My dream is to create a full-service tattoo studio (permanent makeup, tattoo removal, and tattoos) that is geared specifically for women. I have been to enough tattoo parlors in my life to know how intimidating it can be to muster up the guts to walk into one. My goal is to create a space that is comfortable for any woman to walk into, whether they want a small tattoo or a more elaborate piece. 

When most people think of tattoos, they correlate association of pain. This old school mentality is a deserving one- afterall, a tattoo IS a tattoo. But after years of studying holistic wellness and alternative medicinal lineages  I have come to believe that there is another perspective. Tattoos are healing. Our body is comprised of a vast network of nerves, all in communication. From a holistic approach, many of our memories are stored in the physical body, and can influence the way energy flows- potentially causing blockages that eventually turn into physical ailments. 

Tattoos can stimulate the physical body, and create an intention through the impression of an image on the body. It can be a profound way to release negative emotion of the past, and to move forward in our lives. It is easy to see how naturally this occurs, as most people tend to get tattoos at pivotal transitory times in life. Because of this, it is important to have your intentions clear before getting tattooed so that you can make the most of this energetic release. Your tattoo can act as a conduit for positive change.

An amazing book on the subject was written by Tania Marie called Spiritual Skin - well worth the read!!

Tattooing is always something to think long & hard about.. Make the decision from your heart. Imagine yourself at all stages of your life. What are you doing? Who are you with? Can you see your tattoo being with you? Use your imagination and really listen to how you are feeling while you are imagining it.

The thought of getting a tattoo can be exhilerating. It is freedom to be able to change our body in any way that we please. Despite the instant gratification that getting a tattoo can be, be sure to think long and hard about your intentions. Are you getting it out of anger or rebellion? Are you getting it for someone else,  or for you? My biggest adive is to always tattoo positively. It will effect your life forever, and you want to attach positive meaning for yourself- not for anyone else!

1. Do it for yourself
2. Make it positive
3. Choose a clean, feel-good tattoo shop
4. Research your artist. Do you feel comfortable with them? Enough to be able to express
what you really want?
5. Take your time! Be 100% about your decision.

I love being a woman in the tattoo industry. Afterall, the roots of tattooing are seated in spiritual pursuit-a seeking which is full of unparalleled grace & beauty- and I love the chance to bring this aspect to the table.  I did not grow up knowing that I wanted to be a tattoo artist, but I did grow up knowing that I wanted to be an artist, and that I wanted to positively influence the lives of women. 

In the west, tattooing has taken on a very masculine face. An association of tattoos with a tough guy, no-pain-no-gain mentality, has been etched into our modern day consciousness. We love hard core guys with tattoos...So, no complaints. But women tend to be a little more intimidated by the experience of walking into a tattoo shop and conveying what they want to the man behind the needle.

I know I will not be the first to say that this is obviously shifting - as the harsh nature of the tattoo biz fades, we are making room for something more beautiful to enter. A balance, perhaps. Not just women, but people in general are craving something deeper. We are evoloving faster than ever as human beings - & we easily feel we are a different person today than we were even a month ago - let alone a year ago. The meaning of our tattoos naturally have to be taken to a level of deep spiritual consistancy. The emergance of the feminine spirit in the indistry can acheive just that.

Still as hard-core as ever, the process of getting a tattoo asks the wearer to contemplate & declare what they stand for to the world.  Tattooing may have been the first art known to mankind, and has a high potential to be the last. 

Tattooing my mom was very special to me. I knew this was unlike anything she had ever done before, (or even thought she would ever do!), and she went into it with a trust and gusto like no other! I love the idea of being with her always. This tattoo will serve as a reminder of our journey together, and how amazing it is to have been blessed with such an amazing family.

xx Alana

I was just recently informed by my studio's health inspector that I am free to do full scale body tattoos! D R E A M.

For those of you who don't know, I have just been focusing on permanent cosmetics in my business, but have been eager to break my boundries. I can hardly wait. I have a strong vision, and I can't wait to share it with you all over the upcoming months!

To celebrate, I just ordered SkinCandy Ink & I can hardly wait to play! The inks are all organic, vegan & so gorgeous I could eat them! 

Since traditional tattooing is somewhat of a different feel than permanent cosmetics, it is just a matter of time & **practice** before I am proficient enough to tattoo YOU. (*wink*) :)