Today we’d like to introduce you to Jaclyn Matikas.
Hi Jaclyn, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Everyone’s favorite question to ask while getting tattooed is asking how I got started. I’ve been an artist my entire life as far back as I can remember. I come from a family of artists–so drawing and creativity is in my DNA. I strayed away from my artistry after hearing the term “starving artist” and decided to major in public relations in college. My neighbor’s girlfriend had bought a tattoo kit and reignited my love for art, and I never missed the opportunity to learn a new skill. It wasn’t long before I had that machine in my hand and added a piece my own art to my permanent visible collection on my forearm. With that one tattoo, I knew that I had finally stumbled upon a way to combine my passion, purpose and paycheck. The tattoo is still there and will remain as a constant reminder of my progress and to show that with time, hard work, passion, and determination that you can do anything!
16 years later, I am no longer tattooing in a basement and have developed my passion into a working business, evolved as an artist, and established my own style and niche in the tattoo world! After realizing I could only carry my vision and reach but so far alone, I adopted my current project–pouring my skills, lessons, and knowledge into other women and creating a girl gang of amazing artists with great customer service and even better vibes and energy. Not only do I get to work alongside my closest friends all day, but I have the pleasure of helping clients design custom tattoos.
Knowing my artwork helps people commemorate important people, places, events, stories, and milestones in their life that will forever be seen and appreciated is worth all of the sleepless nights.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor! I am a firm believer that challenging experiences are the most educational and so, ultimately the most beneficial. Naturally, being a female self-taught tattoo artist during a time where the industry wasn’t as mainstreamed definitely posed an obstacle. Presently, we can learn just about anything from “youtube university,” but my learning experience was trial and error–with permanent mistakes on visible skin.
After working in a few shops and tattooing countless clients, I realized that there was no “average” look of a tattoo collector. The idea of a tattoo was transforming and no longer carried a negative stigma and women were becoming more likely to decorate their body with visible artwork. Being that most tattoo shops carry the typical masculine stereotype that can feel unwelcoming to some women, I strived to understand and resolve all of the apprehensions most women had toward visiting a tattoo shop and getting the tattoo of their dreams. Over the years, we’ve created a “less grunge, more glitter” experience with a chic upscale aesthetic. Although we have many male clients, our marketing, process and decor tailors specifically to our ideal clients–women! Aside from the girl power and delicate feminine decor, there is much more to Pretty In Ink than meets the eye. Our vision, mission and way of life boasts feminism, body positivity, community, and women empowerment.
Personally, one of my biggest challenges has been mastering balance. As a millennial Mother of two and wanderlust, It has been hard to press pause on work to make sure I find the time to enjoy the perks and freedom that comes along with entrepreneurship. Most would think that making your own schedule and being your own boss would lend itself well to free time, however, it is easy to overwork without the safety net of a paycheck. Knowing that your kid’s next meal and the roof over their head rely solely on your success adds an extra layer of accountability and stress. Over the years, I had to learn that there was no point of working so hard that I miss out on being able to enjoy it with my kids. I’ve learned and practiced self-care because I know I can’t pour from an empty cup, I take 3 days a week off–one to do homeschool with my kids, one to take care of myself, and one specifically for family day fun with no agenda.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am the owner and visionary of Pretty In Ink Tattoos, an upscale, women-owned and operated tattoo shop located in Bowie, Maryland. Even though I am a business owner, I still love the art of tattooing and the chance I have to meet and learn from each individual I cross paths with, along with the opportunity to impact their lives.
With that being said, my specialty and most rewarding tattoos are usually scar coverups–specifically post-mastectomy scar coverups. Hearing these women’s unique stories and providing an innovative form of healing to choose the marks left on them instead of scars is extremely rewarding.
For some women, the needle goes beyond skin deep—because tattooing post-mastectomy breasts has become a powerful way to reclaim what most survivors report was lost: control, femininity and for some, beauty and sex appeal. With feminism and women empowerment at our roots, helping women feel more comfortable and beautiful in the skin they are in–especially after battling cancer, is powerful. The experience impacts us as an artist and person just as much as it does the survivor. With philanthropy at our core, we love to give back to the community. During October, breast cancer awareness month, we choose breast cancer survivors and host a day of art offering free post-mastectomy coverups. Not only can we honor their journey, but we can increase awareness and the option of a less-known option that allows them to make the decision to reclaim their body image.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I live off of personal development. One of my biggest things I preach is that you can never listen to enough of it! Until you can recite the words just like all of your favorite songs — you can listen to it over and over again until you can. I am a firm believer that you SHOULD listen to the same one over and over again until you take action on it, or else its wasted time! Mindset is life–everything begins and ends there!
A few of my favorites:
– Speeches:
1. Matthew McConaughey University of Houston graduation speech
2. Jim Rohn: any of his longer speeches on youtube, but specifically search “Focus on one thing” on youtube. Jim Rohn has a calming voice–but I love how he simplifies things to a few words to make it easy to remember and gives analogies to further reiterate!
Motivational Speakers:
1. Eric Thomas: not only does he make great points–he focuses on several topics from personal development to relationship advice! His story is inspiring and his voice is commanding. I never mind being yelled at by him in the morning!
Television:
– The coaches playbook: interviews 5/6 coaches on their motivating principles and story. Drops amazing gems to get you through tough times.
Books:
– The compound effect by Darren Hardy
– Think like a monk by Jay Shetty
– 101 essays that will change the way you think by Brianna West
– Spirit junkie by Gabrielle Bernstein
– The five levels of attachment
– The seven spiritual laws of success
Contact Info:
- Website: www.prettyinink.net
- Instagram: @prettyininktattoos
- Facebook: /PrettyInInkTattooShop
- Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/pretty-in-ink-tattoos-bowie ‘
