Female artists and entrepreneurs in the permanent makeup (PMU) and body art industry are celebrating the launch of a revolutionary new awareness campaign. GRIP Needles, USA’s leading tattoo needle and accessories manufacturer, has launched their much-awaited online program to empower artists with essential tools to upgrade their brands. Several artists have already signed up for GRIP Needles' awareness campaign, with the participants praising the curriculum for being accessible and informative.
There are nearly forty thousand active tattoo and permanent makeup artists in the US, contributing millions to the US GDP annually. And a large percentage of these artists are women running small businesses.
Alexandra Hardee, owner of Sacred Adornments cosmetic tattooing studio in Jackson, TN, has made a name for herself as a body artist. Hardee had her eyes set on tattoo artistry as a potential career option from a very early age. "I have always wanted to be a tattoo artist. Never thought of anything else as a career option!" Hardee chuckles. "I have always been drawn to the art of tattooing. I went to college to learn art, experimented with different mediums, and chose tattoo artistry as my medium of expression. It’s what I shine at! My great aunt Fay Balch was one of the first female tattoo shop owners and artists in the 50s. I guess the love for tattoo artistry runs deep in my family. It’s heartwarming that something I've been drawn to my whole life has come full circle!"
When asked about the inspiration behind pursuing cosmetic tattooing, Hardee said, "My services include both body art and cosmetic tattooing. I started with body art. Then one day, I did a face tattoo for a client, which hooked me. It gave me the courage to learn cosmetic tattooing, and I haven’t looked back since." Building a successful business via artistry can be particularly challenging for young mothers looking after families and children. But for Hardee, her family is her source of positive energy and motivation. "I am married with two kids. What I do, I do for them. I have built my shop to be very family-oriented. Work-life balance can be tricky sometimes. But we have to make it work!"
Hardee still considers herself a student of tattoo and body artistry. To her, client satisfaction is the foundation of her business. Her diligence and sincerity have brought her lots of appreciation from her clients. And she is not afraid to experiment with different tattoo styles. "I love to try my hand at all styles. My clients prefer my dot work, stipple-shaded florals, and custom pieces. But I am lucky that they depend on me for the aesthetics of the designs." On why she prefers GRIP Needles' Triflat™️ 3RL/Flat hybrids, Hardee said, "3rl and 4rl are my go-to needles. So naturally, the Triflat cartridges are an absolute game changer for my style of work and my PMU!"
Alexandra Hardee has a clear vision of her business goals. "I want to keep growing as an artist in body art and cosmetic tattooing while honing my signature work style. I would love to start traveling and guest spotting more."
Industry trends look promising for the cosmetic tattooing and permanent makeup industry. Experts project the industry to reach $3.5 billion in revenue worldwide by 2029. Hence, it's paramount that studio owners stay focused and motivated. With GRIP Needles taking on the mantle of a guide and promoter of tattoo artists nationwide, the future looks bright for the thousands of women earning their livelihood by practicing their craft.
