167. [Replay] STEP INTO THE FRAY: Jessica: Erasing the Past, Restoring Identity | Tattoos, Trafficking & Triumph

🔥 From Survivor to National Advocate—How Ink Became a Weapon for Healing
Fire Forged Leader Podcast | Hosted by Steve Baumgartner

How do you help someone reclaim their identity after exploitation?

You remove the marks of their past.

In this episode, Jessica, a nationally recognized survivor leader and founder of a nationwide network of tattoo artists and removal specialists, shares her mission to help survivors of trafficking, addiction, gang violence, and self-harm remove or transform the tattoos that once defined them.

💥 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

✅ How Jessica built a national movement around tattoo cover-ups and removals for survivors
✅ The history and iconography of human trafficking tattoos
✅ Her role as a peer support counselor and art therapy provider
✅ How she serves as an expert witness in trafficking cases
✅ The importance of lived experience in advocacy and criminal justice reform
✅ What it means to use art as a tool of transformation, healing, and empowerment

“These tattoos once marked them as property. Now, we help mark them with purpose.” – Jessica

Jessica’s work is not just art—it’s activism. It’s healing. It’s redemption.

🏆 Awards & Recognition:

• 2019 & 2020 Atlanta Non-Profit of the Year
• 2021 Georgia Trend’s Top 40 Under 40
• 2022 Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Leading Social Entrepreneur
• 2022 Top 40 Georgia Innovators
• 2023 Atlanta Magazine’s Women Making A Mark

🎧 LISTEN NOW on the Fire Forged Leader Podcast
📲 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube & all major platforms

🔗 Stay Connected with the Mission:

• Website: www.FireForgedLeader.com
• Instagram: @FireForgedLeader
• Facebook: @FireForgedLeader
• Twitter/X: @Steve.FFL
• LinkedIn: Steve Baumgartner
• YouTube: Fire Forged Leader

🎁 Need Powerful, Purpose-Driven Gifts?
Explore laser engraving, cutting, sublimation, and more at the Baumgartner family’s shop:
👉 www.2ndChapterCreatives.com

⚠️ Disclaimer:
The opinions expressed in this podcast and on www.fireforgedleader.com are solely those of the presenter and guests and do not reflect the views of Steve Baumgartner’s employer.