Meet Gina Lee

We were lucky to catch up with Gina Lee recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Gina, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

My name is Gina Lee, and I am a medical tattooist, master trainer, and the founder of Elevate You Studio. With over seven years of experience in paramedical tattooing, my mission is to empower individuals by enhancing their confidence and helping them feel more comfortable in their skin. Through advanced tattoo techniques, I specialize in improving the appearance of scars and stretch marks, offering clients the opportunity to reclaim their self-esteem.

My path to discovering my purpose has not been without its struggles. As a single mother of two, I faced immense challenges while navigating a difficult divorce and custody battle. At times, supporting my children seemed insurmountable, and I questioned my direction in life. However, a pivotal moment came when I watched a video featuring a Canadian burn victim. She had used skin-tone ink to tattoo over her facial scar, transforming her pain into a powerful message of resilience and hope.

Her story ignited something within me, and I found myself inspired to enter the world of paramedical tattooing. Determined to prove that our past trauma does not have to define us, I set out on a mission to help others do the same. This journey has been transformative, both professionally and personally.

Throughout the years, I’ve encountered numerous obstacles, but one truth has consistently carried me through: purpose is the key to overcoming adversity. Having a clear and meaningful goal has been my guiding light, giving me the strength to persevere even during the most difficult moments. This unwavering sense of purpose has not only driven my success but also fueled my ongoing commitment to continuous learning and self-improvement.

Today, I am proud to have become not just a skilled tattooist but also a mentor to those who seek to pursue their own path in the paramedical tattooing field. My journey has taught me that when you align yourself with a meaningful purpose, you unlock the strength to overcome any obstacle and make a lasting impact on the lives of others.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Taking the leap into something new, whether it’s a career change or adding a new service to your beauty business, can be intimidating. The fear often stems from the unknown or a lack of information. However, with the right guidance and education, you can overcome that fear and step confidently into this exciting field.

At Elevate You Studio, we specialize in paramedical tattooing, an advanced form of permanent makeup that uses natural, flesh-tone pigments to restore and enhance the appearance of skin. This technique is designed to camouflage scars, stretch marks, and skin discolorations, offering both physical and emotional healing for those who have experienced trauma. It’s not just about aesthetics—it’s about empowering individuals to regain their confidence and feel whole again.

I offer both in-person and online paramedical tattooing training, providing flexible options for anyone interested in this transformative art form. Whether you prefer hands-on experience or need the flexibility of remote learning, my goal is to equip you with the skills and confidence needed to succeed. From foundational techniques to advanced applications, I guide students through every step, ensuring they are well-prepared to embark on their own journey in this impactful field.

At Elevate You Studio, we maximize the art of paramedical tattooing not only to restore skin but also to recreate the appearance of hair growth and body parts, such as fingernails and areolas. My mission is to empower individuals by providing transformative services that help them heal, both inside and out. With the right tools, knowledge, and support, you can confidently step into this field and make a meaningful impact.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back on my journey, I would say the three most impactful qualities that have shaped my success are resilience, positivity, and curiosity. These pillars have been crucial in overcoming challenges, staying motivated, and constantly evolving in my craft.

1. Resilience: There are inevitably tough moments in any journey, but resilience allows you to push through setbacks. In this field, there’s always something to learn, and the path is rarely linear. Being able to bounce back from challenges is key to continued growth.

2. Positivity: Maintaining a positive mindset has been essential for me, especially when faced with obstacles. It helps you stay focused on your goals, even when things don’t go as planned. A positive outlook also allows you to create a supportive environment, both for yourself and for your clients.

3. Curiosity: A willingness to continually learn is crucial in this field, particularly when it comes to evolving techniques and understanding the science underlying our work. Curiosity has driven me to constantly seek out new knowledge, whether it’s about skin science, tattoo techniques, or advancements in paramedical tattooing.

In terms of knowledge, two areas have been particularly important in my journey: skin science and tattoo technique. Understanding skin and how it reacts to tattoos is crucial in ensuring the work we do is both effective and safe. Mastering tattoo techniques, especially those used in paramedical tattooing, requires practice and meticulous attention to detail, as the work we do can have a profound impact on someone’s emotional and physical well-being.

For those early in their journey, my advice is straightforward: there is no shortcut to mastery. You must invest time in refining your hand technique and developing a diverse portfolio of case studies. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; each one is a learning opportunity. The more clients you work with, the better you’ll get, and your confidence will grow. Keep working diligently, stay curious, and don’t shy away from challenges. Every step you take, whether it’s a success or a mistake, moves you closer to mastery.

How would you describe your ideal client?

The ideal client for paramedical tattooing is someone who is ready to fully commit to the process of transforming scars or skin imperfections that have limited them in some way and is eager to experience the freedom that comes with this transformation. It’s important to understand that this is not a quick fix or a magic solution but a science-based, step-by-step approach that requires patience and dedication. The journey involves progress over time, and my clients must be willing to work closely with me throughout each stage. Whether it’s camouflaging scars, restoring the appearance of skin, or helping them regain confidence, this collaborative process is about achieving lasting results. My goal is to empower my clients, helping them feel more comfortable in their skin while offering support and guidance as we work together toward meaningful and transformative outcomes.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Roberto A. Garcia, El Matador Inc. Productions
Gina Lee
Trynh Photography

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