YORK, Pa. — It has been 85 days since Hurricane Helene struck North Carolina, leaving behind a path of devastation that’s still impacting communities today. While the physical damages are significant, the emotional and financial scars of the storm continue to take their toll.
In York, Pennsylvania, former Asheville business owner Jessica Bobrow is channeling her own experiences into healing art.
Bobrow started tattooing in York nearly six years ago. Over the years she moved between locations before opening her own shop, Ink and Arrow Cosmetic Tattoo Studio in 2021. Last year she decided to expand even further.
“My business was doing amazing here so I felt like that was the next move for me and my business, like I can take it somewhere,” Bobrow stated.
Just a year later, her plans were interrupted when Hurricane Helene struck, forcing her to close her business and make the difficult decision to return to Pennsylvania.
“It’s like restarting all over again,” Bobrow said with a sigh, reflecting on the abrupt halt of her business progress. The financial burden of the storm's aftermath left her grappling with uncertainty and loss, but she quickly discovered that her passion for tattooing could serve a greater purpose and help others heal in the process.
Now, Bobrow is not just creating art; she is transforming lives. In her new location at New York Wire Works she is offering paramedical tattoos, something Bobrow has trained for and been excited to offer to customers for years.
Paramedical tattoos can be used to disguise scars, and burns and even reconstruct areolas and nipples.
“This is like closing a chapter of something that has been really hard and just giving back that femininity,” Bobrow stated regarding the breast cancer survivors she has already worked with, the tattoos helping her customers heal from their scars—both visible and invisible.
Bobrow is still recovering from her own traumatic experience but says the hurricane gave her a new perspective on life.
“Any kind of obstacle, there’s a lesson that’s to be told,” she shared.
In this case, she added that helping others can be a source of comfort.
“I think there’s something to be said about just helping other people, it is healing,” Bobrow stated.
For those interested in Bobrow’s work or learning more about her healing art sessions, details can be found on her website.