Tasmania’s first dedicated laser tattoo removal technician spent 10 years travelling the world, before putting down roots - and a one-of-a-kind business venture - back where it all began.

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Has Tassie always been home for you?

I was born and raised in Hobart, and studied Arts at UTAS. Like a lot of young adults who grow up here, I left Tassie soon after graduating to go and see the big wide world, and ended up spending 10 years travelling and working in the United States, Canada and Japan. I think I always knew that I’d come back to Tassie, though, and it was the only place I wanted to be when I felt like it was time to get a dog and settle down somewhere.

You founded Tasmania’s first and only dedicated laser tattoo removal studio in 2018. What got you interested in this line of work?

I started getting one of my own tattoos removed - a “tramp stamp” that I’d impulsively picked off the wall of a studio while on holiday in Queensland when I was 18 - in New South Wales, just before I moved home to Tassie. It can take a long time to have a tattoo completely removed, so I started looking into where I could keep the process moving along in Tasmania, and discovered that there weren’t a lot of options. Down here, there were some beauty clinics offering the service, but there were no dedicated studios, and it turned out to be cheaper to fly to and from Melbourne to get a tattoo removed.

I had a bit of a background in beauty, having worked at Sharkra Medi Spa & Laser Clinic while I was studying, and I started looking into getting qualified as a laser technician. There were plenty of hoops to jump through, including online courses and many hours of work experience, which I ended up completing in Sydney. I gained a probationary licence from Radiation Tasmania, and then went back to work at Sharka with a medical doctor for 12 months to progress to a full licence.

White Rabbit started as a rented room in a tattoo studio - I wanted to work with tattoo artists, to move away from that stigma that tattoos are bad. I just know that I’m not the only one who’s had a tattoo that’s a bit dodgy, or that doesn’t resonate with them anymore.

The end goal was always to have my own studio, and in early 2023, I opened White Rabbit Tattoo Removal in Brisbane Street, Hobart. It’s a beautiful, calm, welcoming space. We expanded to Launceston about a year later, operating out of Emporia Tattoo Studio.

Why do people typically come to you for tattoo removal?

My clients are a very mixed bag. Some come to me for those older tattoos like the first one I had removed - they got it when they were young, thinking it was the coolest thing ever, and now it’s not who they are. There’s also a group of people removing names, dates and matching tattoos from ex-partners or old friendships.

There’s another smaller percentage of clients who are “tattoo collectors”. They might still love the tattoo, but they need to make room on prime real estate for something new.

Can you tell us about the Fresh Start initiative that you recently introduced to the studio’s offering?

I keep in touch with a group of other tattoo removal specialists around Australia - it’s a great support network - including Amanda, the owner of LaserTat in Adelaide. Amanda started the Fresh Start Program a few years ago, to offer free or discounted tattoo removal to people facing significant barriers, including those tattooed against their will, those who have recently completed a prison sentence, and people with visible tattoos who are finding it difficult to secure employment. I had already worked with a few clients in these kinds of situations, and knew that it could be really tricky for them to find funding, so I wanted to be able to offer something that could help. I reached out to Amanda to understand how I could get involved, and now proudly offer the Fresh Start program here at White Rabbit.

What does a typical day in your life look like?

My partner usually makes me a coffee in the morning, then I’ll walk my Swiss Shepherd, and get ready for work. The work day starts with emails and other admin, and then it’s back-to-back clients, which might look like lots of short follow-up appointments, or longer consults with new clients to make sure they’re feeling comfortable, and that their skin is responding well to the treatment.

I play AFL for the Claremont Football Club, so I’ll sometimes go run around in the freezing cold for a few hours of footy training after work, before heading home to chill out with my partner, dog and cats.

What are three must-dos for every visitor to Lutruwita/Tasmania?

I wouldn’t recommend Mona to everyone, but for “my people”, it’s such a vibe. Especially in summer, I love to take the ferry out there, spend the day on a beanbag, and have some drinks in the sun. A wander around the museum itself is optional!

I also love the Tasman Peninsula. I’m a massive history nerd, so can happily spend a day wandering around Port Arthur or exploring Remarkable Cave.

And, while it’s a bit of a trek from Hobart, Cradle Mountain is a favourite winter spot, particularly if I can time my visit with a dumping of snow.

Where are your favourite local haunts for eats and drinks?

I spend way too much time at Grinners Dive Bar - it’s right across the road from the studio. I’m happy to say that they have the best spicy margarita in Tassie, along with great tacos, and a super chill vibe.

For a great pub feed, there’s a really good eggplant parmy at Moonah Hotel & Cellars. I’m a vegetarian and it’s often a struggle to find good pub food - this one is hands-down the best I’ve come across.

And for something a bit fancier or a special occasion, I love Restaurant MARIA.

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Q&A: Jorja Threlfall