story and photo by Vickie Jenkins, Staff Writer
At 2000 E.15th Street, building 100, in Edmond, Oklahoma, clients stepping into Permanent Makeup by Lauren are immediately greeted by the warm smile and calming presence of Lauren Wade, CMM, LPN, CMA. As a specialist in permanent makeup and paramedical tattooing, Lauren brings a rare blend of clinical precision and artistic talent to every appointment. Yet, her journey to the world of aesthetics didn’t begin with beauty, it began at the bedside.
Born and raised in Oklahoma City, Lauren was known in the community as the neighborhood dependable babysitter. Even at a young age, she was drawn to helping those in need, forming strong, personal connections with others. “My dad and grandma worked as respiratory therapists in hospital their whole lives which definitely drove my interest in working in the medical field and helping to shape my future in nursing,” Lauren commented. After completing her education at Platt College and earning her CMA certification, she began working at Access Endocrinology in 2018. There, she developed a deep appreciation for patient care and the opportunity to play a hands-on role in improving lives.
Lauren also briefly worked at Oklahoma Pain Management, but like many healthcare workers, the challenges of 2020 shifted her path. “I chose to leave the medical field due to the likelihood of exposure to illnesses and not being able to see my dad while he was in ICU care, long term, leading up to his early passing from multiple genetic illnesses,” Lauren commented. Despite the setback, Lauren’s compassionate spirit found a new direction. In 2022, she began training in paramedical tattooing and permanent makeup, an artful way to help people reclaim their confidence and restore what they may have lost. A field that allowed her to share her clinical knowledge and her creative side. She began Permanent Makeup by Lauren. “My biggest challenge was maintaining a proper work/patient relationship. I love being involved and helping in any way I can, and converting over to running my own business where I can dictate my relationship with my client. I feel happy and more fulfilled. I can now spend as much time with my clients that I choose and can have a much more meaningful relationship with them.”
Today, Lauren combines artistry with empathy, bringing a nurse’s precision and a caregiver’s heart to every procedure. Whether she’s working with clients recovering from surgery, trauma or simply looking to enhance their appearance, her dedication is to the client. “I consider my strongest qualities to be empathy, compassion and attention to detail,” Lauren explains. “These traits have guided me throughout my nursing career and continue to shape how I care for my clients. Being able to restore a sense of normalcy and confidence to individuals affected by cancer, infections, births defects such as cleft palates, and other conditions is incredibly fulfilling. I take great pleasure in getting to know my clients personally, focusing on every detail to ensure their satisfaction. Whether I’m working in a clinical setting or performing permanent makeup, I always strive to make people feel seen, heard and supported.”
“The most rewarding aspect of my work is helping clients reclaim something they’ve lost, especially those who have undergone challenging medical procedures like mastectomies, skin graft blending and trauma related scar camouflage, can be truly life changing,” Lauren explained. “One of my goals is to make areola restoration and other paramedical tattooing services more accessible by working with insurance providers to help patients receive the care they deserve without financial barriers. Everyone deserves the chance to feel whole again.”
Outside of her professional life Lauren is passionate about empowering women through martial arts. She actively trains in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and she dedicates her time to leading women’s self-defense classes, creating a safe and supportive space for women to build confidence and strength in what is traditionally a male-dominated sport. On weekends, Lauren can often be found on the mats, either training, competing or mentoring others. Beyond martial arts, she enjoys spending time with her beloved animals; Her 17 year-old German Shepherd, Myla, two cats named William and Honey, and a fascinating collection of approximately 40 tarantulas keeps her life busy. Lauren finds fulfillment in the daily routines of caring for her animals, especially her spiders whose unique behaviors and needs have become a source of fascination. Her life is a blend of discipline, compassion, and resilience; a reflection of her commitment to both personal growth and the empowerment of others.
For more information about Permanent Makeup by Lauren visit https://pmubylauren.glossgenius.com
