Meet Leyna Grace | Artist

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

Hi Leyna, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
As a queer woman, I did not feel as though I belonged in many of the spaces I previously worked within the tattoo industry, and I often found myself apologizing to my clients and friends that identify as queer for the atmosphere in those shops. This all led me to feel as though the space where I would feel the most comfortable working, and that other queer people would feel comfortable visiting, would be a space that we would have to create.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart from others, and what I am most proud of, is that I am able to offer a unique and comfortable space and experience for folks who might otherwise feel intimidated by, or apprehensive about, the tattoo process. I am excited to create and hold that space for myself and my clients, especially in a town like Greeley. The path that led to my current professional life was difficult in a lot of ways. I always knew that I wanted to be an artist and, as soon as I began tattooing, I knew I wanted to be a tattoo artist. The 10 years that I have now spent in the industry have centered around trying to find balance between doing what I love and being happy while doing it. I feel as though I have finally reached that point, so it’s almost like my career is just getting started. Along the way, I have learned that I value growth much more than tradition. I have thought critically about the people who have historically made up the industry and the practices that have become standard without good enough reasons. I have done a lot of work surrounding my identities and the privilege I have within our society, and I want to use that privilege to make space for other queer folks, and especially queer people of color, to improve the industry all around.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
On the first day (assuming it was a Saturday), we would get pastries from the Farmer’s Marker before getting massages from Kahla at Earthroots Massage Therapy, followed by Indian food at Sherpa Grille, and then walking to The Midnight Oil to peruse books. We would end the evening with cocktails at John Galt Coffee. The rest of the days, we would hammock on UNC’s campus and relax by the pool at the Apartments at Maddie.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate this shoutout to every single person I have tattooed throughout my career. None of this would have been possible otherwise; you simply cannot be a great tattoo artist without a clientele behind you, so all of the thanks go to mine.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelavenderarchive/

Image Credits
Mural by Katelynn Mai Fusco