For many years, our family has steadfastly served the community of Wiggins, Mississippi. The journey began at 544 North Magnolia Drive, where, originally, the Evans’ started as a humble music and small motor repair shop. My stepdad, Paul Rouse, originally rented this space from the Evans’ and transformed it into a dental office. He painstakingly remodeled and infused this space with love and dedication to his community by helping so many find their smile again. In serving as a dentist, he aimed not only to tend to oral health, but to boost confidence and well-being among those he served.

Now, as he dedicates only one day a week to his dental practice, I would like to honor his ethos of service and personal improvement by repurposing his space once more. We hope to establish a “tattoo parlor” at this location, using art to inspire and uplift individuals as my stepfather has. The word “tattoo” has received a bad reputation over the years and as I respect the modesty and core values that my community has, I will say, that I, as a tattoo artist, do not fit into the same category as most tattoo artists. 

I have a medical and art background. I studied at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College where I gained as much knowledge about art, the human body, and psychology that they had to offer. Later on I went to an academy out of Mobile, Alabama where I studied the art of restorative skin pigmentation. I am able to help a wide range of clients with all sorts of unique skin distortions. Burn victims, cancer survivors, people with alopecia, vitiligo, scars, stretch marks, and a wide variety of other conditions that can be fixed with the simple art of skin pigmentation i.e. tattooing. Yes, I can tattoo a butterfly but I can also tattoo 3D areolas on a woman that has survived breast cancer and has had to have a double mastectomy. I can’t think of a better gift to give someone, confidence. Whether it comes in the form of a small heart representing their lost loved one or giving a woman, that has undergone numerous traumatic surgeries, her femininity back. 

According to a Pew Research Center study, nearly 30% of Americans have at least one tattoo, indicating a high demand for such services. Additionally, tattoos often serve as a form of self-expression and personal transformation, echoing my stepfather's dedication to boosting individual confidence.

I ask the local authorities, departments, and the community of Wiggins, Mississippi to support my endeavor in turning 544 North Magnolia Drive into a hub of creativity and tasteful self-expression. Please endorse my petition and aid me in continuing a family tradition of service and personal uplift in a new form.