We were lucky to catch up with Katheryn YellowHorse recently and have shared our conversation below.
Katheryn, appreciate you joining us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.
The biggest risk I’ve ever taken occurred just last year. I’ve always been dependent on reputable tattoo shops to survive, ever since 2008 when I began my apprenticeship journey. Last year I made the decision to branch out on my own and run my own studio. For years I have always pushed myself to represent my shops and the owners I worked for, recently, and by complete accident, I now have the opportunity to represent myself and my name. Originally I was searching for studios to live in for myself, when I came across Phenix Salon Suites. My curiosity peaked and I began scoping the website. I had to ask if they accepted body artists, more specifically, tattoo artists. Immediately I had received an email from the property manager and I began to explain that I am a tattoo artist and not a hair stylist as the website has advertised space rental for more cosmetic artists than tattoo artists. He than began to tell me that he had a few tattoo artists renting spaces from him and that he would be delighted to give me a tour. I agreed to meet with him the following week, and trust me when I say I was completely full of doubt and fear. “I don’t know why I’m doing this.” “There’s no way I can make it on my own.” “No one knows who I am.” “I’m going to fail.” I went in with the intention to turn down the opportunity. He knew immediately the moment I walked in my intent, and gave me time to think about what I would be turning away. The spaces were beautiful, well lit, and spacious for me. Though I’ve had a couple of critics since tell me my studio was too small, believe me when I say I have tattooed in areas just big enough for my chair. A few weeks had gone by and the relationship with my shop had began to become strained as I was enduring a nasty divorce/custody battle. I had a huge decision I needed to make and I needed to make it quickly. I took a deep breath, and plunged into uncertainty. I thanked my boss for the opportunity to work for him and his company, but I was far from done battling with my now ex husband, it was a hard decision and one that left me feeling guilty and hurt, but I needed to be on my own. . . I told myself if I could survive my first winter I would be ok from here on out. I used summer to expand my clientele, I ran tapout specials and pushed word of mouth on my Instagram. For Christmas I held a special raffle for all of my clients that supported me since opening, I had the opportunity to give back and really show my appreciation, and I have never been happier!
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Karyn Katheryn YellowHorse. I go by Kat from my middle name, cause let’s face it, who wants to be called Karyn in this day and age? Ba da tsssss. Bad jokes aside, I was gifted an apprenticeship just when I had given up looking to be a tattoo artist and began seeking scholarships for college. I was accepted to Johnson and Wales for baking and pastry arts, as well as the Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design for animation. My mentor had walked into my dad, Daniel, in early 2008, my dad knew at the time that Shane was an established tattoo artist, and one thing led to another and here I sit, machine glued to my hand. My apprenticeship was hard, my payment was knowledge and my devotion was to my artist. I was practically living at Celebrity Tattoo on 38th and Tennyson from open to close 7 days a week, I followed my mentor from there to open the original 5280 Ink when it was located on 92nd and Federal years ago in 2009. I was home for 6 hours a day to sleep and shower. From there I met my new mentor who specializes in color realism at 80*D tattoo on Colfax and Perry and followed Isaiah for a short period of time, I learned proper color techniques and became arrogant and left as that arrogance turned into fear with the thought I would never be as good as either of my mentors and co workers. In 2010 I quit tattooing as my toxic marriage forced me to be a stay at home mom and obedient housewife. I tried that for 9 months and I began to think about the life I wanted for my daughter. I immediately got back into a shop off of 64th and Sheridan when it was King of Kings, and began teaching apprentices of my own, many of them are better than I am to this day, and I couldn’t be more proud! Meanwhile my husband and I were fighting for a failed marriage we were too young to recognize. In late 2011 I committed a horrible crime that landed me a 10 year prison sentence in 2012. I was released in 2018 for “good time” and had no intention of returning to tattooing because of the trauma I endured during trial. I was basically spit back out into a world I did not recognize. I was still legally married and I didn’t even know where my daughter was even after reaching out to her father. All I knew was that I needed to complete parole. I underwent so much mental and spiritual abuse from my biological father in Nebraska that my mother brought me back home to Colorado. I was able to get back into tattooing at the new 5280 Ink, located on 84th and Pecos, which was really cool for me as it felt like I was given a second opportunity. I knew I needed to fight my still current husband legally. I had a goal and a determination backed by a support system and the only thing standing in my way was me. I grew out an 8 inch Mohawk and began a legal battle for my then 10 year old daughter. I left 5280 Ink and went on to tattoo and pierce for Level Up back up to 92nd and Federal. When my divorce became finalized after 12 long years of marriage from 2009 to 2021, I finally began to see my now 12 year old baby girl, everything that I endured, from still being “the scum of the earth tattooist” by my biological father to being an “unworthy mother” I began to realize that his vitriol didn’t matter, non of it mattered, and this little human, this small reflection looking back at me, non of that hatred mattered… All of the pain and trauma disappeared looking into her eyes, and everything I fought so hard for… all of it was more than worth it. It was then that I began my journey as a business owner, and I will continue to push forward, not for myself, but for my daughter, with the support of my mom and my dad, not my biological father, but my dad, Daniel, all of my siblings, my loving partner, Timothy, friends, and clients. My name is Karyn Katheryn YellowHorse, I am a body artist, and after 14 years I finally own my name, Inkbat5280, and I will continue to push forward, not for myself, but for those around me. My daughter will see that women can be successful, and she can do whatever she sets her heart on, no matter what it may be, she knows I will love and support her as my mother has done and continues to do for me.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
I am confident that though I am a good artist, I am not a great one. I have my strengths and my weaknesses and if I am truly uncomfortable I am very honest. I don’t believe that money makes the world go round, though it is this way of life, I believe that art should be used to bring joy to people. My clients and family support me in a way that if it weren’t for them I wouldn’t be where I am. And for all of them I am truly grateful. I just want to tattoo! Lol
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
I am primarily word of mouth. I offer a free hour for current clients just by promoting me. For every 5 people they get to spend over $100 in tattoos that is a free hour for them, valued at $120 black and grey and $150 color. It gives me an opportunity to give back to my clients and to further grow my clientele. I also offer discounted rates for those who wish to sit for longer sessions.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Www.Instagram.com/inkbat5280
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1977251390/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_N77BHH5S4A9SCT7EESC6
Image Credits
Photo by Angel Rios