The CAN BE Innovation Center recently welcomed and held an official ribbon cutting ceremony for its newest tenant, Powder & Ink, a woman-owned permanent cosmetics and tattoo studio, on Friday, March 8th.
Hazleton native Roxie Rose Scalise, a seasoned professional in the permanent makeup industry, has been honing her skills for over four and a half years. With a background in traditional tattooing and a lifelong passion for makeup, she embarked on a journey to empower individuals to feel confident and beautiful in their skin.
Her venture into the world of permanent cosmetics was inspired by personal experiences. As a redhead with almost invisible eyebrows and eyelashes, Roxie used makeup to enhance her natural beauty and to feel more confident amongst her brown-eyed, brunette peers. At nineteen, she discovered the world of permanent cosmetics and got her eyebrows tattooed - an experience that was a transitional moment for Roxie.
“I remember how beautiful it made me feel and the confidence boost I got,” she said. “I have never regretted getting my eyebrows done, and I wanted to give people that same experience…to love the way they look.”
While the desire to tattoo and focus on permanent cosmetics was an early realized dream, the decision to start her own business came later. She credits her previous employer, Dr. Scott Boyle, for inspiring her to pursue this path.
“He told me that he believed I would make an amazing business owner and let me rent a studio space from him to start. He helped me so much along the way in giving me business advice and pushing me in the right direction.”
Eventually, she learned about the CAN BE Innovation Center through Ashely Evert, owner of Halogen Hair Co. in Hazle Township, who referred Roxie to CAN DO’s Director of Economic Development, Jocelyn Sterenchock – of whom she also credits as instrumental in starting her business.
Several factors led to her decision to bring Powder & Ink to the Innovation Center. “What really attracted me to the Innovation Center was the inclusive marketing and education features, the modern and clean building, as well as the ability to have a secured and safe building,” she said. She also noted the convenient location near major establishments and highways, making it accessible for clients from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton area.
Powder and Ink Permanent Cosmetics specializes in various services, with lip blush being Roxie's favorite. This particular service offers a subtle, contoured, and stained look, allowing clients to enjoy a ready-to-go appearance without needing lipstick.
Looking ahead, Powder and Ink Permanent Cosmetics aims to expand by training more permanent makeup artists and establishing a full studio. Roxie also aspires to acquire a teaching certification to offer online education for experienced permanent makeup artists.
For more information about Powder and Ink Permanent Cosmetics, please visit www.powderandink.com. For appointments and inquiries, clients can reach out via text at 570-926-3874 or direct message through the business’s social media accounts on Instagram and Facebook.
If you are interested in starting a business of your own or want to learn more about the Innovation Center, contact Nico Makuta at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit canbe.biz for more information.