As Hotels Want To Brand You, I Opt To Remove My Inky Mistake

The travel industry may still be hurting, but that hasn’t stopped the flow of those creative juices. Venice Beach’s Hotel Erwin has targeted the alterna-crowd (because they don’t have full-time jobs and can therefore afford to jet off at any moment?) by now offering a tattoo voucher when you book a night’s stay.

Coincidentally, I am of the opposite mindset of the Erwin and have opted to get my ink removed.

It’s been about an eternity since I began the process of erasing the mistake from my back in the hopes that I may someday flaunt a strapless dress without having to field questions about why the word ‘Me’ permanently resides on my body.

(Note: this was supposed to be my astrological sign, Virgo, but that didn’t work out so well.)

I have diligently endured laser removal sessions at Reflections Center in Livingston, NJ for the past several months, and they have been thorough and professional at explaining the process, and making the experience as comfortable as a laser to the back can be.

Unfortunately, patience is a virtue if you are looking to remove a tattoo. After 7 sessions, Me has yet to morph into a distant memory. However, I would still recommend Reflections if you’re set on ridding yourself of a tattoo.

For those who can’t swing a field trip to the Garden State, or don’t currently have the financial means for the procedure (they can cost upwards of $250 a session), a temporary option is to browse our concealers guide for a heavy-duty product that can camouflage any heart, star, or tribal symbol you’ve come to regret.