Tattoo artist, small business owner, and all-around badass: allow me to introduce y'all to Sarah mf'n Sun.
If you know Sarah (or Sun Medicine as she’s known by many online), you’re already aware of how incredible she is. When I first launched Head to Curve, I made it a point to follow small business owners who shared my values and had a similar vibe. It didn’t hurt if their clientele was made up of people I’d want to work with, too! So, when I stumbled across Sarah's Instagram, I was instantly hooked. She specializes in bold, black linework tattoos alongside her one-of-a-kind lettering. What really stood out to me was her dedication to serving the Grand Rapids community—especially those who, like me, care about creating trauma-informed spaces. Sarah’s mission to prioritize trauma survivors through her artistry deeply resonated with me. I thought, “I need to offer her a boudoir session someday.” Little did I know, Sarah was already waaaaaay ahead of me! One day, I opened my DMs, and there she was. What she didn't expecting was an offer for the chance to be in front of my lens for her own boudoir experience.
Working with Sarah both personally and professionally has been a literal dream. As a small business owner and tattoo artist, she brings such a unique energy to everything she does. The care and attention she pours into her tattoo clients are the same qualities that made our boudoir session so special. She’s all about creating a safe, empowering spaces for people, and y’all know that’s what I’m about too!
A Little About Balm Tattooing
Sarah’s tattoo shop, Balm Tattooing, is home to a talented group of women who each bring something special and unique to the table. While Sarah specializes in bold, black-line work, the other three artists who call Balm home (Tiffany + Emily + Angie) have completely different styles, making Balm a truly diverse and dynamic space for body art here in Grand Rapids. What unites them is their collective commitment to creating trauma-informed, safe spaces for their clients. At Balm Tattooing, every session is more than just body art—it’s about empowerment, healing, and transformation. This aligns perfectly with what I do here at Head to Curve. Whether Sarah is creating her bold designs or embracing the intimate empowerment of a boudoir session, she’s always working to uplift and care for her clients in a way that feels not only personal, but impactful.
Why You Should Support Sarah (and Other Woman-Owned Small Biz Owners)
Sarah is a small business owner who pours her heart into her work, and supporting her shop means uplifting various communities directly here in Grand Rapids. When you choose Balm Tattooing, you’re not just getting a tattoo; you’re supporting a woman-owned business that values inclusivity, trauma-informed care, and the empowerment of body art for all. If you’re in Grand Rapids and looking for a tattoo artist who “gets it,” or you just want to support a rad woman-owned business, I can’t recommend Sarah and the other artists of Balm Tattooing enough. Follow her at @SunMedicine on IG, check out her shop Balm Tattooing, and explore the unique styles each artist offers. I promise, you’ll thank me later 💛
