We recently had the chance to connect with Shantae Elliott and have shared our conversation below.
Shantae, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
In the day of technology, where social media is a phenomenon that’s “all in our face”, it can be hard to maintain confidence and avoid the temptations to align one’s self with that of others that we see online. Often times, we may say things like “I love everything about myself” and “I don’t see any competition”. But, the brutal reality is that we secretly struggle to believe these things fully, in and out. Whether it’s our decision in the person we choose to date, the house we live in, the car we drive, the friends we have, the clothes we wear or the decision to “get the tatt or not” we take into account how we show up in a world full of other people. A lot of us struggle with the confidence to be unapologetically ourselves. Even when we present as confident, think of the times we question who we are, or what we want, or look at something we don’t have and dream (even if for a second) of what it would be like. And the ironic thing is this…with so many of us experiencing it and never speaking on it, we believe we are alone in this feeling. So, we remain alone in it, inside. But what if we all lent grace to that understanding that we are all just in search of a space we can truly BE?
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Tae’, owner and Artist at InksideOut Tattoo Studio located in Maryland. InksideOut is not only my home away from home, but a tattoo and piercing oasis we work very hard to create for our Inksters (a handle we have coined to embrace our clients). We offer an array of services from piercings, tiny tattoos, sleeves, coverups and so much more. At our studio, the customer experience, hygiene and satisfaction are amongst the top standards in practice. Of course, great art is a must, yet we understand the importance of a full experience that leaves our clients feeling whole and healed. Ink-therapy is real.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
Lots of things can break a bond between people: ego, fear, lack of communication, greed, the list goes on. The one thing that can repair bonds is love. Moving in love can repair anything. Love will show kindness, and understanding, and seek to repair anything that was built by love (such as a bond). Now, this is not to be mistaken for “connections” or “relationships” because those are not all meant to last forever or be restored. Some of those are meant to fade upon fulfilling their purpose.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering has taught me resilience, it’s taught me that I am in fact stronger than I often credit myself. It taught me that I am resourceful and that when it comes to it…I can make a way out. Suffering has taught me patience, self-love and gratitude. It goes without saying that I do believe success can teach you some aspects of those things as well, just for me…I learned those things at a deeper level in suffering than I have in success.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, Tae’ is Tae’! I recall a High School teacher who told me this: When you wake up in the morning and look in the mirror, you should see 3 people; the person you are, the person you want to be, and the person that everyone else sees. If those three people aren’t the same…then there is a conflict to resolve. I’ve held onto that throughout my life, as a reminder to hold myself accountable for my character, my actions and how I show up in the world. I say this all to say…yes, the public version of me is the real version of me. In all my flaws and contradictories. A walking Buddha and Bad@ss!
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What pain do you resist facing directly?
Certainly NOT the pain of the infamous tattoo machine….I LUH DAT! (***giggle***). Seriously though, I often resist facing the pain that can be sometimes associated with vulnerability. I used to think that it was the most dangerous thing, and created space to experience a pain that I couldn’t fathom surviving. I saw it as a potential distraction, like if I open that can of worms then I won’t be able to focus and remain effective in my days tasks. And while I now have a different outlook, I still move with somewhat of an avoidance initially in spaces where vulnerability is required. I’m working on it though!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.inksidouttattoostudio.com
- Instagram: Tae_inkside_out
- Facebook: InksideOut Tattoo Studio
Image Credits
Shot.by.V
