Our Story
TLDR:We’re just a trio of Edmonton-based tattoo enthusiasts doing what we love. See the Difference at Legacy.
Anyone can buy a laser and hang a sign. We’re building something different.
Legacy Tattoo Removal started in fall 2023, but our story goes back way further than that – to 2016, to Edmonton’s tattoo scene, and to a legend named Ben Alway.
Carrying on Ben’s Legacy
If you’ve been around Edmonton’s tattoo community for a while, you probably knew Ben Alway. You might have been lasered by him.
Ben was a pioneer in tattoo removal here – equal parts brilliant, ridiculous, and generous. He pushed boundaries, questioned everything, and genuinely gave a shit about the people in his chair and the science behind the laser.
Our co-owner Madi trained under Ben starting in 2016. She didn’t just learn how to operate a laser – she learned how to think critically about the process, how to push what was possible, and how to actually care about results over revenue.
When Ben passed in March 2023, it hit the whole community hard.
When we opened our doors later that year, naming ourselves was easy. We’re not just removing tattoos – we’re carrying forward everything Ben built. The expertise, the community focus, the refusal to accept “good enough.”
The Team Behind the Laser
Madi RawsonCo-owner & Laser Wizard
Madi is the heart of our operation and our main laser tech. She’s been removing ink since 2016, trained directly by Ben Alway and certified by Lorenzo Kunze Jr of the International Laser Academy.
She’s the one who gets genuinely excited about challenging pieces – the ones other places might turn away or treat poorly. If you’ve got a weird colour, a stubborn tattoo, or something that needs precision work, she’s your person.
When she’s not behind the laser, Madi’s probably walking her dog, working in her garden, or adding to her own impressive tattoo collection.
Heidi FreschaufCo-owner and Lead Consultant
Heidi has been guiding people through tattoo removal since 2017. She’s the one who’ll sit down with you at your consult and actually explain what’s happening and answer your questions – no jargon, no sales pressure, just straight talk from someone who’s seen hundreds of tattoo transformations.
Clients love her because she makes the whole process feel less intimidating. Got questions? Heidi’s got answers.
If you really want to brighten her day, bring her an extra large triple triple from Tim Hortons.
Jake VanderwerfCo-owner & Tech Wizard
The newest member of the laser family, Jake brings creative energy and tech skills that help us connect with Edmonton’s tattoo community in new ways.
He’s the mastermind behind edmonton.ink – our platform that showcases local tattoo artists and helps you find your next artist (or the perfect one for your cover-up).
Continuing Education
Every single member of our team is certified by the International Laser Academy. We bring Lorenzo Kunze Jr to Edmonton annually for training – staying current with the latest techniques and research.
This isn’t a “nice to have” – it’s how we honour Ben’s legacy of pushing the industry forward.
What makes us different
We’re part of Edmonton’s tattoo community
We’re not corporate outsiders who bought a laser and started removing tattoos. Most of us have ink ourselves. We’ve experienced both sides of the laser.
We created edmonton.ink to showcase local tattoo talent – featuring 80+ artists you can browse by style, theme, location, and shop. It’s our gift back to the community that supports us.
We work directly with tattoo artists on cover-up prep, targeting exactly what’s standing in the way of their vision. You’re back in their chair sooner with fewer laser sessions between you and your new ink.
Experience that Actually Matters
Weekend training courses don’t cut it in this industry.
Madi’s been doing this since 2016. That’s thousands of hours of hands-on experience – learning to read subtle visual and auditory cues, knowing when to treat aggressively versus conservatively, understanding how different inks and skin types respond.
Experience isn’t just credentials on the wall (though we have those too). It’s fewer total treatments for you, which means more money in your pocket for your next tattoo.
No Pressure. Just Results.
We don’t do high-pressure sales tactics or push packages you don’t need.
We’ll be straight with you about what’s possible, how long it might take, and what it will cost. Sometimes that means telling you that you don’t actually need our services – maybe your artist can do a cover-up without any laser work.
We’re completely fine with that.
Making Tattoo Removal Accessible
New Legacy Program: We offer sliding scale and pro bono services for removing gang-affiliated tattoos, hate symbols, prison tattoos, or tattoos from domestic violence and human trafficking situations. We work with community organizations to reduce barriers and help people move forward.
Always Free Services:
- Radiation dot removal (for those cancer-free 12+ months)
- Track mark removal – no judgment, no questions asked
*Note: track mark removal will leave the area red and inflamed for a day or two, which may be triggering. Extra support is recommended.
Our Commitment to You
We don’t answer to shareholders – we answer to you and you’re skin. We’ll tell it simple, tell it straight, and empower you to make informed decisions to work to your goal.
Ready to tackle that tattoo?
Get an estimate: Text or email us a photo of your tattoo for a rough estimate
Book your free consult: Available online, or via text, call, or email
Location: #1 6551 111 Street NW, Edmonton (inside Urge 2 Tattoo)
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 10am-6pm, by appointment only