Tara's Story

Tara Williamson is a 10-year Breast Cancer Survivor, Nurse, and Certified Areola Tattoo Artist. At the age of 39, Tara was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma. She had a lumpectomy followed by a bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction which included tissue expanders. Many appointments and "fill ups" later, Tara had her exchange surgery in December of 2012. Next came the nipple reconstruction and fat grafting in March of 2013. During her many appointments with her plastic surgeon, she inquired about consulting with an areola tattoo specialist, but her plastic surgeon had no one to refer her to. Tara had searched for that "expert" and was unable to find a specialist. Feeling helpless she had her areola tattoo's performed by a nurse who did the best that she could but it just wasn't what Tara thought all survivors deserved. Tara was offered three options;  bubble gum pink, chocolate brown, or nude. Feeling that these options were unacceptable for her as well as other survivors, she knew at that moment her life was about to change. 

She trained with the best teacher in the country and came back to NC to offer expert areola, 3D tattooing to all survivors. She vowed to give them exactly what they desire; whatever color or size they request, she would always provide a realistic appearance.

Tara knew that this was her calling. She knew she could take her medical knowledge, breast cancer experience, and intense tattoo training, and use it to come back and help other survivors complete their breast cancer journey. During the month of April in the year 2014, Tara founded Pink Ink Tattoo.

Tara is an activist for early detection and very active in the breast cancer community. 

Tara is honored to have been asked to speak at the 2016 and 2018 American Academy of Breast Care Professionals Mastectomy Summit in Dallas, Texas, and New Orleans, Louisiana.

Tara stated, "as long as I have a voice and a platform no matter how small or large I will use it to bring breast cancer awareness, to inform survivors they do have options after reconstruction and to encourage women and men to be their best advocate, to research; to follow their gut and to ask questions."