Chamber Blog Post – Chamber Member Spotlight
As part of the Chamber’s ongoing commitment to highlighting the businesses, leaders, and organizations that make up our LGBTQ+ and allied economic ecosystem, we’re proud to spotlight Chamber Member Rethink Laser Tattoo Removal.
Owned by John Nonemaker, Rethink Laser Tattoo Removal is a Houston-based, LGBTQ+-owned business focused on helping clients safely remove or lighten tattoos through advanced laser technology, education, and personalized care. From supporting clients through personal transformation to providing free tattoo removal services for survivors of human trafficking, Rethink’s work reflects the powerful connection between business, community, and impact.
In this Member Blog Post Highlight, John shares more about his business journey, what inspired him to join the Chamber, why visibility matters, and how Rethink is creating a welcoming, judgment-free space for clients across Houston.
Business Overview
Tell us about you and your business—what do you do, and what inspired you to start or lead this work?
My name is John Nonemaker and I am the owner of Rethink Laser Tattoo Removal located in Houston. We focus on safely removing or lightening tattoos using advanced laser technology.
We’re part of a network of eight clinics nationwide, which gives us a strong foundation while still allowing us to operate locally. What drew me to this business was the combination of entrepreneurship and the ability to help people make a fresh start—whether that’s for a new tattoo or clear skin.
What sets your business apart in your industry?
What really sets us apart is our focus on education and experience.
We take the time to walk clients through the process so they know exactly what to expect and can make the right decision for themselves.
We also put a strong emphasis on creating an inclusive, welcoming environment.
Many of our competitors are large national brands, but our advantage is being owner-operated. That allows us to deliver a more personalized, high-quality experience that stands out despite their larger marketing presence.
What are some of the key services or products you offer?
We specialize in laser tattoo removal and fading, helping clients either fully remove tattoos or lighten them for cover-ups. We use PicoWay technology, which is the most advanced and effective laser system available.
Connection to the Chamber
What inspired you to join the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce?
I actually joined after a recommendation from Dr. Paul Lovero, with Montrose Eye Care. We know each other through our neighborhood and the gay dads’ network, and he had nothing but great things to say about the Chamber.
Between that and the opportunity to connect with other business owners in an inclusive, supportive environment, it felt like a great fit—so I took his advice. Thanks for the tip, Paul!
How has being part of the Chamber impacted your business or organization?
I’m still fairly new to the Chamber, but I’ve already gotten a lot of value from the people...
...being able to connect with other entrepreneurs and exchange ideas has been really helpful.
I’m also excited about the visibility it brings. My goal is for Rethink to become a go-to, trusted option for tattoo removal within Houston’s LGBTQ+ community, and the Chamber is a great platform to help build those relationships.
What does being part of the LGBTQ+ business community mean to you?
For me, it’s about community and intentional support. It’s not just networking—it’s building relationships with other like-minded business owners...
...and making a conscious effort to support them, whether that’s through partnerships or where I spend my business dollars. I want to contribute to a community that’s actively supporting each other.
Community Impact & Giving Back
Your business is actively engaged in giving back—can you share how you support the LGBTQ+ community and/or the broader community through your work?
I started the business in Montrose, so we’ve always had a strong connection to the LGBTQ+ community, and a large portion of our clients are part of it.
As a gay-owned business, creating a welcoming, judgment-free environment is really important to us.
Tattoo removal can come with a lot of emotion, and we want people to feel comfortable, heard, and supported when they come in.
That’s a big part of how we give back—by being a space where people feel safe and respected, and by staying actively connected to the community we’re part of.
Why is it important for your business to give back to the community?
Giving back is important because we’re deeply rooted in the local community.
Unlike larger corporations, we’re not just operating here—we’re part of it.
That comes with a responsibility to build strong relationships, support others, and contribute in a meaningful way to the people and communities we serve.
Are there specific organizations, causes, or initiatives that are especially meaningful to you?
One cause that’s especially meaningful to me is supporting survivors of human trafficking. It’s a major issue in Houston, and many survivors carry tattoos that were forced on them as a form of branding.
At Rethink, we work with organizations like Covenant House, Redeemed Ministries, Wheeler Baptist Church, United Against Human Trafficking, and Soul Survivor Ink to provide free removal services.
Being able to help someone remove something that represents a painful chapter and support them in moving forward is incredibly meaningful to our team.
Visibility & Representation
How does your business show up in support of the LGBTQ+ community (internally and/or externally)?
