Today we’d like to introduce you to LeeLee Couture.
LeeLee, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I have been a below knee amputee since I was a year old. I spent a lot of time in doctors’ offices drawing in my childhood, and I knew I wanted to be an artist, and always admired my brother’s talent for tattooing. With my parents support I did everything and anything I put my mind too, including ice hockey and gymnastics. I graduated from Massart and Paris Fashion Institute for college and thought fashion would be my career. After a few years, I felt incomplete, but more in love with tattoos than ever. I decided to leave the fashion industry at 27 and start over in the tattoo industry. My mentor and owner of our shop, Keith White, took me in and gave me a chance to make my childhood dreams come true and made me an apprentice. In a male dominated industry, I struggled to find my voice as both a woman and an amputee. Although I have a disability, tattooing has not only allowed me to be something beyond my disability, but it has also helped me embrace it. I have been tattooing two years now, and Everyday I learn more skills and learn important lessons that will stick
with me.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The tattoo industry is tough. It is still in a lot of ways a men’s industry, and I was the first female tattoo apprentice in my shop. You have to constantly prove yourself, not only to yourself but to your mentor and your team. There are hard lessons you have to learn and a lot of adversity. But all of it is meant to make you stronger and smarter. I faced a lot of tragedies during my apprenticeship, including the loss of my oldest brother and health issues pertaining to my leg. And there were times I thought about giving up, but my mentor and my peers helped me keep on. Without them, I wouldn’t be here.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Squids Ink Tattoo & Body Piercing – what should we know?
Squids Ink Tattoo and Body Piercing is a professional, clean, and customer service oriented shop specializing in custom tattoo work and Body Piercing. We pride ourselves on giving each customer a good quality experience. Tattoo and Piercing shops can be intimidating to people, and we strive to be the opposite and be as inviting as possible.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My parents treated me like an ordinary kid and allowed me the ability to reach for the stars, and I am forever in debt to them for that. My mentor Keith White is the reason I am a tattoo artist today, without him I wouldn’t have had any of these opportunities. Robert Kane is a colleague and friend who also helped me learn and become the person I am today as well. My wonderful Boyfriend Matt Connors is my biggest support system, and has never wavered in his belief in my abilities and my drive. My biggest cheerleaders are the rest of the squid’s team: Maggie Walsh, Joey PriXx and Tina Gray, They have always pushed me to be the best I can be. Most of all, I value my customers who have trusted me with their skin and my art.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.squidsinktattoo.com
- Phone: 7818267600
- Email: squidsink2014@gmail.com
- Instagram: @fakelegfoxtattoo
- Facebook: Www.facebook.com/squidsinktattoo
- Other: Www.facebook.com/leeleelundberg
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