Born and raised in Germany, Tanja Gray grew up with a deep appreciation for beauty, artistry, and individuality. From an early age, she found herself drawn to the creativity and confidence that beauty can inspire. When she eventually moved to the United States, she carried with her a strong work ethic, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a desire for a career that offered both freedom and purpose.

Today, Tanja is the owner of Fringe Salon and Lash Bar  in Barre, VT, and the founder of PMU Academy at Fringe, the salon’s dedicated training division for lash, brow, and permanent makeup education. Tanja’s journey into beauty and later into teaching—was shaped by her desire for independence, creative expression, and the ability to build a life on her own terms. “I have never been a follower,” Tanja says. “I have always had my own ideas, and I wanted the freedom to schedule my life around my family, make my own decisions, and build something meaningful.”

 BEAUTY MEETS ARTISTRY

The beauty and wellness industry is a powerful combination of artistry and transformation. Tanja loves that every service—whether it is permanent makeup, lashes, brows, or skincare— gives clients a renewed sense of confidence and self-expression. “Beauty isn’t just about what we see in the mirror,” Tanja explains. “It is about how we feel when we walk out the door. Confidence changes everything. I am energized by an industry that is constantly evolving, offering endless opportunities to learn new techniques, adopt new technologies, and stay inspired.”

CONSTANTLY EVOLVING

Being current in the beauty industry requires constant evolution—and Tanja embraces the challenge. She continuously invests in advanced training, travels to learn from top educators, stays active in professional artistry groups, and studies global trends. “I’m a lifelong student,” Tanja says. “I am always learning—new techniques, updated standards, or better ways to support other beauty professionals.”

Over the past year, Tanja has also been learning to integrate AI, digital marketing, and beauty-business automation into her salon and academy—skills she is preparing to incorporate more deeply in the future.

“I’m not just teaching artists how to perform a service,” Tanja says. “I want them to understand how to grow, market themselves, and build a business they are proud of.”

GROWTH-CENTERED DEVELOPMENT

The future is focused, exciting, and centered on growth and development.“I am expanding PMU Academy at Fringe, creating a professional, structured, and supportive space for aspiring beauty professionals to begin—or elevate—their careers.”

 While she is new to training PMU artists, Tanja is far from a new educator. She has taught numerous professionals to perform lash extensions, lash lifts, and brow services over the years, earning praise for her clarity and confidence-building approach.

The main salon area for hair services features a large, spacious work area.

Recently, Tanja has completed her advanced permanent makeup (PMU) trainer certification, preparing her to offer comprehensive PMU education with integrity, safety, and artistic skill. “Teaching has always been one of my passions,” Tanja says. “Helping lash artists grow their skills felt natural, and expanding into PMU education became the next step once I completed the trainer certification.”

 Fringe Salon & Lash Bar is renowned for its welcoming atmosphere and exceptional customer service 

FROM ARTIST TO EDUCATOR

Tanja’s path into beauty began in Germany, where she admired the art, precision, and creativity behind the industry. “When I came to the United States, I knew I wanted a career that would allow me to express myself artistically while supporting my family with flexibility.” Her journey started behind the chair, but her passion for detail-oriented artistry led her into lash extensions, brow design, and PMU. She quickly fell in love with services that create subtle, confidence-boosting transformations.

The salon's clean and inviting space makes it a comfortable choice for those seeking quality hair care services tailored to individual needs. 

Over time, she discovered her gift for teaching. Her supportive teaching style, step-by-step instruction, and the ability to build confidence helped numerous lash artists succeed. Many have since built thriving businesses—something that brings her immense pride.

This success inspired her to expand into PMU education. After completing an extensive PMU trainer certification, she founded PMU Academy at Fringe—the education branch under Fringe Salon dedicated to offering high-quality lash, brow, and PMU training.

 “This industry has given me so much freedom,” she reflects. “Financially, creatively, and personally. Now I want other women to experience that same freedom.” With European roots, American drive, and a passion for artistry, Tanja is shaping the future of beauty education in Vermont— one confident professional at a time.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF FRINGE SALON & LASH BAR

Fringe Salon & Lash Bar 

PMU Academy at Fringe

355 US 302

Barre, VT

www.fringehairlashpmuvt.studio