Meet Kayla Payne

We were lucky to catch up with Kayla Payne recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kayla, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

I believe it’s good to stand out and be true to you and how you want to look/express yourself however that may look to you. There’s power in who you are as an individual and so I’ve never really desired to blend in I was just being me. Growing up when things I wore were different or a little “weird” my mom always reassured me that it was good to stick to me and not let others make me feel otherwise so I think that helped to have someone I looked up to not let me waver from myself and so I carry that with me to this day.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’ve always been into art since I was a kid so I’m currently trying to devote time into creating more art outside of tattooing and eventually have my first solo art show.

Tattooing is truly my dream job. Connecting with people through art is so beautiful. I love hearing the stories wether it’s a fun tattoo they want to get to commemorate their trip to Texas or something sentimental like a memorial piece for a loved one I’m honored to have been the artist apart of that moment and give that to them, it’s so special. Most of all I’m grateful to give my daughter a fulfilled mom, I come home so happy from what I do and I’m glad she gets to experience that.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Art was definitely most impactful on my journey to tattooing they go hand in hand I started drawing and then painting and those skills definitely help you to become a tattoo artist. Working hard and not giving up is the biggest thing with anything you do so even though I will feel a little discouraged at times when things wouldn’t come out as good as I wanted them to it was all apart of the growing process and continuing to try and be better it will eventually pay off so that leads to the advice I would give as well that if you want it just keep going and stay consistent and to draw as much as you can!

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?

My biggest area of growth has definitely been my career and my skills as tattoo artist I’ve improved a lot and got to graduate from my apprenticeship. I’ve gained more clientele and I’m booked more often and it’s awesome to see it I often compare myself to when I started my apprenticeship to now and I see so much growth that has led to a lot of growth within myself that impacts all spectra of my life really.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @kaylalpayne