Pam Winnie I came into this business from a different angle than do most technicians. I’ve worked as an artist since graduating from the Art Institute of Philadelphia. I started out in commercial art, designing logos, brochures, etc. After doing that for many years, I decided to concentrate more in the fine arts, doing portraits of people and pets, pastel paintings, landscapes and murals as well as architectural pen and inks. I was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction. While in recovery, it occurred to me that I could turn my artistic abilities in a new direction by learning how to tattoo natural and realistic looking nipples for other women like me. Ultimately, that is exactly what I did. It took some research, because I didn’t even know that technique had a name... much less where I could go to learn how to tattoo. Eventually, I came across the American Institute of Intradermal Cosmetics in Arlington, Texas and they pointed me in the right direction. I was fortunate enough to have some of the best Master Instructors possible. Not only did my studies concentrate on areola micropigmentation and restoration—an area very near and dear to my heart—but they also taught me the fine art of permanent makeup. So now, my attention to detail has brought me to working on the human canvas! My experience of going through breast cancer has given me a unique insight on what women deal with both physically and mentally. I know what it meant to me when I could finally look in the mirror and my scars were not the first things I noticed! My goal is to restore what cancer took away by providing a natural, three-dimensional look for that final stage of breast reconstruction. So, my artistic journey continues in a most unexpected and rewarding way; becoming intermingled with the journeys of the extraordinary women and men I’ve had the privilege to come to know. I feel truly blessed.