TAMESIDE may be full of artistic talent, with a number of tattoo studios showing off their skill. But one is showing how it can benefit people by helping them overcome the stigma of scars.
The Correspondent’s Megan Bond meets one Ashton-under-Lyne artist who is going above and beyond to go Under the Ink.
CAPTIVATED by the selflessness, I knew I had to follow the story.
So, I took my microphones to the tattoo studio and captured the gripping stories of those having artwork done.
In January 2022, Symone Urbanek – owner of Ashton Ink, on Stamford Street Central – launched a unique initiative, a free monthly scar cover-up session for people in her community.
The response was overwhelming.
With so many people stepping forward for this life changing opportunity, Symone created a random draw to select one person each month.
Three years later, her mission continues.
As a journalist, I’ve covered many human stories, but this one stays with me.
In a world that often rushes past pain, Symone chooses to stop, listen and create something beautiful from it.
That is why I created the Under the Ink podcast, a tribute to Symone and the clients whose lives she has touched.
Each episode features heartfelt interviews with those selected for the scar cover-up program. Every story is unique.
Listeners hear about the tattoo designs, the emotions behind them and the experience of sitting in Symone’s chair.
Covering scars is not about erasing the past. It is about reclaiming power in the present. Through her work at Ashton Ink, Symone shows us that tattooing is more than decoration – it is therapy, transformation and storytelling.
She explained: “I wanted to find a way to help people in my community. Doing it through my work is the best way I can offer support—and I really get a lot out of it.
“It gives me a real boost of confidence in my skill, knowing I’m doing something artistic while also helping people.
“The feedback is amazing!”
Each episode of the podcast leaves me inspired Symone reflected on hearing her clients’ stories, adding: “One of the things that keeps me going is knowing how much this might mean to someone.
“Then hearing it in detail on the podcast – it’s more than I ever anticipated.
“We get to hear the full backstory of how they got to this point and the bravery it took to walk through the door.
“It’s absolutely amazing to listen back after the tattoo is done and hear what they have to say.”
Stay tuned as Megan continues to follow Symone’s journey, you can find all podcast episodes on Spotify.
Follow along on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/scars_under_the_ink/.
*YOU can also donate to help the cover-up program by clicking https://www.gofundme.com/f/ukxtfn-under-the-ink-podcast-fund.