Free Nipple Tattoos For Breast Cancer Survivors In Cranford

CRANFORD, NJ - Cranford native and business owner Alison Mennor is using her skills to help breast cancer survivors feel better about their bodies by offering free nipple tattoos in her semi-private, appointment based studio, located in her childhood home.

"It is a extremely fulfilling to use tattooing to help people, especially women, feel better in their bodies," said Mennor, the owner of Lost & Found Tattoo Studio.

In order to perform areola restoration in New Jersey, Mennor completed an advanced course at the Beau Institute of Permanent Cosmetics, and then she pursued board certification from the American Academy of Micropigmentation. Mennor said she chose to incorporate areola restoration into her custom tattoo services because she saw what women were receiving from surgeons or nurses who were inexperienced in the art of tattoo.

"After mastectomy, the natural nipple is often completely removed. Areola restoration is the final step in reconstructive surgery after defeating breast cancer," Mennor said. "I learned about this procedure when I saw my friend Jessie Fora, sharing her work on instagram. She is also a tattooer who felt compelled to get certified to offer this service. And I had a few special clients who were breast cancer survivors."

Mennor said when she saw the work done by the medical professionals, she knew she could do better.

"We donate one procedure per week at Lost & Found. Since we opened, we've helped almost 50 women," she said. "The women who come to us for nipple tattoos often say that they 'feel complete.'"

Mennor's studio is located on North Ave W. in Cranford, one of the two places she called home as a child.

"I was so lucky to have two moms who raised me, so I grew up in both Cranford and Westfield," Mennor said. "My moms, Edie and Ping are both rock stars, in my eyes. I wish they were still around to see what we've built. My two moms have a lot to do with everything here. You can feel the love when you walk in."

Mennor went to Jefferson and Edison Jr. High in Westfield followed by Union Catholic High School.

"I went on to get a BFA in illustration from UARTS in Philadelphia," she said. "About nine years ago I returned, with my husband Pete, to the Cranford house, where I was raised by Edie. It's a hundred year old house, and it was falling into disrepair, so we focused on bringing it back up to it's potential, updating everything."

Mennor said that she decided to become a tattoo artist after her band, Fast Times, reached the end of their run.

"I also had to become caregiver to Edie, who raised me. I was able to apprentice under Steve Ferguson at the Ink Spot in Green Brook. He got a lot of tattoo artists started in their careers. Steve was very compassionate and worked with my schedule so I could care for my mom and learn the craft of tattooing as my schedule allowed," Mennor said. "After Edie passed away, I went on to work at Jinx Proof in Montclair, Seppuku in Bloomingdale, then my last residency was at Artisanal in Somerville. I spent over 10 years working in these shops, learning from each place and the people I worked alongside. I also travelled to a lot of professional development events for tattooers around the country and Europe. I just aggressively chased any learning opportunity. I still do."

While her professional journey as a tattoo artist is full of success, Mennor said her first experience as a tattoo recipient left much to be desired.

"My first tattoo was pretty terrible, and I got it at 16. I don't recommended doing that," Mennor said, noting that she only services 18 and older in her shop. "My first tattoo is covered up now. I didn't get tattooed again until I was 27. I covered it up with a full backpiece by Filip Leu. I went to Switzerland to be tattooed by Filip."

Mennor said that what drew her to tattoos was the community of artists.

"We collaborate and draw together and share knowledge, and travel around the world to work and learn from each other," she said.

When it comes to running the business, dealing with the clients and making art is the easy part. But as any business owner knows, Mennor said there are challenges.

"It was not easy figuring out how zoning works. Then jumping through all of the hoops was another crazy series of obstacles. We had to buy an elevator," she said. "We were told it couldn't be done by so many people around here. It was so frustrating. There was definitely many nights of ugly crying involved. But I just didn't give up on my vision of having my own tattoo business. It took me about three years to accomplish it. I got knocked down and around so many times, but I just kept getting up and coming back. Everything finally came together somehow, with the best possible outcome; on our own property. We are able to enjoy our house. I kind of have to pinch myself every day to check that my dream really came true."

In the end, Mennor said her vision was build a facility where client's would feel comfortable, as if they were visiting a friend, has become a reality. She also said offering the nipple tattoos free of charge is her way of giving back.

"I just want to give it as a gift. The support of our town and our regular tattoo clients make it all possible," she said. "It's a way to give back to the community that supports us to doing what they love right here, in our hometown of Cranford."

Mennor said that in order to get into the book to get the work done, an appointment must be made ahead of time by calling (848) 219-2579.

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