19 Feb 2015 'Tattooed by Nature'
Story and photos
by Callie Sterling
Instead of letting her scars define her, Tiffany Youngblood is using adversity as her fuel to make a difference in the world.
Youngblood is a burn survivor who is on fire for God and lives to make others smile. She created the non-profit, Tattooed by Nature, in hopes of making an impact in other burn survivors’ lives.
“I haven’t let my scars define me — or my tattoos— that is what I call them,” Youngblood said. “I no longer have any long-term issues from the accident.”
Thirty-seven percent of Youngblood’s body was burned during an accident that occurred when she was 9 years old.
“I could have been gone from this Earth . . . but instead I have been wearing my blessing for 34 years in the form of scars,” Youngblood said.
Youngblood was attempting to protect her younger sister, who was playing in a burn pile, when her accident occurred.
“My 5-year-old sister was playing near a small fire that my grandfather had left burning before he left for church,” Youngblood said. “She was stirring it with a stick, like she was cooking in it. I filled an oilcan with water and poured the water on it so she wouldn’t get hurt. It made a sound and sizzled like a snake. I then threw the oil can in the fire, and it caused an explosion!”
Youngblood’s arms, legs and face were burned as a result of the explosion.
Although Youngblood’s life has been forever changed by her accident, she remains positive, faithful to the Lord and full of life.
“I walk by faith and not by sight,” Youngblood said. “Philippians 4:13 is my favorite Bible verse, and that is why I decided to include it on Tattooed by Nature’s logo.”
Youngblood is originally from Crossett but has lived in Hampton, Va., for many years. She moved home to Arkansas in July because she felt it was God’s mission for her to return home. She chose to move to Conway partially because her line of work had an opening in the area.
Youngblood has been employed by Walgreens for 15 years as a certified senior pharmacy tech. Walgreens was very accommodating when Youngblood decided she wanted to transfer to the Walgreens on Oak Street.
“I had a dream and in that dream God told me I needed to come home,” Youngblood said. “I just called Walgreens in Conway and spoke to Sandy, the pharmacy manager, and she said if I could start Aug. 2, then I had a job. It was my birthday present to myself to move home.”
Now that Youngblood is back in Arkansas, she hopes to become more involved with Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Specifically she is interested in the ACH burn unit. She spent almost 19 months in the burn unit at ACH in 1980.
“They saved my life at Arkansas Children’s Hospital,” Youngblood said. “I want to be as involved as I can with them. I would like to help inspire those who are currently recovering in the burn unit while at ACH. A lot of burn survivors lose their will.”
Youngblood’s mission is to provide hope to burn victims who have lost their zest for life. She often participates in motivational speaking and hopes to spread her mission by speaking at colleges this year.
“Back in 1980 there weren’t support groups for burn survivors like there are now,” Youngblood said. “I had to find my positivity from within. It is amazing that I didn’t let the accident stop me. It helped that my family has also always been so supportive. I want to be that support for those who don’t have it.”
Youngblood is also in the final stages of completing her first book and hopes that it will be published in March of this year.
“My book, ‘Tattooed by Nature,’ should be released this year,” Youngblood said. “This book is my baby. I finished writing it this past July.”
Author House Publishing will be publishing “Tattooed by Nature.”
“It will be sold on Amazon and at Barnes & Noble, among other bookstores,” Youngblood said.
More information about the non-profit can be found on the Tattooed by Nature Facebook page.
“I really believe in making others feel good about themselves and don’t want anything in return,” Youngblood said. “I just want to help people.”
