to get financed for my Duality and get ready to get set up and open. I finished the training on November 6, 2020, and got my laser on October 6, 2021. I didn’t officially open until November because I had a lot of loose ends to tie up, but Astanza had my back every step of the way. I’m somebody that has lots of questions and wants to understand the why. They had the best customer service and support that you could ever really ask for. A lot of places will say they have the best customer service, but it’s really shown in the actions. I couldn’t have been more supported throughout my journey, hands down.”
As the official training division of Astanza, New Look Laser College exclusively uses Astanza laser technology to train our students. That said, many of our students end up joining the Astanza family. We’re so lucky to walk alongside our clients’ journeys from their first steps as students to laser practitioners, all the way to profitable business owners. Our award-winning marketing and service teams use their unrivaled knowledge to guide each client with integrity and genuine customer service.
What is one tip you’d like to share with others who are on the fence about attending New Look Laser College and starting their own business?
“Do it, take the leap! You won’t regret it. I wish I would’ve done it sooner – that’s my biggest regret. It is scary to do something new, and it is scary to make an investment like I did with my laser. But I’m just so glad I did it, and Astanza has your back every step of the way and I can’t say it enough because it’s so true. If you’re on the fence, just take the leap. There were times when I didn’t think it would come full circle, but here I am, in business for myself. I started with maybe five clients who were friends of mine, and I now have 155 in less than a year.”
Cassie and Ink Eraser were recently featured in the local Tribune-Review newspaper. Check out the full article, “Second chance: Unwanted tattoos can be lasered off or covered up” by clicking here.
To schedule a free consultation with Ink Eraser, call (412) 522-1420, visit https://inkeraserpittsburgh.com/, or follow Cassie on Instagram and Facebook.
Are you interested in getting trained or starting your own laser tattoo removal business? Contact New Look Laser College or register for an upcoming course today! Want a sneak peek into the course? Be sure to check out our webinar, “What to Expect from Laser Tattoo Removal Training” to learn more.
