Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Leavell Bransford and Cori James.
Amy and Cori, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
In my twenties, I was a record label publicist for alternative bands like Cake and 311 but went back to school in my late 20’s to obtain a license in esthetics. In 2009, I opened the Aviary Beauty + Wellness Collective, which was founded as a collective of three wellness based businesses in an 1100-square foot studio. In 2017, I wanted to expand but wasn’t sure exactly what that would look like. I never wanted Aviary to big a big salon and spa because I think the intimacy is one of the things people are drawn to us for. One day, local badass lady tattooer Cori James was in the studio for a service and just said, “I wish I could tattoo in a space like the Aviary.” That is when the idea for SparrowHawk Studio was born.
Cori James (CJ): I wanted to be a tattooer from my early teenage years. I moved to Atlanta in 2008 to pursue an art degree to prepare for my ultimate goal of becoming a tattooer. I quickly realized that college was not for me and set a new goal to become an apprentice. I landed a weekend job in Douglassville, Georgia working the front desk in a tattoo shop, which eventually led to an apprenticeship. I did my very first tattoo in June of 2012 and have been striving to push myself as an artist every day since. For the last five years, I got to work with some of the most talented artists at Live Free Tattoo and learned so much from every one of them. Then, I felt it was time to spread my little tattooer wings and was fortunate enough to meet Amy Leavell Bransford. We quickly decided we wanted to open something Atlanta hadn’t seen before, a feminist space for tattooing and all sorts of artists, where all are welcome and being creative, comfortable, and relaxed are key.
Has it been a smooth road?
ALB – Of course not! But the challenges are where you grow. I didn’t know that in the beginning but, I have learned so much about myself during those times. I haven’t gotten it all right but that is how I get challenged to try new things.
CJ – It hasn’t always been the smoothest of roads, but I’m thankful for the tough times that taught me so much. With the pressure of an apprenticeship (working 7 days a week between 3 tattoo shops and a bar) and the pressures of being a human being in their early twenties (insecurity, self-hate, body image, you name it). I developed an eating disorder that wrecked my life for a number of years before eventually leading me to triathlon. When I’m not tattooing my amazing clients, I’m training for triathlon. Tri has helped me find self-love, which helped me become a better artist. I’m thankful I was able to make it through all of the above and into a career that I love and to become a happier, healthier me. I can’t tell my story without including such a huge part of my life. Being in a male-dominated industry can always prove to have its challenges, but proving that I can be a strong tattooer both artistically and physically, while also being female, has been one of my greatest accomplishments. I love breaking molds, y’all.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
ALB: Aviary Beauty + Wellness Collective was established as a studio that housed three wellness based businesses with a common thread of products that were kind on both the body and earth. At the time, we opened in 2009 that was a pretty new concept, now it’s almost something clients expect when they walk into a business. So it’s cool to have been on the leading part of that curve.
With SparrowHawk Studio I wanted to re-create that concept of a collective of artists working together under one roof, with the common thread of creative esthetics and tattooing, with a feminist appeal but where all are welcome. The great thing is that half of Cori’s tattoo clients have been male. I think that means success. I hope it inspires more tattoo studios like it.
CJ: I specialize in my own version of traditional style tattooing. I base my tattoos off of the tried and true traditional values of having a strong black outline, sufficient black shading, and bright, bold colors. I like to put my own little spin on traditional by drawing my tattoos as a bit more lifelike (in comparison to the real old schoolers like Sailor Jerry and Owen Jensen) and using lots and lots of colors. I like to think what sets me apart is my attitude. I try to view everything in a clear and positive light and I think some people are drawn to that.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
ALB: I love Atlanta. I have been here since 1996. The city has it’s challenges for sure but I guess that comes with being in a “city inside of a forest” – we have tons of green space and that is something to be proud of. We are also located on the first stretch of Beltline. I think prior to the Beltline, I would have said “connectivity” was one of the cities biggest challenges. I know that problem still exists in areas of town but if you live in some of the denser areas, like Old 4th Ward, you would notice the influx of bikers and pedestrians.
Pricing:
- Microblading with Juliana Ramus Cosmetic Tattooing is $495 including two sessions.
Contact Info:
- Address: 659 Auburn Avenue #125
Atlanta, GA 30312 - Website: www.sparrowhawkatl.com
- Email: info@sparrowhawkatl.com
- Instagram: @sparrowhawkatl.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sparrowhawkatl/
Image Credit:
Heidi Geldhauser (www.heidigeldhauser.com)
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