The Stories Behind the Ink
Some tattoos are born loud. Others take their time.
Not every tattoo has to carry deep meaning. Sometimes it’s just because it looks cool. Or funny. Or impulsive. And that’s valid, too.
But this month, we’re spotlighting just a few of the pieces that came from something personal because those stories deserve space, too.
These are the tattoos that started with a moment, a memory, a spark. And they left our doors with something permanent.
Not for trend. Not for clout. Just meaning, inked with intention.
In our May newsletter, we shared the story of a tattoo Eva Perez created for her amazing client K.L. Brenneman who wanted a tattoo that would help her reclaim her body after having a mastectomy. The piece didn’t scream... it whispered.
But what it said was powerful:
“I’m still here. And this body still belongs to me.”
Moments like that remind us: tattoos aren’t always about what you want to see in the mirror.
Sometimes, they’re about what you’re finally ready to carry.
Michelle’s Story
📍 Tattoo by Alyssa Fazzino
“My tattoo makes me smile every time I see it.
The flower is from the month I got married.
The bee in a cape is my cancer warrior son, Brandon.
The crowned ladybug? That’s my daughter.
And the honeycomb—those are my five girlfriends from middle school. We’re all turning 40 this year.”
— Michelle Young
Some pieces tell your whole story in one image. Michelle’s did all that and more—with softness, strength, and a little crown.
Michelle’s tribute to strength, family, and sisterhood.
Kiyah’s Story
📍 Tattoo by Taras Karpiak
“I’ve been performing since I was two—dancing, singing, playing music.
Taras brought my vision to life with something complex, but simple.
It captures all the years I spent on stage, and people stop me constantly to compliment it.
It means the world.”
— Kiyah Reynolds
Music etched in ink, with a rhythm you can feel even in silence.
Kiyah’s years of performance, captured in timeless ink.
Tracy’s Story
📍 Tattoos by Eva Williams
After 32 years at Yale, Tracy celebrated retirement with a koi tattoo from Crooked Soul. What started as a gift from “anti-tattoo” friends turned into a new tradition.
“I walked into the shop and immediately loved the vibe.
Female-owned, talented artists, incredible energy.
I’ve been back twice since—and out of my 17 tattoos, the bee Eva did for me is my favorite.”
— Tracy Ford
Some tattoos mark an ending. Others open the door to what’s next.
Tracy’s celebration of retirement, rebirth, and resilience.
We’re Just Getting Started
Each of these stories reminds us why we do what we do. And this month, we’re celebrating all of you.
We kicked off our three-part mystery giveaway series on May 13 and we’re just getting started.
There are still two more giveaways coming your way, with hand-picked prizes from our artists and a little extra Crooked Soul love.
🗓️ Next drops: May 20 and May 27 on Instagram
Make sure you’re following along! You don’t want to miss them.
Every story matters. And whether yours is already inked or still unfolding—we’re honored to be part of it.
You make this studio what it is.
And we’ll never stop being grateful for that.
🖤 The Crooked Soul Team