Talk to us briefly about who you are and what you do. My name is June Belkovskis and I am the Founder of Pink Ink Australia Incorporated. I am a breast cancer survivor who was diagnosed in early 2020 and started chemotherapy the week Australia went into lockdown. Even though I suffer from chronic pain, lymphedema, a pitted armpit, radiation burns, cording in my tendons, nerve damage, numbness throughout my entire right-hand side as well as minimal eyelashes, less hair and patchy eyebrows, I consider myself "a lucky one.” The results for me are near perfection when compared to others who are left mutilated – with severe scarring, no nipples, damaged eyebrow hair follicles, damaged skin and much more. I can look at myself in the mirror, but for these survivors, their trauma continues every time they look at their reflection. The commonly used term by these survivors, about their reflection, is that "they look like a monster.”

When was your first exposure to tattoos? How did you feel about them? I have always thought that tattoos are done for very personal reasons. To honour, remember or to show off their personality. I had one done many years ago to honour my Native American heritage and my only son’s name. So, when I found out about nipple tattoos or camouflage tattoos, I could see how incredibly powerful these would be to those who have already lost a part of their anatomy and a sense of their femininity or masculinity. Events like the Australian Tattoo Expo play a crucial role in promoting inclusivity within the diverse realm of tattoo art. Participating in events like this is a commitment to fostering an environment where every story, form, and expression is not only welcomed but celebrated.

What inspired Pink Ink and when did it first come to be? I was inspired by a friend who lost her nipples through a double mastectomy. This impacted her life, her marriage and her self-confidence. When she became a single mother, she didn’t think would ever have another relationship. She had looked into tattoos after seven years without nipples. She decided to do it and saved her money to get the tattoos done. She had to delay the procedure a few times because of financial circumstances, but when she finally got it done. The CHANGE in her was profound – huge! She is now dating and enjoying life – not hiding herself away from the pleasure of being a beautiful desirable woman. I witnessed this transformation with my own two eyes, and I knew then that I didn't want money to be the obstacle for survivors being able to get these tattoos which can change their lives. It is an important part of a full physical and emotional recovery from breast cancer journey. So together with my volunteer board, we launched Pink Ink in October 2023.

Why are mastectomy tattoos so important to you? The breast cancer journey is different for everyone. The one thing we all have in common is that it is traumatic. Mastectomy is an amputation and not only is it a physical trauma, it is a mental and emotional trauma. For women, it takes away their femininity and sadly we know partners who choose to leave when the breasts are gone. For males who have mastectomy (or even just breast cancer), they won't even admit to having breast cancer due to the feminine connotations associated with it. It attacks their masculinity and self-esteem by having a “woman’s disease.” Once treatment is over, there is little post-treatment care for survivors left with the pain and scars from the battle they have endured. I have seen scars that would make you cry. To be able to cover those scars with a beautiful, individual work of art is a gift that money can buy – which we know can help anyone reclaim their body and become a new version of themselves as a beautiful and desirable human being.

What do you wish more people knew about breast cancer? The list is long. I could never be a nurse, because I would have to tell you the truth of what to expect. What you see in movies is nothing compared to the real thing. What I think is very important for people to know is that for those lucky to survive, their hair has grown back, and they have returned to “normal” life – the journey isn’t over. The after-effects from treatment are lifelong, but you can't see it. Medication that cripples you with bone pain, burns, painful scars, nerve damage and lymphedema are just some of the long-term issues we face every single day, as well as knowing that they can come back at any time.

Pink Ink will be exhibiting at The Tattoo Expo throughout the country. You can read more about the expo and find out when it'll be near you over here.