Women Leaving Their Mark in the Tattoo Industry: Jessica Valentine
Meet Jessica Valentine
Jessica is a tattoo artist and the owner of Haven, a private studio located in NYC. With over 15 years in the tattoo industry and a decade of tattooing experience, she has mastered various styles but is best known for what she calls "bubblegum traditional"—a blend of traditional and neo-traditional tattooing that incorporates pinks, stars, and all things girly. Her favorite subjects to tattoo include pop culture references, animals, girl heads, and anything that blends cute with creepy.
Beyond her artistry, Jessica has made waves in the industry by creating Haven—a 100% female-owned and operated tattoo studio designed to be a safe space for all women and the LGBTQ community. After experiencing firsthand the toxicity and discrimination within male-dominated tattoo environments, she decided to build something different. With the help of her wife, visual artist Cameron Cox, she created a shop where clients, especially women and LGBTQ+ individuals, could feel comfortable and respected throughout the tattooing process.
Jessica’s work and mission have been widely recognized, earning her features in major publications such as The New York Times, New York Post, Nylon Magazine, Inked Magazine, Buzzfeed, Refinery29, Elle Australia, Oprah Magazine, Syfy Network, and the Today Show.
Jessica’s Journey into Tattooing
From a young age, Jessica knew she wanted to be a tattoo artist. At just five years old, she was fascinated by tattoos and had a passion for art for as long as she could remember. That passion never wavered, leading her to work her way up in an industry that was far from welcoming to women at the time.
Her career began at the very bottom as a "shop girl," handling all the grunt work in a tattoo shop. After five years of dedication and perseverance, she finally stepped into the role of a tattoo artist. At the time, female tattooers were a rarity—back in 2008, you could count the number of women tattooing in NYC on two hands.
Overcoming Challenges in a Male-Dominated Industry
Being a woman breaking into the tattoo industry came with immense difficulties. Jessica faced constant sexual harassment, degradation, and verbal abuse. Many male clients assumed she was only a counter girl, often leaving the shop upon learning that she was the tattoo artist. Others made inappropriate advances during appointments or dismissed her skills, assuming she only got into the industry through a boyfriend.
Despite these obstacles, Jessica refused to let discrimination define her career. Instead, she fought back by carving out her own space in the industry—one where women and marginalized communities could feel safe and respected.
Creating a Safe Space: Haven Tattoo Studio
After years of working in toxic, male-dominated environments, Jessica made a bold decision: she would create a tattoo shop that was the complete opposite. With the help of her wife, visual artist Cameron Cox, she founded Haven—a 100% female-owned and operated tattoo studio in NYC.
Many of Jessica’s clients are women and members of the LGBTQ+ community who seek a judgment-free, supportive environment for their tattoo experience. For Jessica, tattooing isn’t just about the art—it’s about the experience and making sure every client leaves with a positive memory to carry with them forever.
A Growing Movement Toward Inclusivity
The tattoo industry is changing, and Jessica has witnessed a significant increase in women, people of color, and queer artists picking up the trade. She actively contributes to this shift by mentoring and exclusively apprenticing women, ensuring that the next generation of female tattoo artists has the support and guidance she never had.
Throughout her career, Jessica has traveled with other female tattoo artists for conventions, guested in female-owned shops, and now only gets tattooed by women. Her goal is to push the industry forward, even if the change is gradual.
The Impact of Representation
Jessica’s proudest moments as a tattoo artist don’t just come from the art she creates but from the gratitude of her clients. Hearing clients thank her for creating a safe and welcoming space affirms her mission. Many women seek her out specifically because they want to get tattooed in a female-owned shop, free from the discomfort they’ve faced in traditional tattoo environments.
She hopes her legacy will be one of progress and transformation. If, years from now, women in the industry recognize the work she’s done to make tattooing more inclusive, she will consider it a success.
Advice to Aspiring Female Tattoo Artists
If Jessica could give advice to her younger self, it would be to never accept the abuse she endured early in her career. She encourages aspiring female tattoo artists to demand respect, find supportive communities, and never let anyone undermine their talent.
Jessica’s journey is a testament to resilience, talent, and the power of carving out space in an industry that wasn’t built for you. Through Haven, she continues to uplift and inspire, proving that change is possible—even in the most challenging of industries.
Follow Jessica Valentine on Instagram! ----> @jesvalentinetattoos