Today we’d like to introduce you to Lydia Hunt.
Lydia, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I graduated with a Painting degree from UGA in 2013 and immediately started an apprenticeship at a shop located in downtown Athens. I worked there for about four years, two and a half of those years were a very traditional/old school apprenticeship. I learned a great deal there, but almost a year ago, when Kim Deakins offered me the chance to work with her at Pink Goblin, I knew it was time to spread my wings and become my own tattooer. She opened this shop about three years ago as a private studio. I have loved and admired her and her work since I started getting tattooed at 18. Being a part of a female-owned and operated shop these last nine months has been incredibly empowering. Kim and I have worked very hard to create a relaxed and open atmosphere at Pink Goblin. The most important thing to me, other than tattooing to the best of my abilities, is that everyone feels welcome and safe in our hands.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
My apprenticeship, like many others in a traditional/old school setting, was incredibly difficult. I worked, cleaned, ran errands, and painted for two and a half years, unpaid, 60-80 hours a week. I was also bartending at a local venue most nights (around 20 hours weekly) to pay my bills. In addition to that, I do feel that I had to work harder, being a woman, in order to prove myself as worthy to other tattooers, clients, and even myself. As difficult of a road that was, I know others have struggled harder for less and I am so happy where this path has led me.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Pink Goblin Tattoo story. Tell us more about the business.
Pink Goblin is a female owned and operated tattoo shop located in the Chase Street warehouse area artist community. We pride ourselves as a safe and open environment for all genders, religions, races, and orientations. Kim Deakins specializes in botanical, geometric, and neotraditional styles. I tend to focus on traditional and fine line work. When considering the aesthetic of the shop Kim wanted it to exude comfort and relaxed vibes. I personally feel she succeeded in that, between the plants, the colors, and the natural light, it’s easy to feel at home. Our goal is for people to feel welcome when they come in, that we are happy they chose us, love their new tattoo, and that we respect them as fellow humans.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I’m not sure how much luck has had anything to do with how I got to the point I am at. I tend to focus on working hard and putting as many positive vibes out into the ether that I can muster. I believe that things work out how they will. If I want something and I work for it it will either present itself or not. My main objective is to treat people well and worry about the things I have control over.
Pricing:
- Around $100-$120 an hour
- Minimum $60-$80 depending on location
Contact Info:
- Address: 149 Oneta St. Suite 6C8
Athens, Georgia 30606 - Website: Www.pinkgoblintattoo.com
- Email: To reach Lydia- lydiakinseyhunt@gmail.com – To reach Kim – pinkgoblintattoo@gmail.com
- Instagram: @lydiakinsey and @pinkgoblintattoo
Image Credit:
@dedegiddens
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