Gia Rose, a 40-year-old tattoo artist in West Chester, has endured hardships throughout the beginning of her life, but she didn’t let them stop her from opening one of the first woman-owned tattoo studios in the nation, reports staff from 6ABC.

She left home at the age of 16, hopping trains and living on a riverboat for years before she landed a tattooing apprenticeship in North Carolina. Later at the age of 31, she was diagnosed with cancer.

The artist was able to beat cancer and became a contestant on the reality show, Ink Master. Gia Rose was so popular that she returned for a spin-off of the show called Ink Master: Angels, which featured an all-female cast. Unfortunately, she suffered from complications from cancer and had to leave the show early.

She wanted to use her fame for good and opened White Oak Tattoo in West Chester.

Now, tattoo-seekers come from all around the globe to sneak a spot on her waiting list, which is normally booked out for 6 months or more.

Read more about Gia Rose at 6ABC.

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in September 2022.