Meet Victoria Asante | Tattoo Artist
We had the good fortune of connecting with Victoria Asante and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Victoria, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Initially when starting my own business, my thought process began with the “why”? Why would you want to take the harder route; the route that will essentially take some time to build up. And for me personally it was always the chance of freedom. The freedom to make my own schedule , so that I can make everything my kids have/do. To be able to show my children; college is an option but there are also alternatives if that doesn’t work for you. To really show them that following your dreams is possible and achievable!
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m a tattoo artist that specializes in black and grey realism and line art . I would say I’m most proud of my growth and I’m even more excited about what levels my art will grow to surpass in the future. Getting to the point I’m currently at in my career has not been easy, but definitely worth it. Overcoming those challenges over the last few years has taken a ton of faith and discipline. Life still carries on but sticking firm in not giving up has brought me far. I want to make my mark on the world; whether it’s through the people I tattoo, that have my art forever on their bodies, Or through my actual art . I want people to see my art and try to understand the story behind each piece. To see the detail and wonder what made me tattoo it specifically like that. I want people to look and hear about my story and know to never stop. Whatever your dream is or whatever it is you’re wanting to push , Go for it!!! And don’t stop , on the busy days but on the slow days especially!
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting the area for a week I would take her to downtown Nashville . I’m a homebody myself but there is great food that I would have to explore with her! One of my favorite spots is Hattie B’s , known for their hot chicken.
Nashville also has a few rooftop lounges, restaurants , and bars that are really a vibe; looking out over the city. Then of course with me being raised here , I love to go to the lakes and just enjoy outside! Percy Priest lake is the most common location for me. It’s a great reset just to clear your mind . Last but not least, ever since I was a kid I used to find a good spot to watch airplanes take off. Grab some good food and watch these huge planes take off !
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I can’t tell my story without including a few people who have most definitely guided and helped me along the way. My father is my number one shoutout forever . My pops(Kojo Asante), a single father; raised me and instilled in me the work ethic, drive, discipline, and “Go Get It” attitude I live by today. I don’t know who I would be without my pops in all honesty. Thankyou Pops, for everything, I love ya! Another shoutout I would like to mention is my kids father; Lokuawn Wigfall; in the beginning he was always very supportive and helped me with watching our eldest once I was getting my business off the ground. Mind our differences we are great parents to our boys, Thankyou, truly!
Last but definitely not least I have to give a huge shoutout to my mentor!!! Jeromy Durrett, (@jayd_tattoos ) found me and took me under his wing. Teaching me the correct techniques and mentoring me along the way not only excelled my artistic ability, but unlocked levels in my art I was yet to see. Bringing me onto the Against The Grain Tattoo team helped me grow into the artist I have become. Shoutout to the whole Gang!!! There were times of frustration and even points of wanting to slow down. Not one single artist in there let me stop and the push has always been genuine and real . We all want to see each-other excel!
Instagram: @itsonlytori
Image Credits
Victoria Asante Kojo Asante Legend Wigfall Saint Wigfall
Nominate Someone: ShoutoutTennessee is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
