Meet the AMA Team | Allure Microblading Academy
About AMA

Meet the AMA Team

The instructors, artists, and coordinators who make AMA — Allure Microblading Academy America's most trusted name in microblading and permanent makeup education.

Lily Thien — AMA Founder

Lily Thien

Founder · Master Microblading Instructor · Licensed Esthetician Instructor · SPCP Member

Lily founded AMA in 2015 with one mission: to set the standard for microblading and permanent makeup education in America. Her passion for the beauty industry began at a young age, working as an Esthetician and PMU Artist at her family's medical spa.

A certified Microblading Master and State of Texas licensed Esthetician Instructor, Lily holds a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Iowa and brings 20 years of SAP Management Consulting experience to how she runs AMA. To date, she has personally trained hundreds of microblading artists across the United States.

Credentials & Recognition

  • Founder & CEO, Allure Microblading Academy (since 2015)
  • State of Texas Licensed Esthetician Instructor
  • Certified Microblading Master
  • Member of the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals (SPCP)
  • B.S. Chemical Engineering — University of Iowa
  • Featured in US Business News, Women's Journal, US Insider & Medium
"

Microblading is pure art and requires a lot of practice to master it. I am a perfectionist and I don't like to see bad brows on someone's face.

— Lily Thien

Instructors, artists,
and the people behind the scenes

Every member of the AMA team is a working professional first — licensed, certified, and personally trained inside our academy.

Kristine Le
Kristine Le
AMA Microblading Instructor

Beauty industry professional since 1996 — began as a colorist at Toni & Guy Hairdressers in Houston before advancing to Technical Chemical Director and educator. Studied microblading with Lily Thien in 2017 and now focuses exclusively on lash extensions and microblading.

Jacqueline Sansone
Jacqueline Sansone
Microblading Instructor Assistant

Based in Johnstown, Colorado. Licensed Cosmetologist and Certified PMU Microblading Artist who owns Allure Beauty by Jacqueline. Joined AMA in February 2020 and went on to cosmetology school to expand her skillset as a hairstylist.

Yoli Cotray
Yoli Cotray
Microblading Instructor Assistant

NYC-based Makeup, Brow & Lash Lift Artist with 19+ years of beauty industry experience. Certified Microblading Artist by AMA, known for the kind of artistry her clients describe as a special je ne sais quoi.

Stephanie Castellanos
Stephanie Castellanos
Marketing & Business Administration

Born in Los Angeles, raised in Houston. Holds a BBA from Wayland Baptist University and an Executive Master of Hospitality Management from the University of Houston. Brings 8+ years of leadership experience to AMA's marketing and operations.

Dixy Larios
Dixy Larios
Administrative & Sales Coordinator

AMA student turned coordinator — Dixy completed her microblading certification in 2017 and has been the friendly first point of contact for our students ever since. "At AMA, you become a certified top microblading artist — but you also become family."

Sophia — AMA AI Student Concierge AI
Sophia
AI Student Concierge

Always-on, never asleep. Sophia is AMA's AI assistant — available 24/7 on the website chat to answer questions about programs, class dates, tuition, supplies, and careers. She's often the first AMA "team member" prospective students meet, and the fastest way to get an answer day or night.

We're Growing
Talented PMU artists, educators, and operators — we'd love to hear from you.
See Career Opportunities →
Our Founder in the Press
Featured nationally for shaping the future of permanent makeup education.

Train with the team that wrote the playbook.

Classes forming now in Houston with seats available. Spots fill fast — enroll today to secure your place.

View Class Schedule
Questions? Call (855) 225-5262
or text (832) 979-3920