Improving lives is Michelle Johnson’s business and passion. At her permanent cosmetics studio in Manahawkin, MJ Artistry, the whole menu of services is designed to make clients feel better about themselves. But two in particular – areola tattoos and paramedical scar camouflage – can restore a breast cancer survivor’s sense of wholeness and overall well-being and bring closure after a mastectomy.

In honor of Breast Cancer Month, Johnson reflected on the mostly deeply rewarding aspects of her profession and art form.

For 15 years Johnson has been a licensed cosmetologist – a title that encompasses esthetician, colorist and makeup…