Skin Deep

Gareth's guest this week is the fantastic presenter, artist, award-winning disability advocate and social entrepreneur Sophie Morgan, famously known for presenting Channel 4’s Paralympic events. Having been paralysed in a car crash when she was just 18 years old, Sophie channels her adversity into an opportunity to break apart any and all stereotypes as a disabled woman. And wow, does she smash them with a vivaciousness that is infectious! Sophie's tattoos are bold and beautiful -from the intricate Mandala she designed herself to the bold mermaid that commemorates her inner self, as well as a Frida Kahlo tattoo that inspires her. Sophie dares to be different and proves the power of true disability representation in all areas of her work and life.

Follow Sophies Journey on Instagram: @sophlmorg

Danny Robinson is a world renowned tattoo artist and UK TV personality. Shooting to fame via MTV’s hit show Just Tattoo of Us, Danny has been able to showcase his incredible talent around the world. As a result he has turned tattooist to the stars having tattooed the likes of Tottenham’s Jamie O’Hara, Love Island's Olivia Bowen and Jade Thirlow from Little Mix! A grand ascent from the days of teaching himself to tattoo in his bedroom at home. Together Gareth and Danny discuss his tattoo journey, from idolising his Grandad’s traditional tattoos from a very young age, to his first tattoo at 14(!) and how to get your foot in the door in the tattoo world. Together they cover a lot of ground, from touring with Little Mix(?!) to getting tattoo’s covered or removed. Gareth also asks Danny to do him the honour of giving him his next tattoo.

Follow Danny on instagram: @dannyrobinsontattoo

Danny’s Studios:
Luxadore Studios, on insta @luxadorestudios
The Tattoo Lounge, on insta (@thetattooloungeblackpool)

Olympic tattoos are a rite of passage for many athletes and Will Bayley MBE is no different!  As well as gracing our TV screens earlier this year on Strictly, Will’s consistent drive to succeed has meant that his sporting career has grown from strength to strength. From his mother having to write a letter demanding Will be allowed to do school PE to becoming  Paralympic table tennis player champion, ranked world number 1. Will’s own journey has involved many hurdles but he has always champions ability rather than focussing on disability. From the outside, Will's tattoos are a triumph of his successes with Rio and Beijing Olympic tattoos on his thigh and arm, an English lion from his first England top on his stomach and a full sleeve. This wonderfully warm chat sees Will and Gareth cover much ground, from Will’s table tennis beginnings, to Gareth’s scorpion tattoo on his shoulder.

Connect with Will on instagram: @willbayleytt
https://www.willbayley.com/

Beth Fairchild is a tattoo artist, breast cancer activist and expert in the art of 3D areola tattooing for those who have undergone mastectomies and breast reconstruction surgery. Beth was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in her 30s and used her own diagnosis to educate and advocate for those with the same diagnosis. Beth is nothing short of inspirational, and her tattoos tell a powerful story. Beth shares how the portraits of her grandparents faces on her forearms brought moments of recognition whilst they were in the late stages of dementia, as well as how her terminal diagnosis has spurred her on to truly live, find new love and live each moment as her own (even when angry in traffic!). Gareth opens up about his own HIV diagnosis and the tattoo he has to mark that life hurdle, and the OBE it led to.  

Contact Beth on instagram: @bethfairchild

Go to Beth's website: https://www.bethfairchild.com/

This week's debut episode of Skin Deep explores how times of tragedy can shape a person. Gareth speaks with Tulsi Vagjiani - a pilates rehabilitation specialist, life coach, motivational speaker and activist. The road that has led Tulsi towards such a fulfilling life has been painful, emotional and filled with unimaginable challenges. At the age of 10, Tulsi survived a plane crash in which she lost her immediate family and sustained 45% (2nd and 3rd degree) burns to her face and body. Referring to her scars and her tattoos, Tulsi's ink offers a real sense of identity, spirituality, rebellion! As Tulsi’s confidence grew, her tattoos have evolved too. Tulsi’s artwork is spiritual, colourful and a demarcation of her  life and her hurdles and strengths.

Contact Tulsi on instagram @tulsidivine108
https://tulsivagjiani.com/about-me/