Today we’d like to introduce you to Jayla L
Jayla, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I began my tattooing journey at the age of 17 when I purchased a tattoo machine from Amazon for fun. Initially, I tattooed friends without a license, with my first tattoo taking place in an IHOP parking lot, followed by tattooing my friends Ava and Omari in a classroom at the end of my junior year. We all have to start somewhere!
Fast forward to January 2024, when I decided to take tattooing more seriously. When I started my business, I named it Inkhaveninc. I wanted a name that still reflected Memphis, so I chose “Haven” as a nod to Whitehaven, a small part of the city, while also incorporating “Ink” to keep it connected to the tattoo world..During a significant snowstorm in Memphis, I found myself at home and started dedicating early mornings to honing my craft. Due to my mother’s advice,This prompted me to seek an apprenticeship, which required me to adjust my senior year plans and commit to a year of training in order to obtain my tattoo license. I eventually secured an apprenticeship in Midtown, and now at 19, I am learning something new every day about tattooing, piercings and historic traditional techniques.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I had to adjust my senior year plans by committing to an apprenticeship, which was the only rocky part of my journey. Initially, I was self-taught, learning through YouTube videos, and while it took time to develop my skills, I never let that discourage me. I also began learning how to do piercings on my own, which was nerve-wracking at first. Now, however, I find piercing to be incredibly satisfying and freeing, even more so than tattooing itself.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize primarily in fine line tattoos and piercings for now. Due to some arthritis in my hands, I generally do not take on sleeve work, but I take immense pride in the quality of my artistry. My goal is to help clients feel beautiful and comfortable during their experience. I’m most proud of the work ethic I’ve dedicated to my business, and of the trust students at the University of Memphis have placed in me, which has allowed me to further develop my skills.
What sets me apart is my youth and the fact that most of my audience is also young. I strive to be an inspiration for others, and I often receive requests from aspiring artists wanting to learn piercing techniques, which motivates me to continue pursuing my passion.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My advice for anyone starting out in tattooing is to approach it responsibly and conduct thorough research. If you’re serious about tattooing, aim to obtain your license; there are numerous health risks associated with the practice, both for the artist and the client. Pursuing an apprenticeship is essential for gaining the necessary skills and knowledge.
Remember that tattooing is a craft that takes time to master. Avoid comparing your work to others, as comparison can diminish your joy and growth in this art form. Focus on your unique journey and development as an artist.
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