Celebrating Women in Art: Nancy Abraham – Professional Tattoo Artis

The Playa Times: Where are you from?

Nancy: Merida, Yucatán.

What do you do in Playa?

I am a professional tattoo artist.

When did you know you were good at tattooing and was it that moment when you decided that it would be your profession?

The first time I tattooed on skin it was clear to me that this was my passion. Knowing that something I drew was going to be part of a person for all of his or her life and they will take it to the grave is very intimate and way more significant than a plain canvas that you hang on a wall.

What are your positive and negative experiences as a woman in Playa?

What I love about Playa is that it’s so eclectic, and this makes it a very open and tolerant community. It also gives you the freedom to be the person you want to be, because we are from everywhere. On the other side, I think the Mexican “machista” culture in general is what I dislike.

I hope that more women help nurture this town that is growing so fast. We can make a difference, each one of us in our own way. I have met so many empowered and lovely women here.”

Nancy Abraham

What are your hopes for the future for women in Playa?

I hope that more women help nurture this town that is growing so fast. We can make a difference, each one of us in our own way. It really inspires me to give my best and I feel blessed to be a part of this.

How will you support International Women’s Day?

I support women the way I can, doing tattoos to cover mastectomy scars. It is a very delicate process, with so much emotional transformation involved. I think it is important that women who have had a mastectomy know that they can recover a part of their femininity and confidence in their bodies that was taken from them, after all that they have gone through. Some tattoo lace, flowers or any other symbol can remind them of their beauty and victory. For me, all these women are heroes.

What has been your greatest achievement in this profession and what would you say was the ingredient to achieve it?

People trust me with their skin. I always give each person the time they deserve, so we have the best result possible. Also, it makes me really happy that my tattoos are recognized internationally and on the streets of Playa. They all have part of my heart in them.