A tattooist from Harleston has shown it is never too late to chase your dreams after opening a new shop to showcase her talent.
Magdalena Lewandowicz, who hails from Grudziądz in Poland, opened MK Fine Line Tattoos in Market Place at the start of the month.
It marked a special moment for the mother-of-two, who juggled family life and working two jobs – at Mark’s Cafe in the day and in a fish shop at night – with retraining as a tattoo artist.
The 32-year-old, who came to England in 2008 and lives in the town, said: “About two and a half years ago, I bought a tattoo machine and was trying it out on oranges and pig skin to see what I could do – it was a case of practising on anything that I could find.
“I feel really proud to have finally arrived at this point as I had to study really hard. Sometimes there were tears, but to make this career a reality is great.”
Miss Lewandowicz, who works in fine-line tattoos, which involve very precise outlines, said she has been inundated with bookings since opening and praised the incredible support she had received from family and friends.
“I had a mix of emotions just before the first day, being excited and nervous at the same time,” she admitted.
“But I am very positive about this as I know what I want to achieve and I love what I am doing.
“My five-year-old son and my 10-year-old daughter, as well as my partner, Paolo, have supported me so much, as have the Cartel and Inky Rose tattoo studios in town, which makes me so happy. I am sure we will support each other in the future.”
Looking back at making the decision to retrain, the new business owner said it was important to follow your dreams.
Miss Lewandowicz said: “I just want to tell people, who want to do something but think it is impossible, it isn’t – anything is possible if you want it.”
