Rachel WS Narragansett, RI

RACHEL WS

I own/operate a small private studio within a seaside art gallery in Narragansett, Rhode Island; Rachel WS Fine Art Tattoos. I challenged the town eight years ago to become the first (and still only!) tattoo artist the town has seen. A classically trained artist, I have a bachelor’s in fine arts that I draw upon to create my work. I have two amazing teenagers that I have raised alone; they are the center of my universe and my best friends. I hustle hard and stay well-rounded. Involved in my community and currently serving my second term on a town committee, I am determined to leave this world a better place than I found it. When I’m not busy momming, tattooing, or smashing the status quo, I enjoy running, surfing, snowboarding, dancing, hiking, nature-based adventures, and basking in the love of my pets at home ⸺ What was it that initially sparked your interest in tattooing? I had been a stay-at-home mom for years with two babies. After finding the courage to leave my abusive marriage, he disappeared completely, and I found myself raising my children alone. I worked four jobs for three years to support them by myself. It was still impossible to make ends meet, so I had to rely on some social services to get by. The difficulty of this life was draining, and I started looking for a way to try to use my bachelor’s in fine arts to make a better living and better life for my children and me. Having no tattoos myself at the time, I recognized that tattooing was probably the best way to make a consistent living as an artist. I was lucky to land an apprenticeship and quit one of my jobs, working three jobs and juggling an apprenticeship and my children for the next year. From the first tattoo I ever made... it felt like home. I loved it so much!

Once I got licensed, I quit all the rest of my jobs and went all in. It was a huge risk, and failure was not an option. Shortly after that, I took an even bigger risk and went out on my own. Because I had to be available as the only parent for my children, I had to get them on and off the bus every day and step into mom mode at that point...so I had to create my own unorthodox hours. I remember being booked out for two weeks and feeling ecstatic. I’ve kept my head down and stayed in my lane since then, focusing on the success of my business and my ability to support my children. Now I am booking out years in advance and am filled with so much gratitude! I don’t ever stop to pat myself on the back. I just keep moving forward, stay humble, and enjoy the life I have built for my children and me. I feel so blessed to have built a career doing something I love so much! ✕