Today we’d like to introduce you to Imani K. Brown.
Imani, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’m Imani K. Brown, an international tattoo artist and illustrator native to (Ivy City) Washington, DC. Being a self-harmer brought me to tattoo and my will to succeed in the industry after being told by my tattoo artist that he’d never apprentice a Black person let alone a woman. That determination seated me as the second prominent black female tattoo artist in the United States and the first and only vetted black female tattoo artist recognized from D.C. A 16+ year vet of the tattoo industry, I’ve become a pretty well-rounded and respected tattoo artist, proficient in a number of styles.
But as the nerd that I am, I have a love and passion for Japanese style, anime, manga, and obscure otaku things. Oh! And a passion for Japanese street fashion. These things made me feel good… when I wasn’t so good. So, I put them into my business and use them as tools to advocate for body positivity and self-empowerment. Somewhere along the line, I became really fluent in telling unique visual stories on skin so my own indulges in pop-culture through a kawaii filter always shine through.
Wanting to erect my own studio to give empowering tattoo experiences draped in pink, healing and happiness – I’m here! In charge my own lil’ dream creative studio, Little INKPLAY Shop® – an empowering kawaii anime tattoo art shop & culture hub. Here she is devoted to inspiring and aiding other urban youth to follow their creative pop-culture passions through entrepreneurship. Committed to community, she makes space for free and regular meet-ups that focus on embracing fashion, art, and positive creative lifestyle for mental health and wellness.
Has it been a smooth road?
The road hasn’t been smooth by far. But you know what they say… Anything worth having is worth fighting for! Plus, I’ve had tons of family, friend and mentor support that has helped make my journey a lot less bumpy. My closest mentors – my tattoo master, Chris Mensah and amazing artists like Miya Bailey and Tuki Carter – are my big brothers, even though I came with three of my own LOL.
My BIGGEST struggle was with myself – was I worthy of this support, of creating intentionally and in such a permanent way? Would this be a road of self-improvement or hindrance? It was a scary start. And each transition is just as scary ~ But again, with the support!
Chris reminded me at first sign of self-doubt that I should never fear the knowledge that is RIGHTFULLY mine. I could be wrong, but I think he was planting seeds from Midnite’s Vaughn Benjamin. I still struggle with myself. But I’m my own worst critic like most every other artist. So, I just continue to hold those words dear and press on.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Little INKPLAY Shop® is my studio where body positivity, creativity, and self-empowerment for health and wellness through body art, kawaii culture & entrepreneurship is highly encouraged & supported ~ So, hi! I’m a tattoo artist and maker of safe & sacred spaces! And my studio isn’t just another tattoo shop. Issa whole SAFE SPACE just for you. ^. ^ In tattoo, #KAWAIinku is my speak for my kawaii anime tattoo style – a cross-pollination of kawaii (cute) or otaku (geeky) inspiration that meets tattoo tradition.
My general art style is a new school fine-line hybrid of storytelling, heavily inspired by manga (Japanese comics) and anime and fuses traditional Japanese tattoo (wabori) and afro motif. And if I had to share what I’m most proud of as a proprietor, it’d be my success. Being more grounded now, I am able to share my story while reaching back to help others build a business that also feeds their own healing and advancement. <3
Pricing:
- Shoppe Gal, The Memoir $55
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ipukekawaii.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ipukekawaii/
- Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/ipukekawaii.kawaii
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/ipukekawaii/
Suggest a story: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
