We recently had the chance to connect with Molly Vee and have shared our conversation below.
Molly, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
I value integrity most. Energy and intelligence are both great assets, but are often misdirected. The way I see it, energy without direction or discretion doesn’t accomplish anything, and intelligence without kindness or wise application isn’t much help to anyone. However, integrity is a crucial building block of character, and can underline anything else you build in life. Especially in business, where clear values and word-of-mouth referrals are such a huge part of building a customer base, I think integrity is essential.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Molly Vee, and I’m a tattoo artist based in Seattle, Washington. I’m a person of faith, a lifelong art lover, and a business owner. In my tattoo work, I love to explore themes of nature, history, and fantasy. My business is based on the values of safety, quality, and integrity in tattoos as well as in the experience and environment I provide for my clients. I’m deeply rooted in body acceptance and I find that intertwines beautifully with tattooing and body art. Tattooing, for me, is the perfect amalgam of art and interpersonal work where I get to do the thing I love to do most while providing something of physical and emotional value for my clients. It really is my dream job.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
I actually have a list of people in my mind who have really seen me when I couldn’t see myself. What a privilege it is to even be able to say that. I am totally and completely convinced of the direct correlation in my life of the support I have received, and the amount I have been able to accomplish. My parents have always been so incredibly supportive of me, but I am most humbled by the time and effort and wisdom poured into me by people like teachers and mentors who owed me nothing in particular, and yet became the most lucrative human resources for me. Those people saw who I was and where I was headed before I even knew what it meant to be an adult, much less a full-time artist. At the end of the day, I’m just a happy recipient of the wisdom and kindness of people who cared enough to pour into my life.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
I had one terrible ex in my early twenties who did an enormous amount of damage to my identity and relationship to myself. It was the kind of subtle, sneaky manipulation and trauma that you don’t fully recognize until months or years later when you have to grapple with the parts that continue to affect you. One of the main wounds was the idea that I wasn’t a real adult because I believed I could be a full-time artist and wanted to pursue that life. My ex was several years older than me and used to speak to me like a child and criticize me for being unrealistic and inexperienced (in his estimation at least). I also learned not to express my needs in any way unless I wanted an argument on my hands. The whole relationship ate away at my confidence and put me in a cloud of self doubt. But. I eventually got out and regained momentum toward becoming an artist. As odd as it may sound, one of the most healing things I have learned to do is to suspend disbelief. When the thought of “what if he was right about me?” comes up, I’ve learned to ask myself, “yeah, but what if he was so so wrong?” instead. I’ve learned to “what if” my way through so many things. What if I could be a full time artist after all? What if I actually set expectations of how I’m treated and stuck to them? What if it all works out? What if I’m actually really capable? That mentality has been remarkably helpful in my healing.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
Oh man, I hope so. If my public self isn’t the real me, then I have failed big time.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I have a fantasy of people hanging out at my funeral telling stories about me and laughing. I assume most people would want that. I got a tiny glimpse of it at my bridal shower where everyone went around the room and talked about how we met and became friends. It was one of the most touching experiences of my life, and I dearly hope something like that happens when I’m gone. I want people to remember feeling valued and special and seen by me. I hope they tell a story about a human who did everything she could to provide the best for her clients and make her dear ones feel loved, even if that meant being a little ridiculous. I hope people roll up their sleeves and pant legs and talk joyfully about their tattoos. However, I also hope people talk about someone who cared about and prayed for their spirits, not just someone who tattooed their bodies. Whatever story someone tells when I pass on, I hope the story is as much about them as it is about me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mollyveetattoo.com
- Instagram: @ladywolly
- Other: https://Pinterest.com/mollyveetattoo
Image Credits
Photo of me (headshot) by Rachel Davis Photography. All other images taken by me.
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