Story & Lesson Highlights with Jessica Valentine of Brooklyn/queens

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jessica Valentine . Check out our conversation below.

Good morning Jessica, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I wake up, let my dog out. make myself an iced caramel latte, grab my sphynx for some cuddles while I find a sunny spot to sit and catch up on socials, emails, etc.
after a bit I’m usually joined by my wife and we chat for a bit before getting ready and heading to work

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a tattoo artist who decided to create a shop completely for women (and the queer community).
I was tired of the toxic masculinity in tattoo shops, the blatant sexism, the egos. I wanted to cultivate a comfy environment where women feel safe.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
My relationship with my wife has shaped me into the woman I am today. I definitely have imposter syndrome but she’s always there to remind me of all I am capable of

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There were multiple times I almost gave up. But I always bounced back.
I came up in a very toxic and abusive tattoo shop. Every day I was verbally, mentally and emotionally abused. I was groomed and gaslit. I never let anyone see me cry. And every time I almost gave in I came back stronger.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
Princess Diana or Taylor Swift.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I just hope that people see all the work I have done in trying to better the tattoo industry. I hope they can recognize that I am trying to be the change I want to see. That I have been very vulnerable for the greater good of future tattoo artists. That I really do practice what I preach.

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