INKED HEALING
When I was diagnosed with breast cancer and was told I would need a mastectomy, I never imagined the profound journey that lay ahead. What began as a medical necessity evolved into a transformative process of grief, healing, and self-discovery—one that found its expression in the art inked into my skin. My chest and back tattoo, created by the immensely talented Katie Mizuna, became the centerpiece of this journey, symbolizing not just survival but the reclamation of my identity and power.
From the moment I reached out to Katie, I knew she would play an integral role in my healing. Her artistry and intuitive understanding of the human spirit were evident during our first consultation. When she shared her initial designs, I felt an immediate connection. Her vision perfectly captured my story—an homage to my journey through loss and rebirth, a rite of passage, and an authentic expression of the woman I was becoming.
The tattoo process was far more than just creating beautiful artwork; it was deeply cathartic. During our initial three sessions in late 2023, Katie held space for me in a way that felt sacred. As the ink pierced my skin, it also unlocked the grief stored in my body—grief not only from the heartbreak of cancer, the loss of my breasts, an emotionally devastating end to a relationship but from 42 years of life, and even the weight of ancestral pain. It was the grief of silenced women, of constrained choices, and of existing under a patriarchal society. With each session, the tattoo gun became a tool of healing, and Katie’s presence, her questions, and her compassion allowed me to release layer after layer of that burden.
When I returned to Dark Water Ink nine months later for three sessions to complete the chest and back piece, the experience shifted. This time, I came not to grieve but to celebrate. These sessions, which coincided with my birthday, marked a turning point—a celebration of the woman I had become: a breastless, tattooed, unapologetic force of nature. Katie’s energy mirrored my intentions, and together we infused the tattoo process with joy, transformation, and connection.
The tattoo itself became a symbol of my rebirth. The design reflects strength, beauty, and authenticity—elements that Katie captured perfectly, honoring not just my body but my entire journey. On the final day, as she added the last strokes of ink, I cried tears of gratitude and joy. My healing felt complete.
Katie’s role extended far beyond being an artist. She was a healer, a friend, and a witness to my transformation. Her kindness and thoughtfulness were evident even after the sessions; when I went next door to celebrate my birthday with dinner, champagne and dessert, I discovered Katie and her husband had covered the tab. This simple act of generosity reflected the deep connection we’d forged throughout the tattoo process.
Today, I wear my chest and back tattoo as a badge of honor—a symbol of resilience, love, and freedom. I am no longer defined by societal expectations or my scars. I am a woman madly in love with myself and the life I live, embracing every moment with authenticity and gratitude.
To Katie Mizuna, my angel and artist, I owe more than words can express. Through her artistry and compassion, she helped me transform pain into power, grief into beauty, and loss into love.
But my tattoo journey with Katie is far from over. As I continue to grow and evolve, so too will the artwork that adorns my body. I look forward to collaborating with Katie on future projects, adding new layers of meaning and beauty to this living canvas that tells the story of my life, my healing, and my transformation.
This tattoo is more than ink on my skin; it’s a map of my transformation, a testament to my strength, and a celebration of the woman I’ve become—and am still becoming.
- DR KALLIE HARRISON, DACM, LAc, LMT, RN
