Meet April Lauren Kuhns | Dermagraphic tattoo Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with April Lauren Kuhns and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi April, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Owning a woman-run tattoo shop has been a journey of reclaiming space—both artistically and professionally—in an industry that hasn’t always made room for feminine expression with holistic values. For me, it’s about more than ink on skin. It’s about creating a safe, inclusive environment where people feel seen, heard, and honored through body art that tells their unique stories or helps them through their healing process through ink.

The process of starting my business took both grit and grace. I had to learn the ropes—licensing, equipment, branding, administration—while staying anchored in my vision of a space that blends creativity, empowerment, and intentional aesthetics. Being a small business owner means I’m involved in every detail: from designing the artwork, communicating with clients, to curating the studio to fostering a sense of community and growth.

As a woman entrepreneur, I’ve found strength in leading with intuition and empathy. My shop isn’t just a service—it’s a sanctuary for self-expression, transformation, and connection.

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.
What sets me apart is my ability to blend intentionality, creativity, and empathy into every piece of art I create for clients. Whether I’m designing a delicate floral memorial piece, a lost pet portrait, or covering painful reminders of breast cancer for clients, I lead from a place of authenticity and compassion. I’m proud to have built a business where people don’t just walk in for a service—they leave feeling seen, empowered, and part of something meaningful.

I’ve created something that reflects my values and spirit—feminine yet strong, earthy yet elevated. That balance has been key to my success. I got to where I am today by trusting my intuition, staying deeply rooted in my purpose, and never being afraid to evolve with new technology. Every challenge through the past 12 years has been a steppingstone to building a by business, and every creative breakthrough has helped carve out a path that feels wholly my own.

One of elements that I did not expecting to touch me to deeply has been, helping women reclaim their bodies through tattooing—especially those who’ve undergone mastectomies or other breast cancer-related surgeries—has been one of the most humbling and healing parts of my journey as an artist. The scars they carry are a testament to survival, but they can also bring complex emotions around identity, beauty, and embodiment.

Through custom, intentional Dermigraohic tattooing, I’ve had the honor of helping these women transform something painful into something powerful. The designs aren’t just decorative—they’re deeply personal, symbols of resilience, femininity, and renewal. I work closely with each client to co-create something that reflects their spirit, their story, and their strength.

What moves me most is seeing the emotional shift—the way their posture softens, the tears that come not from sadness but from a sense of being whole again. These tattoos don’t just mark skin—they mark a turning point in healing. And to be part of that journey, to offer art as a form of emotional restoration, is something I hold with deep reverence.

What excites me most now is continuing to expand my community of clients around the world—whether that’s through evolving my brand, deepening community connections, or helping others find their own voice through art.
Through my travels from Europe to Central America and across the US, I have built a community of art collectors and so greatly humbled knowing my art is walking about the world on induvial eager to share it with others.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Sightseeing Places: Garden of the Gods, Cheyanne Mountain state park, Olympic museum,

Restaurants: Coati, Laxy Dog, Rabbit hole, Loop Mexican

Hang out ‘ Drink /Brewery: lost friends brewery, Local Landing Tap house, Mash Mechanix Brewing Co.

Coffee: Wayfinders coffee,

Manitou Springs street walking for tourist nick-nacks and street art.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have had many teachers and mentors over the years as well as clients that have shared their experiences and stories with me that have help sculpt my career.

Jennie DeBusk – Owner of Idaho website – the designer and creator of my website and female entrepreneur mentor

Mel Robbins – Author and Speaker – Her books and podcast have offered great advice along my journey

Eric DeBusk – My Husband – 20 years of constant support and love. His encouragement helped me discover the best job I never knew I wanted.
The women I in German at Farbelhaf tattoo, and artist in Ireland I work alongside with, that opened their arms and homes to me during my travels abroad. Their willingness shares their space and culture with me allowed me to broaden my cultural understanding.

Website: https://aprillauren.ink/

Instagram: @aprillauren.ink

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Aprillauren.ink/photos/

Image Credits
All photos taken and edited by myself personal – can be found on my Website