Today we’d like to introduce you to Debra Levy.
Hi Debra, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m Debra Levy, a New Jersey–based permanent makeup artist, paramedical tattoo specialist, and permanent jewelry artist. I’m board-certified through the American Academy of Micropigmentation (AAM Gold Program), a Professional Tattooist Member of the Alliance of Professional Tattooists and a member of North Jersey Chamber of Commerce.
My journey into this work is deeply personal. At 28, I faced a breast cancer scare that led to a lumpectomy, leaving me with a scar that reshaped how I viewed healing, identity, and confidence. That experience became the foundation of my mission: helping others feel comfortable and confident in their own skin.
Today, I hold 14 advanced certifications, including training in trauma-informed care. I work with individuals who have experienced mastectomies, weight-loss surgery, gender-affirming procedures, or scarring—always with a focus on safety, empathy, and natural-looking results.
I also offer permanent jewelry as a way for clients to celebrate meaningful moments and milestones.
Through Inked & Linked, I donate 10% of all proceeds to breast cancer research, a cause that remains close to my heart.
Above all, I’ve created a space where every client feels seen, supported, and respected.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, and honestly, I don’t think meaningful journeys ever are.
My breast cancer scare at 28 and the lumpectomy that followed changed me in ways I didn’t expect. Living with a scar affected not just how I looked, but how I felt in my own body. That experience forced me to confront confidence, identity, and healing on a much deeper level—and ultimately led me to this work.
Building a business in such a personal and trust-based field has also come with its challenges. There were moments of self-doubt, long hours, and a constant need to grow, learn, and prove myself. This isn’t just technical work—it requires emotional awareness, patience, and the ability to hold space for people during very vulnerable moments.
But every challenge has shaped how I show up today. It’s made me more empathetic, more intentional, and more committed to creating a space where people feel safe, seen, and truly comfortable in their own skin.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a permanent makeup artist specializing in paramedical tattooing. I’m known for creating natural, realistic results while providing a safe, supportive environment where clients feel truly seen and understood. Because of my own personal experience with scarring, I approach every service through a trauma-informed lens, combining technical precision with genuine empathy.
What sets me apart is the intention behind my work. This isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about healing, identity, and helping someone reconnect with themselves. I’ve invested in advanced education across the world to ensure I can offer the highest level of care, but just as importantly, I focus on how my clients feel throughout the entire process.
What I’m most proud of is the impact. Seeing someone look at themselves differently—more confident, more at peace, more like themselves again—is something I never take for granted. Creating that kind of transformation, both physically and emotionally, is the most meaningful part of what I do.
What’s next?
Looking ahead, I’m really excited to step into the role of educator. This year, I’m becoming a certified trainer so I can share my knowledge and help raise the standard of care in this industry. Because this work is so personal and impactful, I believe it’s essential that artists are properly trained—not just in technique, but in safety, empathy, and working with clients who have experienced trauma.
I’m also focused on continuing to grow my practice and reach more clients who can benefit from paramedical tattooing and confidence-restoring services.
Long term, I have a strong desire to give back on a larger scale. I hope to travel to underserved communities and provide paramedical tattooing for individuals—especially children—who are living with scars from cleft conditions, burns, or other life-altering experiences and may not have access to this type of care.
Ultimately, I want my work to extend beyond my studio—through education, service, and creating opportunities for healing wherever it’s needed most.
Pricing:
- For men and women breast cancer survivors, if they never had their areola(s) tattooed I do not charge for this service.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://inkedandlinkeddl.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/inkedandlinked.dl):
