Why Training Isn’t Just a Side Hustle—It’s a Leadership Role

VALERIE KRUEGER • February 26, 2026

Training isn’t a quick add-on. It’s a leadership commitment. Learn how MPE® helps PMU and SMP educators step into their role as trusted mentors and industry leaders.

Why Training Isn’t Just a Side Hustle—It’s a Leadership Role

It’s easy to look at training as just another income stream—a way to diversify services or “fill the gaps” during slower seasons. But if you’ve ever stood in front of a group of students, fielded their questions, or guided them through real client procedures, then you already know:


Training isn’t a side hustle. It’s leadership in its highest form.

At Micropigmentation Educators® (MPE), we help PMU, SMP, and restorative tattoo educators shift from solo artists to respected mentors—with the structure, support, and systems that allow them to lead with purpose.

Because your influence as a trainer reaches far beyond the classroom.


The Impact of an Educator

Students don’t just come to you for technique. They come to you for guidance, reassurance, and inspiration. They’re trusting you with their time, their money, and their future.

And whether you realize it or not, every answer you give… every critique you offer… every standard you set or ignore—shapes how they will practice for years to come.

This isn’t a role to take lightly. It’s one that requires:

  • A commitment to accurate, structured information

  • The emotional intelligence to guide new learners

  • A clear understanding of adult education principles

  • Professionalism in how your program is delivered and managed

  • A bigger-picture mindset about the future of this industry

These are the hallmarks of leadership. Not side income.


MPE® Helps You Lead With Confidence

We know many educators were never taught how to teach—they simply figured it out on their own. And while that’s admirable, it’s also unsustainable. Leadership without support often leads to burnout, imposter syndrome, or inconsistent student results.

That’s why MPE® offers:

  • A full curriculum rooted in adult learning theory

  • Ready-to-use quizzes, rubrics, intake forms, and lesson plans

  • A professional presentation that reflects your authority

  • A national trainer directory to boost your visibility

  • A private community of like-minded educators to grow with

  • Access to our exclusive Trainer’s Masterclass—a structured development course to help you refine your teaching methods, student evaluation strategies, and educational impact

Whether you're just beginning to teach or refining a years-old program, the Masterclass gives you the foundation to lead with integrity, clarity, and confidence.

We help you move from overwhelmed to organized—from winging it to winning.


Your Students Deserve a Leader, Not a Lecturer

Students don’t need someone who simply shares what they know. They need someone who can lead them through a process, hold them accountable, and model professionalism.

When you show up as a true educator—not just a technician who teaches—you create ripple effects of excellence. Your students go on to treat clients ethically, represent the industry well, and maybe even become educators themselves.

That’s how leadership multiplies.


This Industry Needs More Real Leaders

Let’s be real. There are plenty of classes out there—but not nearly enough educators willing to hold the standard.

We’re not here to shame those who are still learning. We’re here to support the ones who are ready to lead.

And if you’ve read this far, chances are… that’s you.


You didn’t start training to play small.
You’re here to elevate others—and lead with integrity.

Let MPE® give you the tools, structure, and support to step into your full potential as an educator.


👉Learn More About MPE® Trainer Standards



Confident permanent makeup trainer
By VALERIE KRUEGER February 26, 2026
Curious what today’s students are looking for in PMU and SMP training? Learn how MPE® helps trainers deliver the clarity, structure, and value students crave.
An SMP practitioner is tattooing scalp pigmentation on a client as part of his training course
By VALERIE KRUEGER February 23, 2026
In a fast-paced PMU and SMP industry, strong fundamentals are more important than ever. Here’s how MPE® helps trainers teach for long-term success.
MPE®'s online courses, textbooks, and training tools
By VALERIE KRUEGER February 18, 2026
Your curriculum should reflect more than just content—it should reflect your standards. Discover how MPE® helps trainers teach with purpose and integrity.
Student reading the text book entitled
By VALERIE KRUEGER February 12, 2026
When educators lead with integrity, students succeed. Discover how MPE® helps trainers create a positive ripple effect across the PMU and SMP industry.
Woman sitting on floor, drinking from mug while using laptop.
By VALERIE KRUEGER November 3, 2025
You’ve been watching MPE® for months (or longer), but haven’t taken the next step. Here’s how to know when it’s time—and what’s waiting for you when you finally do.
Two women in a waiting room, each holding papers. One wears glasses and a pink shirt. The other wears a black top.
By VALERIE KRUEGER October 30, 2025
If You Already Have a Program, Do You Really Need MPE?
Woman in tan blazer, glasses, and red hat, arms crossed, in a well-lit salon.
By VALERIE KRUEGER October 27, 2025
You’re Waiting for the Right Time to Teach Students—But What If It’s Right Now?
Tattoo artist's gloved hand dips a needle into a dab of white ink on a dark surface.
By VALERIE KRUEGER October 24, 2025
Think your PMU or SMP course is solid? Before you build on a shaky foundation, here are the critical questions every trainer should ask—and what your students might not be telling you.
Man with sleeve tattoos, gesturing with hands. White shirt, black pants, belt, checkered floor.
By VALERIE KRUEGER October 21, 2025
Trying to write your own PMU or SMP curriculum from scratch? Here's why going it alone is costing you time, energy, and real opportunity—and how MPE® helps you step into your zone of genius while still delivering excellence.
Woman and man in profile, faces in partial shadow against a black background.
By VALERIE KRUEGER October 18, 2025
Even experienced PMU and SMP trainers can fall into patterns that leave students underprepared. Learn how MPE® helps you strengthen your curriculum and empower your students to become confident, independent artists.
Show More