Rethink Houston is an LGBTQ+-owned business, and we’re intentional about creating an inclusive environment for both our team and our clients.
We’re also actively engaging with the LGBTQ+ business community—through the Chamber and beyond—and look for ways to support other LGBTQ+-owned businesses.
Ultimately, we want every client to feel welcomed, respected, and comfortable.
Why does visibility—especially for LGBTQ+ and allied businesses—matter right now?
Visibility matters because it sends a clear signal—this is a place where you’re welcome. For LGBTQ+ and allied businesses, that can make a big difference in helping people feel comfortable and supported.
It also strengthens the broader business community by bringing in more diverse perspectives, which ultimately benefits everyone.
Business Growth & Insights
What has been one of the biggest lessons you’ve learned as a business owner or leader?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is not to ride the emotional highs and lows too closely. Some days you feel on top of the world, and other days feel much tougher—and if you lean too hard into either, it can be exhausting.
I’ve found that staying more even-keeled and focused on the long term makes me a better decision-maker and a more consistent leader.
What advice would you give to other small businesses or entrepreneurs—especially those in the LGBTQ+ community?
My biggest advice is to get out from behind the computer and meet people. The best ideas and opportunities usually come from conversations, not isolation.
If you have big goals, find people who are a few steps ahead of you and spend time around them—it makes a huge difference. The Chamber is a great example of a place where those kinds of connections can happen.
What’s next for your business? Any exciting plans, expansions, or goals on the horizon?
We’ve got exciting plans in the works. We’re looking to expand our footprint in Houston and across Texas, so there’s more to come on that soon.
We’re also building out our local team as demand continues to grow, and expanding into complementary services like dark spot and wrinkle treatments. It’s all about growing in a way that adds value for our clients while staying true to what we do best.
Chamber Engagement
What is your favorite way to engage with the Chamber (events, programs, connections, etc.)?
I’d say the 3rd Thursday Breakfast has been my favorite so far. They’re big enough to meet a lot of people, but still intimate enough that it doesn’t feel overwhelming.
You get great speakers, good conversations, and—importantly—breakfast tacos, which is always a win.
What would you say to someone considering joining the Chamber?
If you’re an entrepreneur—or even just business-curious—I’d say go for it.
The biggest value is the people. Having access to others you can learn from, collaborate with, and bounce ideas off makes the membership more than worth it—and makes the journey a lot more enjoyable too.
Just for Fun
What’s your go-to way to unwind after a busy day?
My go-to way to unwind is pretty simple—I like to go for a walk around my neighborhood with my kids. We’ve got a few playgrounds nearby, so it usually turns into a quick stop to let them run around before dinner.
It’s a great way to reset after the day and get some quality family time in.
Favorite local spot in Houston?
I’m a big fan of anything within walking distance of my house—it’s one of the best parts of living in Montrose. You’ll often find me with my kids at West Gray Park.
For a daytime tea, I like Campesino Coffee, and if I’m meeting a friend for a drink, it’s usually Rudyard’s or The Flat.
Coffee or tea? Morning person or night owl?
Morning person, 100%. Green tea is my go-to—I’ve never quite converted to coffee.
I’ve always liked getting a workout in early, going back to high school and college, so mornings have just stuck with me.
What’s one fun fact about you that people might be surprised to learn?
A fun fact is that I spent 14 years living in Europe, including Germany and the Netherlands, and picked up German, Dutch, and French along the way—so I can communicate in a few different languages.
Favorite way to spend a weekend in Houston?
My ideal weekend is being outside with my husband and kids—whether that’s Hermann Park or a picnic by The Menil Collection.
If we can mix in a local brewery or a good neighborhood dinner, that’s a win. And I’ll admit—I’m usually in bed before 10.
Is there anything else you’d like the community to know about your business or your journey?
I’d just say that at Rethink, we’re here to support people at every stage of their journey—whether that’s fully removing a tattoo or simply lightening it for a cover-up.
We take a very personalized, education-first approach so clients feel confident and supported throughout the process. If anyone is considering tattoo removal or just has questions, I’m always happy to connect and be a resource.
Thank you to John for sharing his story and for being part of the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce. His work is a meaningful reminder that LGBTQ+-owned and allied businesses help shape stronger, more connected, and more inclusive communities.
We encourage our members and community to learn more about Rethink Laser Tattoo Removal, connect with John, and support Chamber members through intentional spending.
Learn more about Rethink Laser Tattoo Removal at www.rethinklasertattooremoval.com.
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