Meet Meg Reidhead | Tattoo Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Meg Reidhead and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Meg, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting my own business in April 2023 was the culmination of years of ambition, creativity, and a desire to break free from the confines of corporate America. As a self-taught tattoo artist, I felt a strong pull to take control of my career and shape it on my own terms. The decision to become a sole entrepreneur was driven by a need for independence, a longing to do work that aligns with my passions, and a belief in my ability to succeed on my own.

One of the most empowering aspects of this journey has been establishing myself as a woman in the tattoo industry—a field that has traditionally been dominated by men. There’s a unique strength that comes from stepping into a space where you’re not always expected and making a name for yourself. I’ve always been someone who likes to go against the grain, challenging societal expectations and proving that there’s no one way to succeed, especially in a creative field like tattooing.

Tattooing itself is an art form with deep roots and a rich history, and being part of a larger shift in the industry—where more women are entering and excelling—is something that fuels my passion every day. Balancing respect for tradition with a desire to innovate and push boundaries has been both a challenge and a source of inspiration. This balance is essential for keeping that internal fire burning, especially during the inevitable challenges that come with starting your own business.

I’ve always dreamed of working for myself, and now, more than ever, that independence brings me a sense of stability and purpose. In a time when our world is often unpredictable, having something that I’ve built with my own hands gives me security and fulfillment. It’s not just about financial success; it’s about creating a life that aligns with my values, where I can grow both personally and professionally while contributing something meaningful to my community.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m thrilled to share where my journey has taken me and where it’s headed next. Over the past year and a half, I’ve watched my practice evolve in ways I could never have imagined. The growth I’ve experienced, both personally and professionally, has been nothing short of transformative, and the excitement I feel about the future is palpable.

Now, this might sound a bit “woo-woo” for some, and that’s okay! But one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned through this process is the delicate dance between effort and ease. Yes, you have to put in the work (cue the sweat and occasional tears), but there’s also a deep need to trust that your efforts will bear fruit in their own time and way. Surrendering to the journey—accepting that everything happens for a reason—has been a cornerstone of my mindset as I’ve built and grown my business. And hey, sometimes you just have to let go and let the universe do its thing!

The journey hasn’t always been easy (picture a roller coaster with more loops than you expected), but the challenges have been invaluable teachers. I’ve learned to embrace uncertainty, push through doubt, and trust in the process. Each step, no matter how difficult, has brought me closer to where I’m meant to be in this moment. I’m truly filled with gratitude for where I’ve been and excitement for where I’m going—no matter how many more loops there are ahead.

The unknown is not something to be feared, but a path to be welcomed and explored. After all, it’s in those uncharted territories that we discover the depths of our potential and the beauty of our own resilience.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I feel fortunate to be from a city where bringing a friend from out of state feels like both a normal week for me and a vacation for them. A typical week involves coffee and pastries at Central Market, evening bike rides down the Platte River, relaxing at Cheesman Park, and weekend trips to the mountains with hot springs stops along the way. That’s the magic of Denver—the beauty of simple pleasures and the joy of sharing them with good company.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout goes to the incredible clients who are the very heartbeat of my journey as a tattoo artist. When I first embarked on this path, I didn’t fully grasp how profoundly building and nurturing relationships with my clients would shape not just my career, but . Yet, over the past year, I’ve been deeply humbled, continuously inspired, and overflowing with gratitude for every person who steps into my studio.

There’s a magic in this industry that often goes unspoken—a unique, powerful connection that forms during the tattooing process. Tattooing is far more than just ink on skin; it’s a deeply intimate and sacred experience where my clients and I spend hours together, free from the distractions of the outside world. These sessions become a space for genuine connection, for deep conversations and shared vulnerability. I’ve come to cherish these moments, realizing that they’re as much about human connection as they are about creating art. Each session is a reminder to enter each interaction with an open heart.

I wouldn’t be where I am today without the unwavering trust and support of my clients. They are the reason I’m able to do what I love, and I am endlessly grateful for their support, vulnerability, and their willingness to connect—they have not only shaped my career but have enriched my life in ways I could never have imagined. They deserve all the credit and recognition in my story, for they are the true essence of this practice.

Website: https://linktr.ee/meg.queencityink

Instagram: meg.queencityink