Today, we’d like to introduce you to Sam Thomas.
Sam, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey to paramedical tattooing has been quite diverse and unexpected, but it’s led me to a place where I feel fulfilled and purposeful.
I’ve always had a passion for tattoos and working with my hands. From a young age, I knew I wanted to do something where I could be creative and make a meaningful impact on people’s lives. However, my path to paramedical tattooing took a few unexpected turns.
I pursued degrees in marine diving technology and mechanical engineering, which might seem unrelated to the world of tattoos at first glance. However, throughout my education and early career, I discovered that what I valued most was hands-on work and the opportunity to help others.
After working as an engineer for some time, I realized I didn’t want to be confined to a desk job. I wanted to utilize my skills in a more tangible and personal way. That’s when I started exploring other avenues where I could combine my passion for tattoos with my desire to make a difference.
Discovering paramedical tattooing was like finding the perfect fit for me. It allowed me to use my artistic abilities and technical skills to help people in a profoundly meaningful way. Whether camouflaging scars, restoring confidence after medical procedures, or providing support to those with skin conditions, every client I work with reminds me of why I chose this path.
Today, I feel incredibly fortunate to have found my calling in paramedical tattooing. It’s a field where I can express my creativity, work with my hands, and, most importantly, positively impact the lives of others. While my journey may have taken some unexpected twists and turns, I believe that each experience has led me to exactly where I’m meant to be.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Transitioning from being a W-2 worker to owning my own business has definitely been a journey filled with challenges, but each one has been a valuable learning experience. One of the biggest struggles has been the shift in mindset from employee to entrepreneur. As an employee, I was used to having a structured workday and receiving a steady paycheck.
However, as a business owner, I had to adapt to the uncertainty of entrepreneurship, including managing cash flow, finding clients, and wearing multiple hats to run the business effectively, which is a daily challenge. Despite these struggles, I wouldn’t trade the journey for anything else.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us a bit more about your business.
My business specializes in paramedical tattooing, focusing specifically on camouflage tattooing and inkless tattoos for scars and stretch marks.
Having personally experienced the challenges of stretch marks and scars, I deeply understand the emotional toll it can take. I’ve undergone treatments for my stretch marks and scars, giving me firsthand experience that I can empathize with my patients. This personal journey fuels my passion for helping others feel comfortable and confident in their skin. It’s what drives me to continuously master the art of paramedical tattooing and refine techniques to ensure the best possible outcomes for my clients.
Scar and stretch mark camouflage is a tattoo technique using custom blended skin tone pigments to blend scars and stretch marks more seamlessly with your natural skin tone. This treatment is best for covering flat white scars and stretch marks. Burns, vitiligo, and other skin-related conditions. It requires little to no downtime but can take 4-12 weeks to heal. To use this method, a scar or stretch mark needs to be 12 months or older.
Inkless uses the combination of a tattoo machine and NUE Conceals medical-grade serums to improve the texture and appearance of scars and stretch marks. It is an increasingly popular technique due to its effectiveness in naturally repairing the skin by encouraging the production of collagen, elastin, and pigmentation. Inkless is a wonderful choice for scars and stretch marks with texture, a shade of red or dark, raised (hypertrophic, non-keloid), or deep (atrophic scar). No pigment or color is used with this treatment. It requires little to no downtime but can take 4-12 weeks to heal. For this method, stretch marks need to be at least three months old, and scars must be at least six months old.
Some frequently asked questions are:
Will it hurt? While pain perception varies from person to person and is usually described as a 4/10. The last person I worked on said her infant’s scratches/pinches hurt more. Do you use numbing cream? I usually don’t need to use any numbing agent and prefer not to use it since I am working on damaged skin, and it can interfere with the skin’s natural reactions I look for while doing the procedure.
How many visits does it usually take to get results? This is specific to each client, and there are usually no more than four visits for either procedure. For camouflage, it is typically 1-2 visits, while inkless is typically 2-3.
Do you have any advice for those just starting?
The best advice I feel I could give someone wanting to join the paramedical tattoo world would be to research different training programs. Don’t choose the cheapest or the closest just because of the ease and affordability.
The best way to do that, I think, is by talking to trainers or people working in the industry. Also, check out the trainer’s work as well as their reviews from past students and clients. Choosing the best program for what you’re looking for with a trainer you mesh well with will really help you start out on the right foot.
Contact Info:
- Website: sammyselketpmu.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/sammyselket_pmu
Image Credits
NUE Conceal
