Meet Le Aja Christine | Self Taught Tattoo Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Le Aja Christine and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Le Aja, why did you pursue a creative career?
I chose an artistic career because for as long as I can remember my favorite thing to do is art. From making paper mache in kindergarten to drawing my first portrait in highschool. Arts always been an important factor in my life my sister, uncle, father and grandmother all were artists and I wanted to join the club so I would draw, paint, craft, pretty much anything that was artistic I’d get my hands onto it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m most proud of how far I’ve already come. Like most people I have a 5 year plan for my business and I ended up achieving those goals within 3 and a half years. Getting to where I am today, in my own studio fully licensed, was not easy. I had to put in hours of studying, practicing on fruits f*ke skins, dolls myself, having to learn what every piece of equipment was and how to use it properly. Comparing my work to others daily, drawing on paper everyday and trying to think of new designs/ ideas. Something’s I’ve learned along the way is that this career isn’t a marathon it’s a walk, you definitely have to stay encouraged and always practice! It can take years to get comfortable with it but as long as you take it one day at a time you’ll always see progress. Tattoos aren’t just fun images on your body, they tell a story, and I want to help people tell their stories. I learn so much about my clients and the pieces they get and each of them have some meaning that always sticks with me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’d definitely take my best friend out to eat at Cheeba Hut. They have the best sandwiches I’ve ever had, and the menu names are super fun. The art in the restaurant is so diverse and unique it’s just a nice vibe to hang out they even have a bar! I’d also take her bowling at Bowlero.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I dedicate my motivation to my kids. I’m building my own business so that they can have something in life until they know exactly who/ where they want to be. They love art as much as me and love helping me with my art projects so I make sure I show them if you do something you truly love you can be successful. My mom and my fiancé have been nothing but my biggest supporters throughout the entire process. From helping me pick my first tattoo machine, helping me get to and from house calls, being my human canvases, always giving constructive feedback, helping me move into my first studio and making sure I never forgot how far I’ve came. I don’t know where I’d be right now without all the love and support they’ve given me throughout the last few years.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leajastatts?igsh=MWNqbzFtN3gwODE4cA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/12G6Nh9LNdb/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Image Credits
Gabriel Williams
LeAja Christine