Local entrepreneur is on a journey to build community and follow her dreams
Prescott Woman magazine interviewed Summer Henry, owner of Avatar Tat2. We learned about how much she values clients feeling safe and supported while healing or celebrating through tattoos.
PWM: What inspired you to start your own tattoo business?
Summer: I’ve been an artist all my life, self-taught with textbooks and supplies from my supportive parents. Raised in a conservative Christian home, I was encouraged to be well-rounded in fine art and music and to pursue a more traditional career, but tattooing became my path. My small circle of friends encouraged my direction, my family supported my journey, and I made it happen.
PWM: How has being a woman in the tattoo industry shaped your experience?
Summer: Being a woman in this industry has its challenges but is deeply rewarding. Many female artists face demeaning demands or are underestimated due to their gender and not being “tough enough.” Despite the male dominance, women are making significant strides. Female clients often seek out a female artist after having a multitude of negative experiences. We’re proud to provide a safe, supportive space for all, helping people start or complete their projects with care.
PWM: Can you describe your artistic style and how it reflects your identity?
Summer: My niche would definitely be watercolor, though I do love a good black and grey
tattoo. I really enjoy including more organic elements into my pieces. Flowers, mountains and everything in between. I love to get out and explore; hiking is one of my favorite ways to collect references for tattoos!
PWM: What advice would you give other women looking to enter the tattoo industry?
Summer: Keep drawing to build a solid, diverse portfolio! Embrace constructive criticism to improve. Research and follow artists whose styles you admire. Typically, you’ll apprentice with someone whose work you’d want on you—and their influence will help shape your art!
PWM: What role does community play in your business model?
Summer: Community plays a huge role in our business model; our clients are our walking billboards. Word of mouth is our main source of advertising. When your clients love your work and love coming to your shop, only great things can happen.
PWM: What impact do you hope your work has on clients or society?
Summer: Our work helps clients heal by covering scars, creating memorials, and also covering tattoos linked to bad memories. We are also a part of celebrations by adding new baby names to tattoos, and creating matching tattoos, wedding bands and more!
PWM: Do you support any causes or communities through your work?
Summer: We support Stepping Stones Women’s Shelter, domestic violence awareness, autism awareness, veterans through Wounded Warriors, local fundraisers for many individuals in our community suffering from cancer or other illnesses, West Yavapai Guidance Clinics Children’s Programs, and CFSS, and we sponsor other small businesses by combining promotions and raffles with them.
PWM: Where do you see yourself and your business in five years?
Summer: I see my team absolutely thriving. We have some extremely hard working, determined people in our shop who are here every day—cleaning up, responding to messages, creating art, managing social media all while being important parts of their families. We are starting to branch out and do conventions such as InkFest Winslow, trying to find guest artists to join us, or places for us to guest spot, more hard-working resident artists, and of course, more community events!
For more information about Summer and Avatar Tat2 visit https://www.facebook.com/avatartat2