Tara Dunsmore

My name is Tara Dunsmore, I am a 3 year Breast Cancer Survivor, Nurse, Mother of 3 beautiful children and a Certified Areola tattoo artist. At the age of 39, I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma. I had a lumpectomy followed by a bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction which included tissue expanders. Many appointments and “fill ups” later, I had her exchange surgery in December of 2012. Next came the nipple reconstruction and fat grafting in March of 2013. During my many appointments with my plastic surgeon, I inquired about consulting with an areola tattoo specialist, but my plastic surgeon had no one to refer me to. I had searched for that “expert” and was unable to find a specialist. 

I ended up having my areola tattoo’s performed by a nurse in the plastic surgeon’s office. This process consisted of picking a circle size and choosing a color between bubble gum pink, chocolate brown or nude. Feeling that these options were unacceptable for me as well as other survivors, I told my plastic surgeon I was going to train with the best in the country and come back to offer expert aerola, 3D tattooing to all survivors. I vowed to give them exactly what they desire; whatever color or size they request, I would always provide a realistic appearance. I trained intensely with the best and knew that this was my calling, my purpose, my question to “why me”. I knew I could take my medical knowledge, breast cancer experience and intense tattoo training, and use it to help other survivors complete their journey’s. 

During the month of April in the year 2014, I founded Pink Ink Tattoo LLC. I am an activist for early detection and supporter of breast cancer foundations. “Breast Cancer may have taken away my natural breast, but it didn’t take away my femininity, passion or strength as a woman.” Tara Dunsmore