Madison Young & Brenna Gosselin are on a mission to empower Breast Cancer Survivors
For many breast cancer survivors, remission is just the beginning of their journey—reclaiming their life and identity post-treatment is an ongoing process. Madison Young and Brenna Gosselin, tattoo artists from Windsor’s Lighthouse Studio, are helping survivors navigate this chapter through their artistry. Specializing in realistic areola tattooing, they provide an invaluable service for those seeking to restore their bodies and confidence after mastectomies.
Brenna’s passion for tattooing started in childhood with a deep appreciation for the arts. “Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve been drawing and painting,” she shares. Her path took a defining turn at 17 when she got her first tattoo. “I knew instantly that this was what I wanted to do.” After years of honing her craft, she secured an apprenticeship at 19 and launched her career as a professional tattoo artist.
Madison’s journey into tattooing came through an unexpected connection. “I was at an art market at the WFCU Centre when Brenna approached my booth,” she recalls. Recognizing Madison’s potential, Brenna introduced her to Lighthouse Studio. “It felt like fate—I’m forever grateful to Brenna.”
As they developed their skills, they discovered a growing need in the community. “After about a year and a half of tattooing, I started noticing many of my clients had been affected by breast cancer and asked if I could do areola tattoos,” Brenna explains. This led her to a year-long journey of research and specialized training to perfect the technique.
For Madison, whose focus is realism tattooing, the transition felt natural. “It makes perfect sense to use my colour realism skills for areola tattoos,” she says. “Creating hyper realistic textures requires a deep understanding of colour theory, which I love working with.”
For many survivors, areola tattooing is more than aesthetic—it’s healing. “The emotional and psychological impact is immense,” Brenna says. “For many, this is the final step in feeling like themselves again.” Madison echoes this: “Seeing someone look in the mirror and finally recognize what they’ve been missing is priceless. The confidence boost is incredible.”
The process itself is precise yet efficient. Each client begins with a consultation to discuss shape, colour, and placement. “The actual tattooing takes about 20 to 30 minutes per areola,” Brenna explains. A follow-up appointment ensures proper healing and satisfaction with the results.
As their initiative grows, Madison and Brenna hope to collaborate with local surgeons and organizations to spread awareness. “We want as many people as possible to know they have options here in Windsor,” Brenna emphasizes.
Their work extends beyond breast cancer survivors. “We want to help anyone who needs areola tattoos for confidence and comfort—whether for breast cancer recovery, gender affirmation, or purely cosmetic reasons,” Madison adds. “Our goal is to help people feel confident in their bodies.”
For those looking to support their mission, spreading the word is key. “You never know who might benefit from this service,” Brenna says. Social media shares, word-of-mouth recommendations, and community awareness can make a difference in connecting survivors with this invaluable resource.
Through their artistry, Madison and Brenna have become healers, supporters, and advocates for those who have undergone physical, medical, and emotional transformations. Their artistry and dedication give survivors a priceless gift: the chance to feel like themselves again.
