Today we’d like to introduce you to Mylon Blueford
Hi Mylon, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hey, my name is Mylon Blueford (pictured right) and I am the technical Co-Founder of TattMe.
TattMe started as an idea in 2015 during our senior year at the University of Richmond. One night, while hanging out in our apartment, my co-founder Terrence Fullum (pictured left) casually said, “Yooo, what if there was an app for tattoos? Like a way to find an artist, design your tattoo, and pay for it all in one place?” That simple thought turned into a full-fledged business plan, but after graduation, life took over, and TattMe remained an idea we’d revisit from time to time.
It wasn’t until 2019 that we decided it was finally time to bring TattMe to life. With my background as a Software Engineer and Terrence’s experience as an entrepreneur, we officially formed TattMe LLC in 2021 and launched the platform in App Stores Summer 2023.
For us, TattMe is personal. We’ve been tattooed a combined 80+ times by more than 30 artists, and every time, we’re reminded of how inefficient the process is—finding an artist, reaching out, explaining your idea, and booking an appointment can take days, weeks, or never happen at all. Not to mention how difficult it is to search and find the right artist. TattMe streamlines that experience, reducing the time it takes to find an artist and book your tattoo from weeks to minutes.
Beyond efficiency, we’re tackling a larger issue in the tattoo industry. As two dark-skinned men, we’ve both been told that certain tattoos “won’t look good on our skin,” a myth that prevents people from getting the art they want. TattMe helps people of all skin tones connect with artists who know how to work with their complexion. Despite people of color making up the majority of tattooed individuals, tattoo media overwhelmingly showcases ink on white skin. We’re changing that by building a platform that spotlights diverse artists and tattoos, creating a true community for the industry.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Building TattMe has been anything but a smooth road—but that’s the reality of starting something truly new. One of our biggest challenges has been educating both artists and clients on why a digital-first approach benefits them. The tattoo industry has operated the same way for decades, relying on DMs, word-of-mouth, and inconsistent booking processes. Changing habits and convincing artists to embrace technology hasn’t been easy, but once they see how much time they save and how much easier it is to connect with clients, they’re on board!
Another challenge has been funding and resources. As underrepresented founders in tech, we haven’t had the same access to capital as some of our peers. Thus far we’ve fully bootstrapped and built everything from the ground up while balancing full-time jobs and life responsibilities. Despite this, we’ve been able to launch, gain traction, and build an engaged community—all while proving that TattMe solves a real pain point in the industry.
And of course, there’s the personal sacrifice. Being a Founder is hard as hell. There have been many late nights, setbacks, and moments of doubt. But through all of it, the vision remains clear: we’re building something that truly improves the tattoo experience for artists and clients alike. Every challenge has only made us more resilient, and we’re just getting started!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
TattMe is redefining the way people experience the tattoo industry. We are a marketplace that connects clients with tattoo artists, streamlining the process of discovery, booking, and communication. Our goal is to make getting a tattoo as seamless and stress-free as possible—cutting out the guesswork, the long DM chains, and the uncertainty that often comes with booking an artist.
We specialize in helping tattoo artists grow their business by providing them with tools to manage appointments, showcase their work, and connect with clients effortlessly. At the same time, we empower clients by making it easier to find the perfect artist for their vision, whether they’re getting their first tattoo or adding to an existing collection.
What sets us apart is our deep commitment to representation and accessibility. Despite the fact that people of color make up a huge part of the tattooed population, the industry and its media have historically overlooked diverse skin tones. We’re changing that. TattMe is building a community-driven platform that highlights tattoos on all skin tones and helps clients find artists who specialize in their needs.
Brand-wise, we’re most proud of the trust and engagement we’ve built within the tattoo industry. In just a short time, we’ve brought thousands of clients and artists together, generated significant revenue for tattoo artists, and built partnerships that further our mission.
For anyone looking to get a tattoo, find an artist, or grow as a professional in the industry—TattMe is the future of tattoo culture.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
I don’t think this qualifies as “childhood” but one of my funniest memories is about the first time my Mom found out that I had gotten my first tattoo. I had just turned 18 years old, and as a gift my sisters took me to get my first tattoo (it was a laugh now, cry later tattoo on the back of my triceps, veryyyyy original lol). I think I made it about a month before word got to my Mom that I had gotten my first tattoo. When she confronted me, I showed it to her and she was PISSED. Would not speak to me for several weeks, legit wouldn’t take my calls. And if you know anything of me and my Mom’s relationship you would know this is serious.
Eventually though she got over it, decided I was old enough to make my own decisions. But what makes this a funny memory for me now, is that about a year later, She went and got a tattoo herself (LOL)! I gave her soooo much sh*t for it too, and I still do to this day.
Pricing:
- Free for Artists
- Free for Clients
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tattme.app
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/tattme.app
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tattme/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tattmeapp
- Other: https://tiktok.com/@tattme.app
