Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Merritt.
Hi Stephanie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Truthfully and thankfully, it just sort of happened! The topic of cosmetic tattooing came up in conversation with a tattoo artist I was going to at the time, and she mentioned an apprenticeship opportunity with a local cosmetic artist/ tattoo studio owner. We met shortly thereafter and hit it off right away! I continued training under her guidance for well over a year. Previously, I worked for over a decade in investments and knew I definitely wanted out of the industry. So, having this rare opportunity occur in the midst of searching for a way out was a real blessing that I’m super grateful for now and forever. I started working at a local tattoo shop and a medical spa to get started. It was really, really difficult for the first couple years, but thankfully I had an amazing support system that encouraged me every step of the way.
Now I’m working in an amazing, beautiful studio alongside incredibly talented, internationally renowned tattoo artists that have helped me continue to gain the skills I need to thrive in this industry! I’m beyond grateful that I somehow crossed paths with these folks and can truly appreciate them as my friends and colleagues.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It was, and sometimes still is, a difficult path! This is a career where learning literally never stops. The idea of tattooing faces is absolutely terrifying in the beginning! It’s really hard to get people to trust you, but even more when you’re a beginner. There’s always a huge fear of making a mistake, or even worse, multiple mistakes. There’s a fear of not meeting expectations. I had to learn to be confident, regardless of my experience. However, with gained experience, there is also gained confidence. It’s just like anything else, you just have to keep practicing! This is a very specialized market in the tattoo industry, so when you’re the only one in the studio doing it, there are a lot of learning curves that you just have to figure out by yourself sometimes. I’m fortunate that many of my colleagues specialize in realism, which often goes hand-in-hand with my specialty.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in cosmetic and paramedical tattooing! Many people look to eyebrow tattooing as a paramedical solution for eyebrow hair loss from cancer treatments, alopecia, thyroid conditions, etc. Lip tattooing brightens lip tones, can neutralize melanin-rich tones, and enhance and/or correct lip shape. It also sometimes can (but not always) increase collagen production. Many are simply interested for cosmetic purposes, so they don’t have to wear makeup or less makeup, in general. Some cosmetic clients are looking to feminize or masculinize their overall appearance.
As far as paramedical tattooing, I mostly specialize in Areola Restoration. Most of my Areola Restoration clients seek this due to mastectomies from breast cancer or transitioning. Some clients have lost their entire or partial Areola from poor healing of breast surgery and also sometimes, skin cancer.
On rare occasions, I have been able to camouflage vitiligo patches, and self-harm scars. There really are a lot of different reasons as to why people seek cosmetic and paramedical tattooing. It’s ALL rewarding honestly! It’s amazing and a real blessing to see all my clients elated with joy and to feel whole and beautiful. Unfortunately, I’ve quite a few clients express to me how poorly they’ve been treated by others, for a multitude of reasons. I really try the best I can to make people feel heard, treated with dignity and kindness.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
I loved going to the beaches in Alabama with my family as a kid! I’ve always been fascinated by the ocean and marine life. Plus, I’m a water sign, so maybe that’s why. I would spend all day pretending to be a mermaid, watching for birds, dolphins and sharks. Looking for sharks teeth, shells, sand dollars, and everything else that makes the ocean so intriguing buried treasure, fossils, starfish, hermit crabs, and all the magical things the sea has to offer.
Contact Info:
- Email: stephaniejadepmu@gmail.com
- Website: www.jpalfonsostudios.com
- Instagram: @stephaniejadepmu
- Facebook: Stephanie Jade Permanent Makeup
Image Credits
Stephanie Merritt
