Hayden – A Woman Once Owned

Hayden is a brave woman of substance shares the story behind her tats. She was once branded by a pimp named Dice Capone, who tried to kill her. She put him behind bars. Watch the video to learn more about this incredible story.

We’ve also composed two songs about her that are rendered by Udio.com.

In praise of Hayden – Folk song, female vocalist

Serenity, Courage, and Wisdom – Rap, male vocalist

Unveiling Inked Narratives: An Intimate Conversation with Asia Quentin

“Never judge a book by its cover, that book could very well change your life someday”  I’m honored to share my first post, featuring the inspiring Asia Quentin (them/they)  a pole dance instructor originally from Houston now based in New York City. We met at a Nike event and I was really intrigued with her phoenix tattoo I asked her to be the first person I interviewed and take some portraits of her and her tattoos. 

Asia begins to unveil the stories behind her tattoos, each one a testament to love, resilience, and self-discovery.

First, we explore the delicate bunny etched on her right elbow” a tender homage to her beloved companion whose memory continues to inspire her.

Next, the vibrant rainbow phoenix that stretches gracefully down her arm becomes the focal point of our conversation. For her, this tattoo is her emblem of queerness and personal empowerment.

She also has a photo-realistic cat tattoo on her thigh that sparks a particularly intriguing narrative. As a self-professed dog person, Asia recounts the unexpected journey that led her to embrace a newfound appreciation for feline companionship ”a journey encapsulated in the ink that now adorns her skin.

However, amidst the beauty of her tattoos, there lies a heavier burden, a medusa head, but it is also a grim reminder of the importance of vigilance when selecting tattoo artists and the enduring struggle against harmful ideologies. In this case, her tattoo artist was transphobic and tattoos are permanent. 

Overall, Asia sets the tone for me to meet people with interesting tattoos as interesting as their tattoos. 

First my sister and I got a flower with the word “sister” written in the stem. Then I added a Disney princess. You know how most of the Disney princess stories are about love and finding your Prince Charming. Well, this is Elsa from Frozen, and it is more of a sister love story.

My friend and I also got these matching space aliens tattoos. Mine has a space alien offering a light. Hers has a space alien holding a joint.

In August, 2023, I traveled to Cornwall in England to visit St. Mawes, a tiny town where my sister and I spent the summer of 1966 with my grandparents.

I was by myself and I wished I had someone I could share my memories with.

I had that thought while standing at a farmer’s market where I had just bought two bottles of hot sauce.

Within seconds, a young woman approached me and began talking. I commented on an amazing tattoo of an Eagle on her midriff. It was an illustration for a poem called The Eagle by Lord Tennyson.

Her name was Hephzibah Hermione Elizabeth Maia Sashenka Phoebe Colquhoun.

We hit it off immediately. We spent the entire day together. She was like an answer to a prayer.

Only at the end of the day did I learn that she thought I was a vendor and wasn’t merely a customer. Once we began talking, she forgot all about buying hot sauce for herself.

So, I gave her one of my bottles.

In the morning I could not have told you why I bought two bottles, but by the end of the day I had my answer.

Here is a recording of a half hour of that magical day we spent together.