Today we’d like to introduce you to Ari Collins.
Hi Ari, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I knew from a young age that I wanted to be in the medical field. I had aspirations of being a doctor. But life took a turn after high school and instead of going straight to college, I enrolled in a technical school and studied to become a Surgical Technologist in 1998. I started my first job as a Certified Surgical Tech in 2002, and within the first 3 months, I was quickly promoted to the role of Neurosurgery Assistant Coordinator. I spent almost 15 years of my career working at one of the top pediatric hospitals in the country in Denver, Colorado. I learned a lot from working there alongside some of the best mentors I could have ever had; it shaped who I am and where I am today. In 2010, I went back to school with the aspiration of becoming a Physician Assistant, so I enrolled in a Bachelor’s of Health Science program. I was a single mother at the time, so I was navigating a full-time job, health issues, parenting, and attending school online. PA programs aren’t cheap. I didn’t want more student loan debt packed onto my current loan amounts, so I chose another path and completed a Surgical Assistant program. I always loved surgery, so this decision made more sense. Becoming a board-certified SA allows me to act as the second surgeon on procedures in the operating room, which is part of a destiny fulfilled. I have been trained to assist in various types of surgical procedures in more than 10 different specialties. I enjoy what I do, but it is a very physical and mentally demanding job.
At some point along the way, I realized I wanted to do more. I always had an interest in entrepreneurship and wanted to be self-employed. It took a few years to determine what that path would look like. I became interested in medical tattooing because I had experience with Breast/Plastic surgery procedures. Upon doing a lot of research, I decided to pursue becoming a licensed body artist. I obtained certification in various types of permanent makeup procedures as well as some courses on the paramedical side, which includes 3D Areola Tattooing & Scar Camouflage.
As a woman of color, I rarely saw myself in my chosen professions, both in and out of the surgical setting. I know how important it is for women to not only be able to see themselves represented in any area, but also be able to find a provider who looks like them if that’s what they feel more comfortable with in their time of need. The permanent makeup industry is saturated with artists but paramedical tattooing is a game-changer for so many people. I consider myself a Restoration Artist, meaning I give people back what they lost after experiencing a traumatic event such as a breast cancer diagnosis and surgery…and that’s joy, and a feeling of wholeness. I am bridging the gap of cohesive care for all women, but especially women of color. My roles involve being part of their journey at both the beginning and the end. This mission is deeply personal to me, and helping others isn’t just my passion, it’s my purpose.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road. I have learned a lot in my first year as a business owner, it’s been expensive, stressful, and unpredictable. Obtaining grant money or funding for a small niche business is harder than it looks. There is a steep learning curve if you’ve never had any formal business training. In my niche field, the public heath department dictates where you can and cant do business which can be very limiting to business growth and expansion. I am the kind of specialist who should be able to have “Mobile” options to run my business. A lot of my clients are referral based, and some don’t live near my area. I would be a lot more profitable if I had to option to go visit these women at their current doctors office and perform their procedures there at their convenience. Some clients are not well enough to drive the distance or don’t have the money to fly to another state to see me. I’m just one of the few permanent makeup artists who comes from a board-certified surgical background. In any other hospital setting, I have clearance to operate on people on any given day doing a lot more than a permanent makeup would ever do, but the moment I switch over to my body artist role, I encounter unnecessary limitations. The problem is, the people who make the rules have no idea what’s really important when dealing with my type of business. The need is ACCESS for these women, and it would be easier to service more clients without the “Red Tape” or outdated boundaries. Sometimes a person is the exception to the rule. I’ve had to temporarily close my shop until I find a more afforadable location and that breaks my heart because money should never get in the way of serving others.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I can work with anyone. I have natural artist abilities and have always preferred making art in various 3D formats. Having this ability helps me when it comes to tattooing. I specialize in creating custom color blends for Areola Tattooing that look more natural. Yes darker skin tones can be a challenge, but it’s important to demonstrate that it can be done correctly and well. Some estheticians/artists chose not to work on darker skin tones because they don’t feel that they can deliver a good result. Regardless, it’s important to learn because women of color have the highest number of breast cancer diagnoses. We should be able to service anyone in our communities. I’m trying to be the change I want to see in the world in my own way.
I’m known for being supportive, outspoken, passionate and empathic.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
I competed in a father/daughter bowling tournament and we won.
Pricing:
- Single Side Areola Tattoo $375
- Bilateral Areola Tattoo $750
- Scar Camouflage – Price varies based on the size of area and location to be treated
- Areola Phone Consultation -Free 15 mins
- In Person Consultation -$40
Contact Info:
- Website: https://theintersectionpc.com
- Instagram: cosmedtattoo
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560667419138
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariana-ari-collins-sa-c-06954858/
