Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Roelle.
Hi Natalie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
After graduating from Kent State University, I started tattooing at the end of 1997 in downtown Willoughby at GNG Tattoo. In the year 2000, the city of Cleveland legalized Tattooing, and my former partner Dave Stalter and I opened the first legal tattoo shop in Cleveland. In 2017 I got trained and licensed for Cosmetic Tattooing. I was with Voodoo Monkey for 20 years when I decided I needed a change and opened my own private studio. I moved into Olive Ink Tattoo in February 2021. Since then, I have apprenticed one artist and currently have one tattoo coworker. Bailey Daniels also rents a private room, the Juniper Room, providing aesthetician services. This is the briefest version…
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Smooth Road? No, life is full of challenges. In 1997, and through the early 2000s there were not a lot of women tattooing. This is changed significantly over the last 10 years. Being the only woman in a male-dominated industry for more years of my career than not was definitely challenging. Making a living as a self-employed artist has endless challenges. From insecurities in one’s abilities to be “good enough” and to keep up with the constantly changing industry to the challenges of self-employment (no benefits, self-pay, healthcare, self-pay, retirement, etc.) The ride has been one challenge after another, and hustling all along the way.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a tattoo artist. I specialize in illustrative designs. I guess I am known for my style in which I work in the fact that I’ve been around for a while in this industry. I am most proud of all of the accomplishments I’ve had along the way… having a reputation for doing good work. For owning the first legal tattoo shop in Cleveland for 20 years. And although I am guilty of being my own worst critic, as many artists are, I am proud of a lot of the tattoo work that I’ve done over the last 25 years. At this point in my career, what sets me apart from a lot of other female tattoos is the length of time that I’ve been doing it. And age. So many women tattoos in this industry are so much younger than me now…. It’s weird.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
I think maybe gratitude is the most important lesson that I’ve learned yet I still need to remind myself of daily. Gratitude for what I do, gratitude for the people I’ve met, gratitude for the people that have trusted me to tattoo them. It’s so easy to get carried away with missed steps or what feel like failures, but it’s all part of the journey.
Also, the industry has changed so much over the last 25 years, and I feel like I am forever learning…
Contact Info:
- Email: Oliveinktattoo@gmail.com
- Instagram: @Olive_seven @olive_ink_tattoo
