We had the good fortune of connecting with Ryan Ashley DiCristina and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ryan Ashley, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
Tattooing has evolved into such a beautiful form of expression- an art form that embraces all people and allows them the ability to celebrate their individuality. Not only do we give clients the ability to change their physical appearance and customize their real life avatar, tattooing also serves as therapy for people wanting to cover scars, commemorate events and loved ones, and bonds people together. I always love volunteering my time to special clients to aid them in their healing, and have been a part of many charitable organizations giving tattoos to survivors of cancer, trauma, etc. and we hold these type of “giving back” to the utmost of importance.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have been an artist my whole life- my mom has supported me entirely and really encouraged my creativity from a young age. I started making clothes around age 12, and decided I loved decorating the human body. Out of high school I got accepted into FIT and graduated as the critic award winner of my class with a degree in Fashion Design. I worked in NYC in the Fashion industry for 6 years, but felt trapped spending all day every day designing in a cubicle at a computer. So I left this career and NYC and started apprenticing to tattoo back in my home town of Pennsylvania. I continued decorating the body with all of the detailed intricate aesthetics I practiced while in fashion and developed a whole new style of lacework and jewelry tattoos. A few years into this new career, I competed on season 8 of Paramount Network’s Ink Master and became the first female to win in the history of the show. From there I was offered a spin-off show, Ink Master Angels which filed for 2 seasons- then continued a third series called Ink Master Grudge Match. Now I’m on my second season as a judge on Ink Master proper- and continue to both film and create art full time. I really focus on decorating the human body- the same love I’ve had since I was a child. How the body flows and moves, accentuating things, creating illusions to trick the eye into seeing whatever I want it to see. I still feel like the same artist internally with the same vision- though the development and evolution continues.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I adore Grand Junction! Having spent 10 years in NYC, I’ve come to really appreciate the smaller town vibe our area has to offer. I love food so I always recommend my favorite restaurants in town- Moody’s, Bin 707, Devils kitchen, Pablo’s, and Taco Party. As for activities- we love nature! The Micah Mine hike is one of our favorites. We love the Monument and spending time up at the Mesa! And a must see is the potholes in Escalante canyon!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Honestly all of my clients throughout the years who have trusted me with changing their physical appearance forever. So many of my clients have helped and aided me along the way, with their trust and their support- but also with their personal stories, experiences and advice. I get to tattoo so many different types of people from all over the world with such vastly different ideas and perspectives. It’s allowed me to get a much more well rounded view of the world and a new look on my own beliefs.

Website: www.RyanAshley.com

Instagram: @ryanashleymalarkey

Other: RyanAshley.bigcartel.com

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