Words by Amanda McKinnon, Founder and Director of LaserTat
With everything happening in the world today, I feel that it's imperative to address some of the important values and principles that I have instilled to every element of my laser tattoo removal business.
There are many motivations for wanting to get laser tattoo removal and it can be a daunting and even an emotionally triggering process for some — this is why I am committed to providing a safe and comfortable space that is accessible to everyone. I am constantly educating not only myself, but also my team on these issues to ensure that everything we do at LaserTat maintains the highest level of consideration and respect for our clients and the wider community.
I firstly want to acknowledge that LaserTat employees will never judge anyone that comes through our doors. We understand that everybody has regrets, so we will never form an opinion about a tattoo or the circumstances as to how it got there in the first place. We simply look at each tattoo from a removal perspective only; understanding that all of us evolve and change.
Desiring to leave your past self behind you is far more common than you would think. Our clients come from all walks of life and circumstances: at LaserTat we have truly seen it all. Some clients avoid showing their legs or removing a t-shirt in front of others, and some can't swim at public beaches or swimming pools due to the fear of being judged by their tattoo. In extreme cases, there are clients who wear specific clothing around their children to cover up an offensive tattoo.
Having a tattoo on our bodies that we no longer like, or feel ashamed of, can make everyday life debilitating or remind us of a time that we would much rather forget. The heaviness that weighs down on people with unwanted tattoos often leads them to avoid considering the tattoo removal journey entirely — nobody should ever feel that way! I want to ensure anyone in this position that LaserTat is completely free of judgement. LaserTat is a safe space for every single person that comes through our doors: all consultations and treatments are strictly confidential, and we do not share any images or details unless we have been given permission to do so.
At LaserTat, the doors are open to everyone looking to leave the past behind them.
I feel it is important to also acknowledge that LaserTat does not discriminate against age, race, cultural backgrounds, beliefs, sexuality or mobility requirements. Our priority is to ensure the complete comfort and privacy of our clients and that everybody feels comfortable and respected within our walls, and in the hands of our laser technicians.
Along with recent conversations surrounding the Black Lives Matter movement, I have heard of tattoo studios around the world who have been offering free coverups for people with offensive, hate or racist tattoos. Since opening LaserTat back in 2012, I have removed several racist tattoos. Some of these clients were actually embarrassed to admit that they didn't even know what the tattoo meant at the time! Removing offensive tattoos give people a fresh start in life, and I believe that absolutely everybody is entitled to be able to move forward from their past.
We need to give everyone a chance and the opportunity to change and move forward with their lives. Tattoos are often an avenue of self-expression, but for those involved in gangs or hate groups in the past — or who have forcibly had a tattoo permanently put on their body against their will — it can be a very visible reminder of a time in their life that they would like to leave behind them.
LaserTat is in a position to help end discrimination and to support those who have the courage to leave their hateful mistakes behind; so we are now accepting applications for offensive and racist tattoos to be removed through our Fresh Start Program.
The Fresh Start Program offers free and subsidised tattoo removal to people arising from extreme circumstances who may not be able to access tattoo removal because of their financial position. It gives some of the most vulnerable people a new lease on life and allows them to finally heal the past.
Sometimes these discussions can be hard to have, but I believe that it's important to acknowledge the issues of diversity and discrimination within the laser tattoo removal industry to allow everyone to remove their tattoos no matter what the circumstances. I look forward to seeing you all soon, and if you haven't ever visited we also offer a no-obligation and confidential consultation. Please get in touch if you have any questions or concerns.
Thank you,
Amanda – LaserTat
0421132734
To learn more about LaserTat’s Fresh Start Program, click here.