Rising Stars: Meet Erica Swafford of Central California

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Swafford

Hi Erica, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I found my way into medical pigmentation by complete chance, but looking back, I know it was meant to be. Life has put me through some incredibly difficult challenges that have shaped who I am and why I’m so committed to this work. I lost two of the most important people in my life—my Aunt Laura and my Nonna—to cancer, just 19 days apart. These were the people I called for every good and bad moment, my biggest supporters and cheerleaders, and suddenly they were gone. I was devastated and broken. Between losing them, we almost lost my two-month-old granddaughter. We couldn’t get answers for a long time, and it took multiple hospitals before we finally learned she had a mitochondrial mutation. Watching her fight, standing side-by-side with my son and my granddaughter’s mother to get her the help she needed, made me realize just how much I needed to fight for those I love. She’s our little miracle, and she reminded me to keep going. I’d been feeling unwell for a while, but I chalked it up to the exhaustion of being a mother of five, the emotional strain from everything we’d gone through with my granddaughter, and the weight of losing my aunt and my Nonna. I was just struggling to keep up with daily life. After a string of doctors who told me I was just depressed or stressed, I finally found one who dug a little deeper. A blood test revealed my white blood cell count was off the charts, and after several more rounds of testing, I was diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia. The news was overwhelming, and I didn’t want to scare my husband and kids, so I tried to manage my emotions on my own. I had to start lifelong oral treatment, and the side effects took a toll. I didn’t recognize myself in the mirror some days, and the exhaustion was all-consuming. But I kept going, knowing that I had to push forward, both for myself and for my family. A little while after that, my husband lost his job. It was another heavy blow, but we decided to go into business for ourselves, doing everything we could to provide for our family and create something meaningful. That meant long nights, setting up a bed in our office because we practically lived there, working side-by-side with my husband and three of our kids to turn our dream into a successful business. It took everything we had, but finally, we were able to step back from day-to-day operations. It was then that I had the chance to search for something that truly felt like my passion. I knew I wanted to help cancer patients or veterans. Becoming a therapist was on the table, and I’d even started taking some classes to work toward it. But I just didn’t feel capable of going through college again, of putting in the effort that college demands. That’s when I stumbled across the world of medical pigmentation. I’d seen things like scar and stretch mark camouflage and 3D areola tattoos, but I had no idea that someone like me could be trained to do it. It was the perfect blend of art and compassion, and it spoke to everything I’d been through. I knew in my heart that I could help others in a deeply meaningful way. I put a lot of effort into researching companies and trainers, and I did my first scar and stretch mark training in San Diego. I’d also been researching artists for 3D areola training, and when my trainer in San Diego recommended a trainer in Chicago, it turned out I’d already been looking into her. After a phone call with her, hearing her background, compassion, and dedication to her students, I knew that she was the person I wanted to train me. The first time I worked on a cancer survivor, going through the process with her from beginning to end, I knew this was the work I was meant to do. When I handed her the mirror, her whole demeanor shifted; the relief and confidence in her face was something I’ll never forget. I realized that there was nothing else in the world that could bring me that same sense of fulfillment. I’m not just adding pigment or covering up scars—I’m giving people a way to reclaim a piece of themselves, a way to feel whole again. It’s more than a service; it’s a mission. Today, I feel as though I’m honoring my Aunt Laura, my Nonna, and my own journey with chronic leukemia by doing work that matters. Each client is a reminder of the resilience we all have within us. This path has become my passion, my purpose, and I am so grateful to be able to make a difference.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Yes, there have been struggles along the way. Living with a chronic illness has required a constant balancing act, and I work incredibly hard not to let my health issues define me or hold me back. But the reality is that I’ve had to learn to listen to my body, pace myself, and know when enough is enough. Some days, that means setting limits and making sure I don’t overextend myself, especially when it comes to my energy and health.

The journey into medical pigmentation has also been a financial commitment, with all the trainings, certifications, and travel required. It’s been a self-funded endeavor, and every step has come with its own set of considerations and sacrifices. At the same time, my husband and I run a family business we started six and a half years ago, which brings its own responsibilities and demands. Balancing that business with my new career, along with my family and health, is challenging. But it’s worth it for the joy this work brings me and the impact it has on my clients.

Amid all of this, being present for my family remains my priority, especially for my youngest daughter, who’s only 11. I want to be there for her as much as possible, to support her and to make the most of the time we have together. It’s not always easy, but I find strength in knowing that I’m creating something meaningful—for myself, for my family, and for everyone I’m able to help along the way.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
What sets me apart in the medical pigmentation industry is my unwavering commitment to continuous learning and personal growth. I am dedicated to expanding my knowledge and understanding of the art and science behind my work, which is why I have multiple in personadvanced classes lined up, as well as online classes. I actively participate in weekly calls and mentorships, always striving to step outside of my comfort zone to improve my skills. I recognize that there are seasoned professionals in this field from whom I can learn invaluable insights, and I am eager to absorb their knowledge. Rather than viewing other artists as competition, I believe in fostering a supportive community where we can uplift one another. I will always cheer on my peers and offer assistance wherever possible, as I believe collaboration ultimately leads to a stronger industry for everyone.

What makes you happy?
What makes me truly happy is having the unwavering support and pride of my family. There’s something incredibly special about seeing my adult children, my 11-year-old daughter, my husband, and even my mom, dad, and siblings all proud of me—especially knowing the challenges I’ve faced to pursue this passion. Their pride and belief in what I’m doing mean the world to me.

It also brings me immense happiness when someone comes into my studio, often feeling tense and nervous about revealing what is usually their biggest insecurity. To be able to help them feel calm and at ease, to support them through this vulnerable experience, is incredibly fulfilling. I love being a part of their journey toward feeling more comfortable and confident in their own skin. Knowing I can provide that support for others and see their relief and joy by the end of their appointment is deeply rewarding.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://revivemedicaltattooing.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/revivemedtattoo

Image Credits
Anastasia Photography
Analyze Medical Pigmentation
Kat Davison Photography