We had the good fortune of connecting with Tara Williamson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tara, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I founded Pink Ink Tattoo in 2014 after my own areola tattoo experience following Breast cancer and reconstruction. I knew survivors deserved the best, so I was on a mission to provide the best. I left my nursing career and founded my company so that I can be able to help my fellow survivors with realistic, natural appearing areola, 3D nipple tattoos. Helping to restore their confidence and feel whole again.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My mission is to spread the awareness about 3D nipple, Areola and scar camouflage tattooing and early detection while also focusing on being your best advocate. Reaching more women and men in need of this specialized service so that I can help them feel confident and whole again.

Finding My Gift Through My Breast Cancer Journey

39 was the age I was when they told me I had breast cancer. Surely, they had me confused with someone else. I had no family history, I couldn’t feel anything.

The biopsy results came in, positive. Immediately dread take over my body, I was in complete shock. It made no sense. My heart was beating out of chest. As a nurse, I grabbed every medical book I had, reading chapter after chapter, researching online and spending every second praying and talking with my family. The choice for my treatment was clear, bilateral mastectomy and if possible immediate reconstruction. I wanted these toxic breast off and I wanted to live, I wanted to be aggressive, to feel like I had some control of my body.

Months later my plastic surgeon talked to me about areola, 3D tattooing. A special artistic process for women who have lost their breast to cancer. We searched for months looking for an Expert artist sadly there was no one in my state. Giving up, I decided to have this procedure done by someone who did the best she could, just not what I thought we survivors deserved. She gave me three options, chocolate brown, bubble gum pink or nude, I almost fell out of the chair, are you kidding me this is my last hooray? Survivors deserve more! Survivors deserve the best. Therefore, I deserved the best.

That’s when my life changed.

Feeling my own pain, I made a decision. Formally trained as a nurse I traded one needle for another. When they handed me that tattoo pin, I knew this was my purpose, my gift, my answer to “why me”. God had a higher meaning for my life and I was ready to live it. April 2014 I founded Pink Ink Tattoo.

Pink Ink Tattoo is now Recognized Internationally and has now expanded services nationally. Now in 3 states, I travel to reach survivors who may not be able to reach me, working alongside many wonderful plastic surgeons. The power of survivorship starts within ourselves. I give back every chance I get and I give to other women hurting just like I did. Today, I have the opportunity to give survivors that finishing touch to the long, emotional journey of breast cancer, restoring their confidence and helping them feel whole again.

The most amazing thing throughout this journey I have learned is that your life can be far more important after a devastating life change, but it has to be up to you as to how that can be. I’m a nurse, a mom of 3 beautiful children, a wife, a kidney donor to my sister (yes, I donated my kidney along the way), a Certified 3D Areola tattoo artist and I even helped produce a television show featuring women cancer survivors. Most of all, I am a survivor. And today, I wouldn’t trade my life for any other road I could have chosen to travel. I am right where I belong.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
When I am in Texas I love to go to Fort Worth Staockyard! Great food, shows, shopping and fun horseback riding. Takes you back to days when things seemed to be a less complicated.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I give a huge Thank you to God for giving me this gift and my family and friends for their support, without any of this I would not be where I am today. A special thank you to My husband, George Williamson IV, my children, Amanda, Victoria & Alexander, my daughter in law, Caitlin Williamson. & my sweet granddaughter, Natalie

Website: https://pinkinktattoo.com/

Instagram: @pink_ink_tattoo

Linkedin: Tara Williamson

Twitter: @pinkinktattoo1

Facebook: Pink Ink Tattoo LLC

Yelp: Pink Ink Tattoo

Youtube: PINK INK TATTOO

Other: Digital Portfolio: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/376066931c.html

Image Credits
Pink Ink Tattoo LLC

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.