Meet Ashley Keefer | Tattoo Artist and Owner of Phoenix Tattoo

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashley Keefer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashley, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I had gone through a really rough patch leaving my old shop. I was dating the owner and it was a very toxic. When I left he threatened me so I didn’t work at any other shops in the area. I was pretty devastated for a little while, until I decided to build something nobody could take away from me. My boyfriend at the time (now my husband) surprised me found a spot and built me my own little studio which allowed me to continue doing what I loved and opened my eyes to a love I didn’t even know I had, building businesses.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have always loved realism. I also love black and grey/ black and white art. For as long as I can remember it’s just how I see the world.

My journey with art has really never been easy. Building my tattoo career took years of long hours 7 days a week. I sacrificed a lot, but it gave me more in the long run.

I’ve learned COUNTLESS lessons along the way. Mostly to stay humble, and true to who I am as a person no matter where my career has taken me. There is always more to learn and grow from. I’ve watched so many artists think they have learned all they could and that’s when their work declines. If you keep humility, continue to embrace change and growth you will never get complacent and stop improving!

I never really got to go to school, and it was always a dream of mine. So when I finally opened my own shop and didn’t really have a clue what I was doing, I went to barnes and noble and bought as many books on business as I could. I guess what I want people to take away from my story, or my brand would be keep pushing and trust in what the universe has planned for you. Life might not happen exactly how you want it or plan it but you have all the power. And you’d be so surprised what you can accomplish if you just keep pushing through your hurdles and challenges. Fail gracefully when you do fail, and take it as a lesson! It’ll make the next win even sweeter. My brand is all about transformation and rising up to your potential. We built our shop based on family, acceptance, and positivity. And all these things combined truly set us apart from everyone else.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Not only does the Hudson valley offer amazing views, and history, but it also offers some of the best local restaurants with great ambiance. Hudson Taco, some of the restaurants on Liberty St, like Fairfax and then travel to beacon for like a nice hike up mt beacon overlooking the bridge or travel to bear mountain for a hike for an amazing view. And then maybe a relaxing boat day on the Hudson River!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband has been the biggest support system throughout the years. Every wild idea I’ve had every time I’ve wanted a bigger or better shop, to open a new business he’s always been in my corner pushing me. I honestly am so blessed to have such an amazing teammate, best friend, partner, and husband.

Website: PHOENIXTATTOO-ny.com

Instagram: Ashhhtattoos

Image Credits
Gillian Lee Photography Chasing Creative Photography