Biz Lounge: Clinician who turned tattoo removal into a thriving business in Nakuru
John Mugo carry out tattoo removal procedure on his client in Nakuru city.
While an increasing number of people are getting tattoos, options for safe, effective, and professional tattoo removal in Nakuru are limited.
John Mugo saw a tremendous opportunity to build a brand in a highly untapped market and to change lives by helping people remove tattoos that no longer represented who they were.
Mugo tells Mtaa Wangu that before venturing into the tattoo removal business, he used to be a tattoo artist which he had to quit to allow him to go back to school.
John Mugo at his tattoo removal business in Nakuru city.
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“This idea was implemented in 2019 after I completed my diploma in clinical medicine. I saw that I couldn’t go back to the tattoo drawing business and I had to strategize on what else I could do. That’s when I decided to venture into the tattoo removal business,” Mugo notes.
He reveals that when he began, he didn’t have a shop and had to offer the services from home.
With only Sh 50,000, he jumpstarted Dr. Laser tattoo and hair removal clinic.
Though the Nakuru market is untapped, he says that the growth has been gradual over the years noting he’s been able to purchase better equipment to support his job.
“I began with just a neatcell tattoo removal and I have been able to purchase Laser Tattoo Removal Machine and hair removal machine,” he says proudly.
A machine used during the tattoo removal procedure.
Mugo reveals that most clients tend to want their tattoos removed instantly yet tattoo removal is not an easy procedure.
In fact, it requires several sessions. Further, the process can be painful and expensive depending on the size of the tattoo.
“The laser machine has a beam that is pointed to the tattoo drawing and is more painful than getting the tattoo itself. During removal, a client can opt for numbing treatment at an extra cost,” Mugo explains.
The 35-year-old emphasizes on people ensuring their tattoo removal is done by a trained professional to minimize the risk of scarring and other complications.
He notes that he offers various services including tattoo removal, microblading, and scar removal, among others which cost a minimum of Sh. 3,000 per session. He gets an average of three clients per week.
A machine used during the hair removal procedure.
Mugo reveals that the most common reasons he’s heard from clients who have decided to have tattoos removed is because of the opportunities they have received where the employers are very conservative.
Additionally, others wanted their tattoo removed because they did not feel like they were themselves anymore.
“Tattoo removal is often a deeply personal journey linked to people’s evolving identities and life transitions. For some, it's about letting go of the past, while for others, it's about making space for new beginnings. My role is to support them through this transformation,” he concludes.