We recently connected with Malorie Harris and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Malorie, thanks for joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I have always enjoyed spending my time doing some sort of art. Sitting in school was hard for me, except for art class. Time doesn’t exist if I am deep in the flow of art. I went to one semester of community college and quickly realized it wasn’t for me despite the 4.0 GPA I had 😜. I enrolled in cosmetology school knowing I needed to create with my hands in some way. I did hair and makeup for years and then transitioned to permanent makeup (tattooing) and quickly dove into paramedical tattooing. I now have finally found my true passion in the tattoo industry.

Malorie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a cosmetic and paramedical tattooing artist specializing in 3-D areola and nipple tattoos for breast cancer survivors. During my apprenticeship for cosmetic tattooing (microblading, ombre brows and lip blush), I had a dream one night I tattooed nipples for someone and the next day researched breast cancer survivors and what they did after reconstruction surgery. Soon after I booked a trip to Texas to learn how to do these tattoos from an incredible artist. I came home and created my own process to be able to design the most realistic looking nipples possible. I also began contacting plastic surgeons in the area to provide this service for those in need. It was a nerve wracking process to get started and build, but now I am thrilled to be at a place where plastic surgeons in AND out of Missouri are contacting me to be their designated tattoo artist for their patients post reconstruction. I’m so proud of myself for having the guts to walk into those doctor’s offices and for putting in the hours alone in my home (working on pig skin from a local meat market!) designing every little detail to recreate a body part that these women have lost. Along with helping women close this difficult chapter of their lives by “giving them back” their nipples, I also enjoy the creative process of enhancing brows and lips in a natural way to enhances facial features.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of my art is two fold. I remember a patient telling me she hadn’t looked in the mirror in 10 years (since she lost her breasts) and after I gave her 3D areola tattoos, she was looking in the mirror again. The reward of knowing I can provide that kind of self confidence again is huge, so from the patient’s sideI feel immense satisfaction. Also, from the artistic perspective, the actual in the moment process of doing these tattoos makes me giddy. As I see the nipple turn 3D, I start dancing inside! It’s such a satisfying service all around!

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Unfortunately, it’s very hard to market on social media given the picture content of my work and getting flagged for “nudity.” Visiting plastic surgeons’ offices was my best approach to getting the word out. Walking into that first doctor’s office had me panicking and sweating bullets. I thought, “this isn’t for me.” The marketing side has always been difficult for me;I just want to do the art. However, that’s just how business works, so I had to figure out a way to push through. I hired a local bakery to make cute little boob cookies that I delivered with my business cards and that made it a little more fun! However I still panicked a little inside every time I visited an office. Eventually I started seeing referrals coming through and then one day had a well known doctor slide into my dms asking to drop off cards! It was a huge confidence booster and now I can visit offices with more excitement and confidence!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://malorieharris.com
• Instagram: malorie_tattoos
• Facebook: Malorie Harris LLC