We were lucky to catch up with Vanessa Barendt recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Vanessa, thanks for joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

I have been a lash stylist for 15 years, starting when lashes were new to the beauty world. Over the last 15 years, I have done thousands of full sets and have a steady clientele, but it felt like there was something missing. After a plastic surgery procedure, I was seeking out a way to complete my journey and learned more about paramedical tattooing. Paramedical tattooing is a method of permanent tattoo that uses a pigment to place a customized ink color under the skin to camouflage a scar, concealing it and blending it with the skin color of the surrounding area. This procedure is still relatively new to the beauty world, but I loved the idea of helping women feel more beautiful in their own skin. Many women pursue plastic surgery to feel better about themselves and I have the opportunity to help them complete their journey.

While I was considering paramedical tattooing as a method of growing my menu of services, two of my clients were diagnosed with breast cancer. I’ve grown so close to many of my clients, and it broke my heart to hear of their diagnoses. I was determined to help them but didn’t know the right way. As I was researching paramedical tattooing, I also learned about areola restoration. Areola restoration is a method of tattooing a 3D areola for women who have had a single or double mastectomy to help them feel whole again as they finish their healing journey. Instantly, I knew this was something I wanted to do and would pursue. These clients truly touch my heart and I have learned so much about breast cancer and the struggles and how they have overcome their diagnoses. I consider myself blessed that I was presented with an opportunity to help my dear friends and clients.

After completing training on these tattooing methods, I have been fortunate enough to be a part of helping some of the women I love feel whole again. This isn’t purely about aesthetics, it’s about being a part of the healing journey and helping women love themselves again.

Vanessa, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

One of my first jobs out of Cosmetology school was working for a Dermatologist. I was with her for several years and learned a tremendous amount from her about skin, skin care, and business acumen. Even to this day, I consider her a great friend and mentor as I am pursuing other passions.

Having run my lash business successfully for 15 years with a background in skin care and a passion for paramedical tattooing and areola restoration has come together in a way that has felt right from day one. I am most proud of having found this recipe for growing my business while helping lift women and making them feel beautiful.

This was clear to me when I completed my first areola restoration. After I was complete, my client saw what she looked like and together we cried tears of joy. For her, it was that she knew her fight against breast cancer was complete and she now felt whole again. It was a truly humbling experience knowing that I could be a part of her journey. I knew in that moment this was my calling. This is what I was meant to do. Not many people are fortunate enough to be able to run a business doing what they love, but I knew that day that this was for me.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Undoubtedly the best source of clients in my career has been word of mouth. In the beauty world, your work is on display so when you do it well, people notice. I am blessed beyond measure to have clients that have become close friends. They have been the cause of any success I’ve had until now and I know each and every client that walks through the door on a personal level. That said, one area of focus for me is growing my social media presence, specifically Instagram. As I have added services to my menu it is important to me to broaden my reach and impact as many women as possible.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I would have to say when I first started lashing it was so new and everyone wanted lashes that I needed a bigger place to lash out of. I got with 4 other business partners and we opened a small lash studio.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.camouflagedskinandscar.com
• Instagram: @vanessacamouflaged