Today we’d like to introduce you to Tyffanie Rogers.
Hi Tyffanie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
In my childhood and early years I was really just a kid that was longing for stability, loved to be helpful, and loved as more “alternative” lifestyle. For as long as I can remember I was drawn to art, photography, tattoos, and music. I had a hard time finding my footing and didn’t have a lot of support. I loved all of these things but also found a huge love for science. I chose nursing school but quickly learned the harsh reality of the hospital setting wasn’t for me. I looked into tattoo removal before my own wedding and from then on – I was hooked. My then Fiance (now husband) who owned his own tattoo studio and I looked into how I could incorporate laser tattoo removal into tattooing and saw incredible potential for not only business expansion but the possibilities it could offer clients. At the time we were working all hours day and night and I was finishing school. We secured the financing for our first laser and had to jump through many Missouri laws at the time. Then, no tattoo studio or tattoo artist could perform laser removal. We were able to luckily lease the space that was open next to the tattoo studio and grow that way. Instead of growing the tattoo studio, we actually built another business. I started with tattoo removal which quickly grew into also offering laser hair removal, skin resurfacing, and other esthetic services. We expanded and had to move spaces. Now I have had the opportunity to not only grow my services but work along side other esthetic professionals for the past 11 years.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Absolutely not. We had to juggle strict guidelines and surprise to us laws about tattoo studios not being able to remove tattoos. Back then there wasn’t a clear definition and it wasn’t easy to access information. During that time I was struggling in my personal life with infertility, becoming foster parents, becoming pregnant, and remodeling and moving both of our businesses. It sounds cheesey but looking back every struggle put me exactly where I was meant to be. But it wasn’t an easy road and building a business and being a service provider and being a mother is never easy or smooth sailing. Every day is truly an adventure.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a Laser Esthetician in Joplin, Missouri. I offer Esthetic services but specialize in laser treatments. Specifically, laser tattoo removal. I have been specializing in laser tattoo removal for almost 11 years now. I’m most proud of the not for profit services of my business which removes brands from sex trafficking victims, racist or gang tattoos for free. I’ve been offering these services for free by partnering with local shelters and charities but am about to launch my own non profit that will hopefully grow and be able to serve more clients.
I love the beauty industry and it is incredible rewarding. At times though, it can be vain and a bit never ending. Offering these services to serve a greater purpose is truly the most rewarding work I have ever and could ever do. Watching clients morph into who they want to be and grow is truly incredible. Branding on sex trafficking victims is more common in this area than one might think and being able to remove something that was supposed to be a permanent reminder of so much trauma allows victims to truly take their lives and bodies back. Being able to offer these services to ex gang members or someone with tattoos that promote racism also allows people who have made huge mistakes be able to change and become the people they want to be.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
As a business owner you almost only operate on risks. Theres never a 100% outcome of anything for you but you have to make it happen or eat a humble pie and decide to close and move on. I decided to try to expand and open another location and although the numbers, help, and work prior to opening that enabled me to open was there, I quickly realized that wasn’t sustainable and closed within the first year. Not only was that during an incredible difficult time in my life but I also was responsible for paying off equipment that was 200,000 + even though my business wasn’t open. I worked endlessly and made it happen. It was a humbling experience but I truly learned so much about what I truly wanted for my business during that time.
Pricing:
- Laser tattoo and hair removal pricing is based on size of the tattoo and area being treated
- Pricing for facials and esthetic services begin at $90
- Laser peels $150
- Photofacials(IPL treatments) $250
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.blacklistlaserremoval.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blacklistlaserandcosmetics/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/@blacklistlaserandcosmetics/
