Restorative tattooing makes positive mark

A Sunderland-based entrepreneur has launched a specialist social enterprise using restorative tattooing to help people rebuild confidence following cancer, surgery and trauma.

Louise Stone established Pigments in Positivity after leaving her corporate career earlier this year, with support from the North East BIC.

Based in Sunderland’s Eagle Buildings, the venture provides realistic 3D areola and nipple tattooing, MCA scar revision and paramedical scar camouflage.

Its services are designed for people whose bodies have been changed by mastectomies, breast reductions, surgery, trauma and gender-affirming procedures, with treatments delivered in a private and inclusive environment.

Louise, pictured below, said: “These treatments can make such a difference to someone, but I appreciate that not everyone will be in a position to afford them.

“If somebody has been off work for a long period because of cancer treatment, surgery or another traumatic experience, they may not have the finances to access something that could genuinely help them feel better about themselves.

“That’s why I wanted to create a social enterprise. 

“If people can afford treatment, that’s great, but if they can’t, I want to be able to find ways to support them too.”

Louise established the business as a social enterprise to help ensure cost does not prevent people from accessing support, with treatments available on a sliding scale or free where funding allows.

She has already seen the impact of the service, including supporting a client following a double mastectomy who described receiving realistic areola tattoos as the final stage of her recovery journey.

Louise added: “Restorative tattooing is sometimes misunderstood as being purely cosmetic, but for many people it can represent closure, confidence and a sense of ownership after an experience where choices about their body may have been taken out of their hands.

“It’s amazing to be able to do something that can make that kind of difference to somebody.”

Pigments in Positivity was developed with support from the North East BIC through Wear Together, an initiative helping Sunderland residents and community groups establish and grow social enterprises and co-operatives.

The programme has also helped Louise build relationships with charities, healthcare professionals, other social enterprises and potential partners across the region.

Louise added: “I had this broad idea and knew I wanted to create something that could genuinely help people, but I really didn't know where to start when it came to setting up a community interest company.

“I went onto the BIC website, booked an appointment and my business adviser Anneline has been absolutely amazing ever since. 

“I genuinely couldn't have done it without her help.

“She has helped me identify potential funders, introduced me to referral partners and local voluntary-sector networks, as well as helping me shape a clear pilot project.

“Having an adviser who understands that I'm trying to build both a clinically responsible service and a sustainable social enterprise has made the whole process feel far less isolating and much more achievable.”

Anneline Dowell, social enterprise business adviser at the North East BIC, added: “Louise’s passion for helping people feel more confident and comfortable in their own bodies is clear to see. 

“She has identified a real need for these specialist services and is creating a social enterprise that has the potential to make a lasting difference to people across the region.

“It’s been fantastic to help Louise turn her idea into Pigments in Positivity and we look forward to following her journey as the organisation continues to grow.”

Wear Together forms part of Sunderland City Council’s Business Support Programme and is funded by the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority through its Integrated Settlement.

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