It’s likely no surprise that Richmond takes the number three spot in the country when it comes to the number of tattoo shops per capita (14 .5 shops per 100,000 people). Just take a glance at any passerby and there’s a good chance you’ll spot a tattoo.
Linda Dunn of MediTatoo Services
For many, tattoos are a form of self- expression. They might convey a personal passion, pay homage to a loved one or simply emphasize a certain aesthetic.
For others, tattoos can be a form of restoration. Linda Dunn, a resident of the Museum District for 20 years, discovered permanent cosmetic tattooing in 2019 and began pursuing it as a way to continue her life’s work.
“I’ve been a nurse since 1996, but recently my experience had changed,” Dunn said. “I wasn’t working in a hospital any longer and was missing the patient contact, missing doing something where I knew I was making a difference in someone’s life.”
Paramedical tattoo services can be applied in a variety of instances, including correcting skin tone discoloration as a result of skin trauma, reducing the appearance of scars and providing realistic post-mastectomy tattoos.
“For people who have battled breast cancer, this kind of cosmetic tattooing is often the last piece of the puzzle,” said Dunn. “They’ve gone through so much for so long; they are coming to me victorious, and they are looking to move on.”
The process to become licensed for this specialized service is no small feat. Dunn has completed over 200 hours of training in order to obtain her Master Permanent Cosmetic Tattooer license, and she is now eager to start providing services to people who often feel these tattoos are the “completion of a long journey.”
Dunn plans to open a clinic in January 2020. To find out more, visit www.meditattooservices.com or call Linda at 804-306-9584.